Post #6 - Web 2.0 - LibraryThing

This week I investigated LibraryThing.  LibraryThing is a way to catalog books based on your own metatags.  LibraryThing is also a social network centered around you and the books that you read, and there are ways to find other users that like to read the same things.  Whereas this generation of children is already tech savvy, it would be great for them to know that reading helps connect and form communities, even virtual communities, on the world's stage.  When used in a library setting, I can see it being a way to create book discussions, connecting in the digital space to what they are reading and the people with whom they can share these experiences as well.  There is a way to track books that you are currently reading, or want to read, and this would be an awesome tool for a school library media specialist to find out what books students are interested in, as well; in effect, a reverse reader's advisory!
There are also forums within LibraryThing called Talk.  I can imagine these forums to be useful for classroom discussion while students are reading, without having to worry about spoilers or fast vs. slow readers in the classroom.  A teacher could assign a book to be read over the course of the semester, with questions and discussion to be had as reading was completed, and students could get online and read and add their own insight at thier own pace.
I created a LibraryThing for a couple of books I have sitting around at home.  My LibraryThing profile is here: https://www.librarything.com/profile/pikamiya
Another thing that I find compelling about LibraryThing is the ability to set a start date and completion date for titles you are reading.  This would help with reading logs on a school level as well!

Post #5 - Web 2.0 - Easel.ly

I came across a really interesting site while perusing the AASL list of Best Websites - Easel.ly, a website to help people create infographics.  An infographic is an easy and exciting way to visualize information, and I think for special projects - like presentations, projects, and other informational documents.  With the easy drag and drop interface and assortment of interesting objects to use within the infographic itself, students will love to create their own visually appealing documents. I created one on the extremely simple topic, doggies, locatedhere.  It was very exciting to try it, and see how easily these could be done!

Viewer Comments:

ANNA BALLINGER, 3/4/2014 7:06 PM: Wow!

I have never heard of this one, Tracey!  What a cool way for students to show what the know.  It could even be used as an assessment rather than a plain old test!  Very cool- I love learning about all these cool new things to try.  By the way, I think this would be one GREAT thing students could do to present their summer reading (for those schools that do summer reading projects).

KAYLA BELK, 3/5/2014 2:12 PM: null

I had to re-read the Easel.ly twice. It looks a lot like Easley which is the city where I work. It definately was playing games with my mind.
I do love this source. It breaks the information down into easy to swallow bits of information and I am always a huge fan of anything that can include visuals. I might barrow this idea for my website. Thanks.

SOPHIA FUNDERBURK, 3/5/2014 7:25 PM: Excellent

Man! I can really see some uses for this! I have never heard of it before. I am going to jump right in and start using this one! I might start with rocks and minerals. This is our science content right now.
~Elisabeth

REBECCA LOWE, 3/5/2014 10:49 PM: Easily

I can see how they came up with their name.  This would also be a great tool to teach students about graphic organizers.  They could have fun with it, but also be learning at the same time.  Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca