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Process:

Tremors to Shake Out Ideas

Before you can jump into the development of "exemplary models" of electronic material use, you'll need to explore, evaluate, and discuss lots of resources. As you complete the readings and activities on this page, you'll be ready to work on your four products: Pathfinder, Database Guide, WebQuest, Take a Stand.

This course requires cohort group participation. In other words, you'll be sharing your understandings with classmates. You'll start the semester by Introducing Yourself and sharing your Portal Activity. Go to Cohort Group Activities to learn more abut these required activities.

Tremors

You'll complete "eleven tremor" activities to "shake out" your ideas about electronic materials for children and young adults. Then, you will post and discuss 11 tremor activities at the IUPUI Oncourse website. Once you've successfully completed these activities, you'll be ready to develop your model and argument.

To be successful, you must do all the required readings in the tremor section before trying to complete the discussion activities in that section. You'll only have to participate in ONE of the topics for each tremor assignment, but you'll get the most out of the course if you explore all the materials and activities.

Note: Some of the tremor discussions require evaluation of materials. For these activities you may need to visit a local school or public library. In some cases, trial versions can be downloaded for evaluation.

Tremor 1 -
Electronic Materials

 

As you read the Building Treehouses for Learning book you'll notice hyperlinks to a website companion that provides an overview of the chapter and active weblinks. You'll need to read the print version for the chapter contents. Keep in mind that although it may seem that the book is directed at teachers, the ideas apply to anyone wishing to design an environment for learning. Whether you're interested in working in a formal learning environment such as a middle school classroom or a less formal learning environment such as the young adult section of a library, the skills are similar.

Read the Introduction to the book Building Treehouses for Learning: Technology in Today's Classrooms (Fourth Edition).

Read Chapter 1: Developing Learning Environments: Planning Effective Lessons

Read Chapter 2: Developing Learning Environments: Selecting Hardware and Software

Read Introduction: Electronic Materials for Children and Young Adults.

Read all of the pages found at Portals, Search Tools, and Starting Points.

Choose ONE of the following discussions. Although you're free to explore all three areas, you are only required to participate in ONE of the three areas. You may post and reply in different areas if you wish:

Tremor 1.1 - The Future of Libraries and Librarians
Read the Pew Study: Students Prefer 'Virtual Library' by Walter Minkel in School Library Journal (10/1/2002). Read Crossover Dreams: Turning Free Web Work Into Real Book Sales by Motoko Rich in The New York Times (12/13/2007). Go to Fun Brain's Web Comics and skim the book Diary of a Wimpy Kid that's also available in a book form. You can also read On the Rocks, Brewster Rockit Space Guy, and Silent Kimbly. For mature readers and adults go to Smith Mag. This website contains many examples of webcomics including A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge and Shooting War.
Consider the following questions as you design your posting: Will we always have libraries? Why or why not? Provide an example, reason, or evidence to support your perspective. What's the role of the virtual library? What do you see as the future of online and print content? How does this impact libraries? Be sure to cite your sources.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 1.2 - Toys and Tools for Learning
Read the off-site article Smart Toy Story by Walter Minkel in School Library Journal (4/1/2003).
Will these devices impact the library? Why or why not? Do electronic devices from ebook readers to "smart toys" belong in a library collection for children and young adults? Why or why not? Do they address the mission of a library? What about children who don't have these devices in their homes? Be sure to cite your sources.
Read the off-site article Maine Middle School Laptop Program Leads to Better Writers by Debra Lay Whelan (10/30/2007), Maine's Middle School Laptop Program (PDF), Life Among the Laptops by Barbara Weathers in School Library Journal (2/1/2001). Also, read Laptop Lessons by Walter Minkel in School Library Journal (3/1/2003).
How are laptops impacting the library? How do you think they will impact libraries in the future? Should libraries check out laptops? Identify and discuss at least one newer article you have found on this topic. Be sure to cite your sources.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 1.3 - Young People, Social Technology and Libraries
Social technology has become a huge part of the lives of teens. Read Teens, Privacy and Online Social Networks (PDF version) and Social Networking Websites and Teens: An Overview (PDF version). Examine the PowerPoint presentation Social Media and Libraries: New applications for a new generation of users from the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Go to Pew and use their link or download the PowerPoint presentation directly. Also examine Young and Wired: How today's young tech elite will influence the libraries of tomorrow from the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Go to Pew and use their link or download the PowerPoint presentation directly. Explore other reports and presentations at the Pew website. How is social technology impacting young people? How does this technology impact library programs? What new or expanded "social technology" services could be offered by libraries to increase library use by young people? Be sure to cite your sources.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

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Tremor 2 -
Pathfinders, Subject Guides, & Thematic Resources

 

Read all of the pages found at Pathfinders, Subject Guides, & Thematic Resources.

Read the following pages related to pathfinders:

Choose ONE of the following discussions to join:

You may wish to create SCREEN CAPTURES to illustrate your ideas. If you need directions for this, check the Assignment Formatting guidelines.

Tremor 2.1 - Collection Comparison
Select two online pathfinder or web subject guide collections. Go to Pathfinder Links for ideas. Compare the contents, approaches, strengths, and weaknesses of the two different collections. Use specific pathfinders within these collections as examples to illustrate your perspective. How could these projects be expanded or enhanced to be more effective for the school or public library audience? What suggestions would you provide to make the pathfinder more attractive to young people?
Post your findings. Start by providing the title, location, and URL of both resources. Compare strengths and weaknesses of the resources using specific examples. What do you think is missing that could be added? Discuss their use by children and young adults.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 2.2 - Adapt a Pathfinder
Adapt a pathfinder or web subject guide. Go to Pathfinder Links for ideas. Locate a pathfinder that you consider adequate, but weak. Describe what you would do to update the pathfinder. Include at least 6-8 electronic resources (i.e., websites, databases, software) you would add to enhance the project. Discuss why you think this is an effective approach for your end user (i.e., student, patrons) (i.e., elementary, middle, high school, or public library). Also discuss ways that the pathfinder could be expanded by providing examples of other resources, keywords, activities, or other elements that could be added to the pathfinder.
Post your findings. Start by providing the title, location, and URL of the original resource. Describe how you would update the materials. Be sure to list the title and URL of the at least 6 additional websites. Discuss why this approach is effective with a particular group of children or young adults.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 2.3 - Social Bookmarking
Consider ways that social bookmarking can be used in school or public library settings. Read about Social Bookmarking. Then, create a Delicious account. Bookmark at least 8 web resources on a particular topic. Use at least 5 different tags. Each bookmark should contain at least 2 tags. ALL bookmarks should contain a note about the contents of the website. Then, discuss the use of social bookmarking in a school or public library setting. What do you see as the relationship between pathfinders and social bookmarks?
Post your Delicious URL and discuss the experience. Discuss the use of social bookmarks and compare them to traditional, web-based pathfinders.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

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Tremor 3 -
Electronic Databases and Reference Materials

Note to IUPUI Graduate Students: Many of the following databases are available through the IUPUI library or the state education network. You can access databases through both Oncourse and the IUPUI Library page.

Go to the Free Trial Zone at School Library Journal for links to dozens of free database trials.

Read all of the pages found at Electronic Databases and Reference Materials.

Read pages related to databases and reference materials:

Choose ONE of the following discussions to join:

You may wish to create SCREEN CAPTURES to illustrate your ideas. If you need directions for this, check the Assignment Formatting guidelines.

Tremor 3.1 - Compare Databases
Pick two databases related to the same content area for children or young adults. For example, two health databases, two history databases, or two journal databases. Go to Electronic Database and References for ideas. Sign up for free trial or access them through a local library or university library. Compare and contrast the two choices. Would one be best for a particular audience? How is their content and database design alike and different? Be specific. How do the search tools compare? Is one better than the other? Why or why not?
Post your findings. Start by providing the name of the companies, databases, and URLs. Compare and contrast the two choices in terms of content, design, and technical aspects. Provide at least three examples of specific searches and results. Discuss how each database might best be used with children or young adults. What's your conclusion?
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 3.2 - Make Hard Choices
Pretend you live in a state that has been providing free access to popular databases. With recent budget woes, this service is being cut dramatically. Your school is allowed to submit a report pleading the case to keep your five favorite databases. Which five would you save and why? Provide specific examples from each database demonstrating its value. Go to Electronic Database and References or free trials for ideas.
Post your findings. Be sure to include the name of the company and database for each choice. In addition, provide a detailed description. State who would use the database and how it would be used. Provide a specific example of a situation in which get database might be used including a specific search. Justify why it's important in your collection and why it should remain available for children and young adults.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 3.3 - Explore Licensing Issues
You've probably noticed that many libraries link to electronic databases from their website. Sometimes access is free. At other sites, users must enter their library card number of a special password. What are the licensing issues associated with popular databases? Explore the access policies of at least three different companies. How do they define patron? What are their restrictions in terms of web use? What are the security issues? What costs are involved for different levels of access?
Post your findings. Be sure to include the name of at least three different companies. Discuss detailed results of your comparisons related to database licensing issues.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

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Tremor 4 -
Nonfiction Resources

 

Read Chapters 3, 4, and 5 in the book Building Treehouses for Learning: Technology in Today's Classrooms (Fourth Edition), pages 85-196. Portions of chapters 4 and 5 are duplicated online and the links are active.

Read the following pages related to nonfiction resources:

Skim all of the pages found at Nonfiction Resources including:

Choose ONE of the following discussions to join:

You may wish to create SCREEN CAPTURES to illustrate your ideas. If you need directions for this, check the Assignment Formatting guidelines.

Tremor 4.1 - Nonfiction CD or DVDs
Explore two different nonfiction CD or DVD resources for children or young adults. They do not need to be in the same subject area. Examples include National Geographic, ADAM Human Body CD, and the Discovery Channel resources. Analyze their use of menus, indexes, and search tools to access information. Explore ways that information is presented on the screen. Are tools available for printing or note taking?
Share your findings. Provide the title and publisher of each CD or DVD selected. Compare and contrast the search features of each resource. Provide specific examples including screen captures if possible. Also, discuss how information is presented on the screen and other features such as printing options. Keep in mind that these should be resources for children or young adults.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 4.2 - Build a Subject Area Starter
Explore the subject area resource pages at the Teacher Tap Content-Rich Websites. What subject areas or topics are missing? Pick a "content area" or topic that you think should be added to the list. You don't need to create an entire page, but provide at least 10 links that might be used as a starting point for this subject. Keep in mind that these do not need to be school subjects. Feel free to consider a fun topic like Pets, Yoga, or Hiking.
Share your findings. Provide the topic and a short (at least 10) annotated list (title, URL, description) of the recommended web starting points. Keep in mind that these should be resources for children or young adults.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 4.3 - Take A Virtual Trip
Explore the resources at the Virtual Adventures and Teacher Tap Virtual Field Trips & Digital Libraries and Museums. Explore TWO online libraries, museums, or field trips. Compare the experiences. Highlight resources specifically for children and young adults.
Share your two online experiences. Be sure to include the names of the sites, the URLs and descriptions, in addition to your experiences and comparisions. Discuss examples of when these websites might be used by young people.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 4.4 - Project Starters
Young people often go to the public library for assistance with "out of school" interests and hobbies. In addition, many school librarians assist children with after-school projects and personal interests. Your mission is to create a project starter to meet a specific request. This could be a real-life or fictional need. For instance, what websites would be helpful for young people working on 4-H, FFF, scouting, junior achievement, or other club projects? What resources could extend book club discussions for a particular piece of children's or ya literature?
Share your "situation". Provide the topic and a short (at least 10) annotated list (title, URL, description) of the recommended web (or other electronic resources) starting points. Keep in mind that these MUST be resources that would be appropriate children or young adults.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

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Tremor 5 -
Primary Sources

 

Explore the following pages related to primary sources online:

Choose ONE of the following discussions to join:

You may wish to create SCREEN CAPTURES to illustrate your ideas. If you need directions for this, check the Assignment Formatting guidelines.

Tremor 5.1 - Use Primary Resources
Explore the primary resource materials. Pick three of the recommended resources to discuss or find your own resource. Highlight the features of each website and discuss how they might be used by young library patrons or students in school. They can be related to a single topic or totally unrelated. Be sure to consider the many great historical digital library collections, however try not to select the same resource as your classmates!
Share the three websites you selected. Include the name of the site, the URL and a description features for each. Also, discuss what guidance you would provide students or patrons in using this type of primary resource. Specifically, what guidelines can be used to evaluate historic photos, letters, or other documents? Consider creating a handout, worksheet, or other materials to support use of this resource with young people.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 5.2 - Use Real-World Data Sources
Explore the real world data sources. Pick three data sources recommended data resources to discuss or find your own resource. Highlight the features of this website and discuss how it might be used by library patrons or students in school.
Share the three real-world data websites. Include the name of the site, the URL and a description features for each. Also, discuss what guidance you would provide students or patrons in using this type of data resource. Specifically, what guidelines can be used to evaluate quality of the data? Consider creating a handout, worksheet, or other materials to support use of this resource with young people.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 5.3 - Create an Electronic Scrapbook Activity & Example
Explore the resources at e-scrapbooking.com. Develop an activity to get children and young adults involved with an e-scrapbooking project. Think about a specific topic, theme, or subject area focus such as friendship, nature, or the Civil Rights Movement. Cite the sources at the e-scrapbooking website or other materials you locate. Be sure to develop an e-scrapbooking example as a web page, Word document, or other format. This could serve as an example for young people. This is a flexible project, so have some fun!
Share your activity, lesson, guidelines, and/or promotion ideas. You should ALSO submit your e-scrapbooking example. This should be an e-scrapbook you make, not just a PowerPoint presentation. You could include screen captures, photographs, or PowerPoint documents. Whatever best shares your results.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 5.4 - Create a Comic or Mini-Graphic Novel
Comics and graphic novels are very popular. Explore some comic maker software such as Comic Life (BEST CHOICE, download a trial for Mac or Windows) or Comic Book Creator for Windows only. See examples on the ScrapComics page. Build your own comic as an example and export it as a graphic file or html document. Discuss how you could use comics and graphic novels along with this software with young people.
Share your example comic and use ideas.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

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Tremor 6 -
Fiction Resources

 

Read all of the pages found at Fiction Resources.

Explore the following pages related to electronic fiction materials online:

Choose ONE of the following discussions to join:

You may wish to create SCREEN CAPTURES to illustrate your ideas. If you need directions for this, check the Assignment Formatting guidelines.

Tremor 6.1 - Interactive Book on CD or DVD
Read at least two interactive books for children or young adults on CD-ROM or DVD. Compare the features of the two books. How is the book accessed? Does the book contain animation and/or audio? Is the book linear (read from page to page) or nonlinear (can be read in any order)? Would children like this type of book? If possible, use it with child.
Share your two experiences. Be sure to include the names of the CDs or DVDs, publishers, and descriptions. Also describe the features, your experiences, and comparisons.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 6.2 - Read an ebook
Read an ebook. Go to the E-Books, E-paper, and E-ink page for ideas. Read 1 adult or young adult novel, a series of short stories, OR 3 children books. You may download the book and read it on your computer or on a special handheld reader device or PDA. In some cases, you can read the book online without downloading it to your computer.
Share your reading experience. How does the traditional book and ebook experience compare? Be sure to include the title and author of the book and the URL where it was downloaded.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 6.3 - Read children's stories online
Explore two different "story" websites for children or young adults. Go to Electronic Books and Online Reading for ideas. Describe each website. Make some comparisons between the two websites. For example, compare how the stories are displayed on the screen. Do the sites have special features? How effective are online stories?
Share your reading experience. How does the traditional book and online reading experience compare? Be sure to include the title, URL, description, and discussion of each resource.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 6.4 - Investigate E-paper and E-ink
Start by reading the materials on the E-Books, E-paper, and E-ink page. Create a list of questions about this topic. Conduct your own investigation to answer these questions. Forecast what you think will happen with the e-paper and e-book market over the next 25 years.
Share your questions, findings, and forecast for the future. Be sure to cite your resources.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

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Tremor 7 -
Instructional Materials

 

Read Chapter 13 in the book Building Treehouses for Learning: Technology in Today's Classrooms (Fourth Edition).

Read all of the pages found at Learning Resources on CD and DVDs.

Read all of the pages found at Learning Resources on Website.

Explore the following pages related to specific instructional materials areas:

Choose ONE of the following discussions to join:

Create SCREEN CAPTURES to illustrate your ideas. If you need directions for this, check the Assignment Formatting guidelines.

Tremor 7.1 - Learning Resources on CD-ROM or DVD
Explore a piece of learning software on CD-ROM or DVD such as a tutorial, practice, simulation, or problem solving program. If you don't have access to educational software, go to the Edmark Downloads (explore Free Demos) or Scholastic Educational Materials (look for Tom Snyder and other Trials) page and download a sample to explore. You could also try other publisher websites for demo software that can be downloaded. Explore the software from different perspectives. How would a teacher or parent view the software? How would an unmotivated child use the program? How would a poor reader react to the software? How would a motivated child use the program? What implications does this have for the effectiveness of the software in meeting its goal?
Share your findings with the group. Be sure to detail the software used. If possible incorporate screen shots into your explanation.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 7.2 - Online Collaborative Projects
Explore the resources on the Interactive Online Projects and Online Collaborative Projects pages. Identify an online project you think would be fun to join or adapt. Describe that project or a project adaptation. Discuss how it might be implemented in a library or school.
Share the specific project and ideas for use. Incorporate screen shot(s) into your explanation.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 7.3 - Interactive Websites, Games, and Activities
Explore the resources on the Interactive Websites, Games, and Activities page. Choose TWO online interactives from different websites. Describe the websites, compare the interactives, and discuss whether they are simply "fun and fluff", or a "real" learning tool.
Share your selected resources (include the URLs), your comparisons, and your conclusions. Incorporate screen shot(s) into your explanation.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 7.4 - Social Technology and Learning
How could social technology such as blogs, social networks (i.e., LibraryThing, Facebook, imbee.com), and other online tools be used for holding discussions, collaborative projects, sharing understandings, or posting ideas? Create a blog (i.e., blogger, edublogs, wordpress, etc) or set up a discussion such as a LibraryThing group. Then, create at least 3 "starter" postings that would promote participation. The technology should be designed for use BY young people. In other words, children might share their book reviews or teens might post their poetry inspired by a favorite poet.
Share the URL of the blog or discussion group you started. Also, provide a brief overview of the intended use for the social technology and how it would be used by young people.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

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Tremor 8 -
Creativity Tools

 

Read Chapters 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 in the book Building Treehouses for Learning: Technology in Today's Classrooms (Fourth Edition).

Read all of the pages found at Creativity Resources on CD and DVDs.

Explore the following pages related to specific creativity tools:

Read all of the pages found at Creativity Resources on the Web.

Explore the following pages related to specific creativity tools on the web:

Choose ONE of the following discussions to join:

You may wish to create SCREEN CAPTURES to illustrate your ideas. If you need directions for this, check the Assignment Formatting guidelines.

Tremor 8.1 - Creativity Tools for Children and Young Adults
Try one of the many creativity tools for children and young adults. Try downloading a trial version from one of the following resources: Image Blender, Media Blender, SimplyVR, or VideoBlender (Tech4Learning Trials), Inspiration, Kidspiration, or InspireData (Free 30 Day Trial), Edmark Software (Edmark Downloads), Sound Companion (30 Day Trial). Or download a trial from another website. Try some of the features. Be sure to consider open source software such as Audacity and TuxPaint as an option.
Share your experience. Describe the software you downloaded. Discuss the features and create a product. Discuss the effectiveness of downloading and using trial software for evaluation. Attach a product example to your posting, instructions that incorporate screen shots, and/or attach a screen shot from the product.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 8.2 - Web Tools and Builders
Try one of the many web development tools online. Try Portaportal.com, HomeMaker for Libraries, Filamentality, Teachers.Net, Web Wizard, Scholastic Teacher Toolkit, or SchoolNotes. Or discuss another free, web page creation and hosting tool. You might try Google Docs (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation tool). For example, you could create an original blog or wiki for this class that might be used by children or young adults.
Share your experience. Describe the service (and URL) you tried. Discuss the pros and cons of this service. Include directions for using the resource. Include the URL of the page you created or attach a screen shot from your experience.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 8.3 - Web-based Creativity Tools
Try a web-based creativity tool for creating quizzes, activities, puzzles, games, or other resources. Go to Web Tools & Builders for ideas. Also consider some of the resources at Interactive Websites, Games, and Activities. If you need a suggestion, try Discovery's resources. Describe your experience.
Share your experience. Describe the service (and URL) you tried. Discuss the pros and cons of this resource. Discuss how it might be used in an activity or lesson. Include directions for using the resource. Incorporate screen shots of the process and/or include screen shots of a product generated from the activity.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 8.4 - Creativity Tools: Beyond the Basics
Select a creativity tool you've used before. For example, you might explore KidPix, Print Shop, Inspiration, or PowerPoint. Explore the features in-depth. Learn to use AT LEAST FOUR features you've never tried before. For example, you might record your voice in KidPix, import a photo into Inspiration, or animate a graphic in PowerPoint. Discuss how these features could be used with children or young adults.
Share your experience. Describe the software, special features learned, and use with kids. Include directions for using the resource. Attach a product example to your posting. Or attach screen shot(s) from the product.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

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Tremor 9 -
Collection Development

 

Read all of the pages found at Audio and Video Collection Development from Multimedia Seeds. Notice how they apply to computer software, CDs, and DVDs.

Read the following resources related to Collection Development and Electronic Materials.

Read the following pages:

Choose ONE of the following discussions to join:

You may wish to create SCREEN CAPTURES to illustrate your ideas. If you need directions for this, check the Assignment Formatting guidelines.

Tremor 9.1 - MARC Records for Software
Go to Library of Congress MARC records page. Do a search for a common software package for children or young adults. Is the MARC record available? Now search for a book. Compare the MARC records for books and computer software. How do they compare? Also, seek other sources for MARC records for electronic materials.
Share your experience. Be sure to provide specific examples. Include screen captures of your results.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 9.2 - Software Processing
Explore the Electronic Materials Management page and linked resources. Discuss how a collection development should be revised to incorporate electronic materials. Create a list of six ideas for purchasing and processing electronic materials such as computer software, electronic toys, and other technologies.
Share your ideas for collection development, recommendations, justification for purchase, processing procedures, and ideas about electronic materials management. Be sure to provide specific examples.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 9.3 - Evaluation and Selection of Software or Web Resources
Evaluate a piece of computer software or website using two different evaluation tools. Compare your results. If possible, find a professional or web-based review.
Share your experience using two different evaluation tools. Attach your original evaluation tools and evaluation results as a Word document. This should be a formal evaluation rather than simply a review of the software. In addition to evaluating the resource itself, also compare the evaluation tools you used. What are the most important criteria when evaluating resources for young people?
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 9.4 - Software Purchase Issues
Explore the purchasing options related to a software package. For example, does the package provide grouped software pricing, special buys, school or lab packs, networking, site licensing, trials, and/or web access? Where can it be purchased? Are are the issues in terms of updating software? Go to Selection for more ideas.<OR> Explore the world of open-source software. What are the pros and cons of using open-source materials in a school or library setting?
Share your findings. Provide a list of options for a particular software title for children or young adults. What should be considered when purchasing software or using open source software?
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

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Tremor 10 -
Collection Issues

 

Read about Collection Issues related to electronic materials.

Read the following resources related to electronic materials issues:

Choose ONE of the following discussions to join:

You may wish to create SCREEN CAPTURES to illustrate your ideas. If you need directions for this, check the Assignment Formatting guidelines.

Tremor 10.1 - Acceptable Use Policies
Select two different acceptable use policies. Compare and contrast their features. Focus on the needs of young people. Do the documents have a positive or negative tone? What would be change or add to enhance the documents?
Share your findings. Provide the URLs of each policy (or provide the policies as attachments). Provide a comparison and discuss recommendations specifically focuses on the needs of young people.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 10.2 - Filtering Tools
Take a stand. Discuss your perspective on filtering tools in school libraries OR public libraries. Support these statements with at least 2 professional resources. Let's say your board has decided to require a filtering system on your Internet access for children. Make a comparison of the popular choices. Be specific. Which would you select and why?
Share your perspective. Support your position with examples. Cite professional sources. Share your findings including your comparisons and conclusions.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 10.3 - Library Automation System Exploration
Explore the library automation system in a school or public library. Learn about how it deals with electronic software, websites, and other non-print materials. Explore ways that you could better use the system to meet today's needs. Can you catalog a website? Why and how? How could you incorporate useful websites into the notes field or other fields? If your students created MP3 audio book reviews could you upload them to your server and link them to the books in your catalog? How? Can young people access your catalog from outside your library? Does your library website provide adequate directions for using your catalog to access electronic materials? Are all electronic materials available on your system? Why or why not? Would it be helpful to have some of the Web 2.0 capabilities in your library automation system? Why or why not?
Share your explorations and findings. Be sure to provide specific examples.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 10.4 - Stand Up
Choose an issue of concern related to electronic materials collections for children and young adults (i.e., acceptable use, copyright, citing sources, plagiarism, remote access). Discuss the issue. Cite at least two articles on the topic. Provide some examples. State your position.
Share your issue, citations, examples, and state your position and reasoning.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

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Tremor 11 -
Collection Promotion

 

Read all of the pages found at Promotion.

Choose ONE of the following discussions to join:

You may wish to create SCREEN CAPTURES to illustrate your ideas. If you need directions for this, check the Assignment Formatting guidelines.

Tremor 11.1 - Technology-Rich Public Library Promotion
Choose a catchy theme and design a library promotion that incorporates electronic materials along with audio, video, and/or book materials. Also, attach at least one visually pleasing handout, letter, sign, brochure, or other material that might go with your promotion.
Share your promotion ideas and a few specific items such as software titles and/or websites. You should provide enough information so I could implement your project. Attach a sample document.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 11.2 - Technology-Rich School Library Promotion
Choose a catchy theme and design a library promotion that incorporates electronic materials along with audio, video, and/or book materials. Also, attach at least one visually pleasing handout, letter, sign, brochure, or other material that might go with your promotion.
Share your promotion ideas and a few specific items such as software titles and/or websites. You should provide enough information so I could implement your project. Attach a sample document.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 11.3 - Back Pack Promotion
Brainstorm the elements of a backpack promotion for a library. Describe the specific items that would go into a thematic backpack. Be sure to provide activities to go with the materials you provide. Also, attach at least one visually pleasing handout, letter, brochure, or other material that might go into the backpack.
Share your promotion ideas and a few specific items such as books, software titles and/or websites. You should provide enough information so I could implement your project. Attach a sample document.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

Tremor 11.4 - Electronic Materials Display
Design a display promoting electronic materials in general. Or, focus on a theme and incorporate electronic materials. A picture is worth 1000 words. All you need to do for this one is attach a digital photo of the display to share.
Share your display photo.
Be sure to reply to at least one message posted by a classmate.

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