QR Codes

For the past year or so, I've wanted to do something with QR Codes.  While at the SLATE 2012 conference earlier in the week, I was inspired by another educator to finally make the move.  We have a new  IMC/Library website in the 7-12 building and what better way to promote it than with a QR code.

The process was simple...
I took the url for the "Research Tools" page of the IMC/Library website, plopped it into Kaywa, which is one of many QR Code generators, and hit "copy" on the code that was created.  From there I went to Word and pasted the code on a new document.  I added some text, then Sue made copies and put them up around the high school.

We are anxious to see what the reaction is from the students.  Will they scan the code?  What about the staff?

There are free QR Code Scanner apps for all kinds of devices.  Download one and give it a try.  QR Codes are found on all kinds of things.

Here is the poster that was put up today at the high school.

Working on a research project?

Scan this code for some great resources.

QR Code Scanner apps are free.  Download one on your handheld device.

Library Centers Are a Hit

Over a month has passed since the start of our Library Centers at DES.  The students come to the library excited to find out what centers there are each week, and they are actively engaged in the activities.  There have been positive comments from the staff.  At this point, we feel implementing centers has been a great move educationally.

The two most popular centers, which we are thinking about having out on a regular basis, are the Doodling/Coloring Center and the Puzzle Center.  I've been doing some research on the benefits of having these types of activities available for students AND adults.  All my findings lead toward the belief that these types of activities are often times very relaxing and can provide some much needed "down-time" in our busy schedules.

A few of our most recent centers included...

Classic Card Games (Go Fish, Old Maid, etc)

Playaway Instructions (grades 3-6)

Whispy Reading

Library Center Ideas

Doodle/Color (snowflakes and winter mittens)
Read to Self, Read to a Partner, Read in a Small Group