Learning Commons Lowdown
February 2017
LC Programming HIGHLIGHTS
Knitmarks & Origami Hearts!
- Knitmarks: DIY knitted bookmarks
- Origami Hearts
The student instructors were videotaped demonstrating the process in order to provide "flipped maker instruction" to students throughout the day. The LC plans to add more How-to video tutorials, tapping into Tiger Talent!
Hip Hop Workshop
Read Aloud-a-Thon
Collaborative Instruction: Creating Context Hypertext Activity
When reading an unfamiliar text, we as readers rely on our own background knowledge to fill in the gaps, whether it's a fictional story or an expository article. This activity guided students through the process of creating their own context for a challenging Earnest Hemingway short story through designing and building their own hypertext of the story, or hyperstory. Students read the story cold, and developed questions based on what they didn't understand. Then using Google Docs, they learned how to create a hyperdoc of the story and worked in teams to add context via hyperlinks to other credible sources and their own content to augment meaning for the reader. Each team then voted on the best hyperstory and reflected on what they learned from this activity.
LC Does PD: TCEA & NISD Highlights
The two sessions Ms. Diaz co-presented with NEISD colleagues were:
Go Beyond Google with TexQuest and OER Resources
Transformation 3.0: From Why to How Smackdown
Ms. Diaz also co-facilitated a Breakout EDU session with Library Services Instructional Coordinator Wendy Howk for NISD librarians as part of their Librarians Mini Conference. Designed by Mrs. Howk, the Breakout session featured clues using NISD digital resources and Gale-to-Google integration.
"Currently Reading" Interview:
Each forthcoming LC Lowdown will feature a Hill reader and share what s/he is currently reading!
Click here to read 6th Grader Tapasiya P.'s "Currently Reading" Interview!
Yes, you CAN go BEYOND GOOGLE...with Research in Context!
Created specifically for middle-school, Gale Research in Context combines the best of Gale's reference content with age-appropriate videos, newspapers, magazines, and primary sources.
Each main topic includes an overview paragraph to give students the key elements of that topic.
It's easy to narrow down your search by content level (basic, intermediate, advanced), specific subjects, publication titles, and document types.
Save articles to Google directly with Gale-to-Google integration!
Students have tools at their disposal to assist with research:
- Highlight & take notes within the articles
- Citation tools
- Translate content into multiple languages
- Text to speech
- Increase font size
- Dictionary available under more
Gale Research in Context is one of many digital resources (aka Search APPS) accessible from home using the district's username/password for each resource. To view password information from home, students first login to their NEISD GOOGLE ACCOUNT and then click this link: Home Access.
Coming in March...
Teen Tech Week! Featuring activities and workshops taught by LC student "techsperts"!
- 3D Printing
- Touchcast Studio
- StikBots
- Virtual Reality
- YouTube Channel
- littleBits
- MYO Music
- DIY CD Suncatchers
FEBRUARY LC STATS
Total # of Books Circulated/Checked Out
Print Books: 145
OverDrive: 192
Total # of Classes Served
- Instruction
- Activities
- Collaboration
- Checkouts
Average # of Individual Students Served Daily
Follow the Learning Commons on Twitter & Instagram!
Twitter: Follow @TexHillLC to stay informed about great resources, events and activities happening 24/7.
Instagram: Follow @TexHillLC to see a visual gallery of the LC's happenings in real time!
Learning Commons @Tex Hill MS
Email: tdiaz4@neisd.net
Website: http://neisd.libguides.com/welcome_hill_library
Location: 21314 Bulverde Road, San Antonio, TX, United States
Phone: 210.356.8004
Twitter: @TexHillLC