Videos and QR Codes in the Library

With video programs ever increasing in popularity, we would be remiss not to seek out ways to integrate these resources into our instruction.  YouTube, Animoto, and QR Codes all have a variety of educational uses and ways in which they can enhance learning for students and teachers.

YouTube

YouTube is most widely known for entertainment, but have a wealth of educational learning opportunities as well.  There is a treasure trove of tutorial videos and online read-alouds, as well as the ability for students upload their own videos as evidence of learning.  One great YouTube feature is the ability for users to follow their favorite channels in order to stay up to date when new content is published.  I have seen teachers utilize their YouTube account to upload content tutorials for parents and students to access at home.  It is also a great way to build and support a sense of community by uploading videos of school events and student work. 

The biggest instructional benefits for YouTube include the ability for students to create tutorials for other students.  In most recent updates, videos can even be made compatible for use with Google Cardboard, allowing students to experience them in virtual reality and 360 interactive views.  Below are some great examples of great videos I found on library channels.   

Channel: Calypso Gilstrap

I found the following video to be most helpful to students as they are guided through using the library website.



I felt the below video would be best liked by students because of its practical application to assignments they may be working on.  Videos like this can help make digital projects be less overwhelming.



Channel: The Unquiet Library

This helpful video shows students how to upload their work into Slideshare.  With the increase in digital classroom communities, this seems like an invaluable resource to help students become accustomed with online work submission.



The featuring of a fellow classmate and her published writing is sure to cause this video to be one of the most liked by students. 



Channel: Pikesville HS Library

This video would very likely be counted among the most helpful as it walks students through how to obtain financial aid for college. 



This video features how the Wii Party in the library will be fun for students, and as such would probably be most liked. 



Channel: BBS Media

This video would be helpful for students as it walks them through digital resources. 



With many students featured in this video, it is sure to have been a student favorite. 



Animoto

Animoto is an edtech tool that allows for video creation.  Students can customize their videos with different backgrounds, music, photos, videos, and text.  Educators are even able to create a free account.  Once they have received a code from Animoto, they are able to create student accounts and track videos the students make.  There are lots of options available without even needing to upgrade to a paid account. 

The Animoto blog is also linked and contains helpful tutorials for users to familiarize themselves with the site and how it works.  Students could use this tool in the library to create book trailers or even news videos or commercials.  Animoto could serve as a wonderful tool for summative learning assessment of a unit. 

I enjoyed exploring Animoto and could definitely envision myself using this tool again in the middle school library.  The most challenging aspect for me was the character limit on the slides including text.  Below is a book trailer I made using Animoto.

Publisher's Synopsis: Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.


QR Codes

Quick Response, or QR, codes are machine readable codes that house URL information.  They are scannable and are used to provide quick access to information.  The vast majority of digital devices have an app that can be downloaded to read these codes.  Free sites are available for users to create their own codes. 

Check out my QR code below to take you to my Fish in a Tree book trailer:

QR codes can be used in the library in a variety of ways to enhance and support learning.  We have utilized QR codes all over our building to give easy access to teacher websites, promote the library website, and promote school wide events.  The codes then get posted in ares of the school that are highly trafficked by parents.  

I have also used these when designing a scavenger hunt for my students.  They can easily use the QR code rather than spend time trying to type in a web address.  It is also a great tool for students to use when citing sources to provide a link for where they obtained their information.  

Another great use for QR codes may include support for students struggling in reading or writing.  They would be able to quickly access needed content for a given activity or assignment.  I have also seen QR codes used similar to how I used them above, but for students to provide a link to an online product or project they have completed and are ready to publish or showcase.  

The possibilities with QR codes are endless!