Web+Cafe

=Web Cafe= toc Since 2010 teachers come to the library to talk about the //technology tools they// find most useful in their professional lives. Our gatherings are an effective way to build a professional learning community. Below are short descriptions of our 30 min morning sessions.

= 2011-2012 School Year: =
 * December 9 - **
 * = Collective databases =

A new WBAIS server is ready for uploads of photos, videos, and audio files. These documents will be stored and organized for further development in Moodle. Everyone can now make an input into school heritage.

Gar demonstrated[| photo.wbais.org], [|video.wbais.org,][|audio.wbais.org]and encouraged teachers to upload their files to the new server. The software converts the original videos of any format and provides an embed code to be put in the Moddle.

Audio files will be organized in Playlists, and students can podcast and create MP3 files. There is a way to stream live and get a radio on a mobile device.

Gintas demonstrated a PowerTeacher app! We will be able to use iPads for grading students. Adobe Flash won't be an obstacle. Go to Apple Store and download PowerTeacher app. Teachers can start using the app with the school data after Winter break.

Choose NanoGong in "Add an Activity" and create an audio assignment. Students can work on their speaking and listening skills by using NanoGong.
 * November 18 - Audio and slideshow in Moodle **
 * = How to create audio activities in Moodle? =

Zip a picture file and upload it to Moodle File under Administration menu. Unzip the folder in Moodle. Add an activity - Slideshow and specify the parameters.
 * = A slideshow in Moodle =

Q: How to add...? A: Choose an appropriate video from [|Smart Board Notebook Training in Atomic Learning] (for WBAIS community only)
 * October 28 - Q&A about SmartBoards **
 * =** Q&A Smartboard **=

**September 2 - Web sites and the Internet materials for**


 * = Smartboards. =

Smartboard friendly web sites and pre-made lessons for Smartboards see in Digital Toolbox.



**August 26 - Up-to-date search options, news on**
 * = **Search engines.** =

Even though there are a number of search engines, Google is the most popular one. Teachers say students use only Google and "there is no way to change their mind to try something else". Teachers' first choice is Google as well.

Google changes quickly. Google Wonder Wheel and Google Squared, tools that students used to use to narrow down their research topic, are no longer available. Good that I learned it before going to class to demonstrate them to seniors. It was a good reminder that we need to try technology at least a day before using it in class! We can use [|Bing] with its list of related searches on the left side menu or [|DuckDuckGo] that provides search ideas to clarify the search. But do we really need to? Google improved its search by providing suggestions while we put the keywords in.

Have you seen ** Reading Level ** (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced) in Google? On the left side menu, click "More Search Tools" to see it. It doesn't mean that the sites listed as Basic are designed for Elementary School students but the language is not as hard as the language of the articles marked as Advanced. **August 16 -**
 * Check Google Timeline **. It organizes information chronically.
 * = **Tech tools to start the year.** =

It was fabulous to meet and talk about technology on the first day of school! Moodle didn't work (what a bummer!) but we talked about using it as liaison with the teacher, students and parents and the way it could be used for collaborative work among students as well. Blog and wiki in Moodle are two ways to let students share their work. We talked about AcapellaTV- talking cards, Xtranormal, and GoAnimated4Schools. You are invited to reserve time with me to learn more how to use them in class and set accounts.

Teachers asked for help and training (Mac users, digital tools, Smart-board).Tech integrators were asked to let teachers know when they are available for questions and assistance.

The librarians invite those who want integrate technology, information literacy skills, and the use of equipment into curriculum to set time with them.

See all of you next time, August 26, in the library. We will talk about up-to-date search options and news on search engines.

=Archive:= =2010-2011 school year= the school changed its course-management system to Moodle. This transition determined the themes of our morning Web Cafe gatherings. We shared and explored new features in Moodle. Other sessions also included the use of Flip cameras (some ideas can be found in Tech Toolbox), tablet PCs, Web 2.0 tools in class, the Kindle and iPad, educational sites and databases.