YouTube is such a great way to get information out to students, staff, and parents, and I think the best thing that we as librarians can use YouTube for is instructional videos for basic information and simple how-tos. Examples may be navigating the library website, the OPACs, or any online library resources. Other ways to use YouTube may be promoting library events, or simply keeping the library visible in the community by showcasing day to day events involving students and staff. Below I explored some library channels and picked the videos I thought would be most enjoyable for students as well as the most helpful:
From the NHS library channel:
1) The most enjoyable for students:
2) The most helpful for students:
From the Unquiet Library channel:
1) The most enjoyable for students:
2) The most helpful for students:
From the Pikesville HS Library:
1) The most enjoyable for students:
2) The most helpful for students:
From BBMS media channel:
1) The most enjoyable for students:
2) The most helpful for students:
ANIMOTO
I created a free account on Animoto and applied for the Educator upgrade, which allowed for longer videos. I love that we as librarians can easily use Animoto to create book trailers to promote reading, both for leisure and for school, to our students, staff, and parents.
First, Edward was a vampire.
Second, there was a part of him—and I didn't know how dominant that part might be—that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him."
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41865.Twilight)
Below is a book trailer I made with Animoto for the first book in the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer.
I also created a QR code that can be used to access my book trailer. QR codes are be a fun, easy, and interactive way to "spread" these book trailers throughout the school; create a trailer and corresponding QR code, and make promotional posters for the library and surrounding hallways that include the QR code and a quick synopsis for intrigue. Check it out:
For some reason, when I thought of social media, YouTube totally escaped my mind. I thought about Twitter and Instagram. After looking at the data, I had a AH-HA moment. Yes, of course teens love YouTube! My son, who's 14, watches videos all of the time! I think it would be GREAT for the library to create videos to promote library activities. Your trailer was very good. Now, you've made me want to reread Twilight. ;)
ReplyDeleteYouTube is so widely used by today's youth that I believe we would be foolish not to include it in our instructional approach. We should always find ways to incorporate the things that captivate student interest into the way they learn.
ReplyDeleteI definitely see myself incorporating the book trailer and QR code idea into my junior high library this year. This is a fantastic way to create a community of readers and a culture of reading.
Hey!
ReplyDeleteI agree that YouTube is such a good tool for librarians, teachers, and students. Students also already know how to use YouTube because they are already using it.