Collaboration: Digital Photo Style

A few weeks ago, my digital photo teacher came in very excited and concerned. 

In the past his students had used Voicethread as a way of posting student work and then doing some peer reviews in an a semi-private space. Since 

Voicethread has recently been upgraded there is no way you post to it privately without paying the fee.

Since it wouldn't meet his needs for their Monochromatic Color Review NEXT HOUR

what the heck was he going to use instead?

So, I did the thing I learned during all those literacy coaching training sessions- I listened. He explained the assignment as my mind researched for a tool or technique we might try to get him out of this jam. *Note to self: coaching strategies might be another good topic for blog post*

We tried Wallwisher (now called Padlet) and discovered student’s could put their digital photo assignments there, link to their pages using google, and then post comments right on the page. The teacher said it turned out wonderful and that the photos had better graphic quality than before. The students were focused and had constructive peer comments and good classroom discussions. 

A week later I was listening to The Tech Chicks podcast and they mentioned Mural.ly. I told my photo teacher about this and he used it for his next assignment STREET PHOTOS and was overjoyed.

It works like a giant bulletin board and created spaces for individuals to post their photos, they could post their photos and other students could comment. The whole board could be private (with personalized access) and the quality of the photos was strong. In fact, they were actually thumbnails and students could double click to see larger versions.

Turns out Mural.ly folks are very responsive too- my teacher had some good suggestions that they responded to right away and initiated some changes based on his feedback. That was cool. 

I had always used applications like Wallwisher, Lino and Mural.ly for brainstorming or debriefing. I'd learned about them in workshops or online presentations....I'd never  thought to use them in this format before.

I'm so glad I have a "bag 'o tricks" that I can pull ideas out of. But I'm even happier to work with such genius teachers that can use tools in creative and innovative ways that really help students.

My peers make sure me look so smart!

Felix the Cat - c/o Joe Oriolo

ACT Grab 'N Gab plans to promote Libraryland!

*note- I had this stored in DRAFT mode since last year...but updated this reminder so that I could be ready for the ACT date! Read on fearless readers!

Last year, upon completion of TCAP testing I invited all the staff up to the library for a kind an open house we called Grab 'n Gab!

I sure missed it this year, but we have one more change. April 24th after ACT testing we'll have another long lunch where I can showcase of materials that we offer teachers that they don't normally see. We'll have district book sets like HS poetry, Forensics, audio books and DVD's playing. We'll have Cyberbully lessons, Plagiarism and research presentation outlines available. There will be SLJ and Booklist set out for teachers to review & select books for purchase.

I'll need to order snacks: mini-cheesecakes, cream filled strawberries, chocolate truffles and drinks. I'll have brochures for the Colorado Standards: 21st Century Learning Skills. I've got an old book scavenger hunt that a student teacher made for every subject area that I'll upgrade (yes even including PE and math). Lastly- I'll find some cheesy prizes.

Mostly, we'll have opportunities to share some good with a wide variety of folks and departments. I'm hoping that many of our dispays and resources will be imeadiately booked or better yet go straight into teachers classrooms. Maybe I'll pick up some new work...let the planning ensue!

Many thanks to my friend Kim for letting me copy her idea from years ago.
Looking forward to a fun day! ~guybrarian