Lunchtime Gaming

*Please note:  To protect the privacy of my student in this article, he will be called DeShaun. 

Lunch periods in my Library Media Center has always been reserved for students that need to study, check out books, work on a project, print or just take a mental break from the day's instruction.   Since having iPads in my LMC since February, students are now heavily involved in Gaming activities. 

Just to be clear, Gaming activities are permitted during the students free time - not during class periods.   Students visit before and after school but the majority of the foot traffic is during the lunch periods.   I quietly sit behind my circulation desk, observe and casually ask questions.   Sometimes I'll walk over to their tables and peer over their shoulders to see what all of the hype is about.  

Here are a couple of my observations:

1.  More students are visiting the LMC daily.   I often have a group of students waiting for me as early as 7:30a.m. during my LMC set up time.   The traffic has also become so heavy that I am printing more student sign-in sheets!

2.  More boys are visiting the LMC.   Usually these are the kids that have not set foot into the LMC since orientation last August.   After using the iPads, they discover that I have a large Anime/Manga collection and now they're hooked on iPads and books.

3.  Girls that I didn't know enjoyed gaming are coming into the LMC.  It's kind of funny because I see them beating the pants off of the boys while playing certain games.


4.   Some of my shy/introverted students have found a new social group/friends through lunchtime Gaming.  For example, *DeShaun who rarely has two words to say, shared his sketches with me.  Since then I introduced him to the President of the Anime/Manga Club and since joining, now has a new group of friends with similar interests.

This student's grandfather taught him how to play chess.
Now he is teaching this young lady how to play the game.

5.  Traditional games are being played.   I downloaded the Scrabble and Chess Apps and the students have been teaching each other how to play the games.  One young man taught three of his friends how to play.  Now this group comes in after school on days when I keep the LMC open until 5:00p.m.

6.  The students have been very creative in identifying apps that are free.   They read the reviews on the app store website, visit the developers homepage or learn about the apps through word of mouth.  

7.  Earlier in the month I was out of the building for training and was ill.  When I returned to work, I had a group of 'disgruntled' teens that wanted to know, what was MY problem and why I wasn't at work.  Isn't that something!

Students surrender their school
issued i.d. while using the iPads.

8.  IPad users are very responsible when using the iPads and understand it's a privilege.  They have followed my guidelines about proper use and care of the devices when they are using them.  They students have also been very cooperative.  Sometimes when I run out of iPads, the students volunteer to share their devices with other students.  In some cases, I've had three students using an iPad at one time.

Before checking in their iPad, these students
wipe of their finger prints using micro-fiber cloths.

9.  Taking pictures is a pastime that the students really enjoy.  Once I get a little more versed with iMovie, I will be introducing them to filming their own short movies.

This students likes to use PhotoBooth

10.  Teens are socializing with each other!  They are working together to develop effective strategies to play games.  

Though many don't approve of me allowing gaming activities during school hours, I just don't agree with them.  The periods of the day where I allow students to participate in Gaming activities,  are designated as the students free time.  They should be able to take a 'break' before returning to class.

What I have observed over the last couple of weeks has been only positive for my students.  Gaming is a great source of outreach for teens.  Gaming is also, a good way to change the overall image of the LMC from a place where they can't converse with each other to a place that is viewed as a cool hang out.

By providing a safe/stress free place to hang out, my students are socializing with their friends while playing video game.  They are in a environment that is filled with print/electronic resources, a supportive librarian and access to knowledge.   Because of these reasons, I will continue to push forward and continue to allow my students to play their favorite games on the iPad.

Read more about Gaming and Libraries on the I Love Libraries - Gaming  website.  Maybe next year, I'll submit a story for National Gaming Week.  Stay tuned!

Skyping With Author Ni-Ni Simone

We Skyped using a Promethean Board and iPad.

This student purchased books at the local
Walmart for her personal library at home

On Friday, May 11th, my students enjoyed a Skype session with author Ni-Ni Simone.  Simone is the popular author of teen books, "Shortie Like Mine," "Teenage Love Affair," and "Upgrade U."  My students and I are just crazy about her books, and looking forward to her new release, "No Boyz Allowed," on July 31st.  

A graduating senior
enjoys the presentation

Many of the girls discussed the challenges of maintaining positive friendships with their peers and finding real love.  They all commented how Simone's characters experienced similar challenges and how their actions helped them personally.   What I loved about this author is that she gave the girls good sound advice in a down to earth manner.  She stressed the importance loving themselves, understanding what makes them special and making good decisions that would affect their lives.  She really listened to what the girls were saying and gave advise to the teens in a non-preaching manner.   This is why many of the students that attended were so 'open' and expressed themselves and their personal feelings.  

Here's a couple of my students that made signs for the event.

If you haven't read a Ni-Ni Simone book, I strongly suggest you do.  Though the books are intended for a teen audience, adults will enjoy them too.  These books are constantly checked out from my library and some of my teaching colleagues have them in their classroom libraries.  In regards to the content of teen books like Simone's,  I often cringe at the lack of realism in the stories.  This is not the case for Simone's teen books.   The stories are true to life, the raw emotions are relatable and some of the situations that teens get themselves into are humorous.   Her books are good reads for book clubs and classroom reads because lively discussions will be derived from the reading.

Many thanks for author Ni-Ni Simone for taking time out of her busy schedule to meet with my students!

The iPads Are Here!

The iPads are here!  Oh happy day... right?  After the excitement wears down, reality creeps in:  how do I manage these devices?  After much reading and research, I developed a plan to manage my iPads for my high school library program.  Over the next couple of weeks, I will be working with Reading, Geometry, AVID, Urban Studies and Chemistry teachers.  I've already identified apps to use with the students.  But first things first, I needed to set up my iPads in a systematic manner that would be effective.  Most importantly, a set up that would not interfere with the normal 'flow' of the teacher's class period.

The following pictures and captions describe what I have done since receiving the devices last week. Though these plans are not etched in stone, I feel it's a good start.  As the students, teachers and I use these devices over the next couple of weeks, I will be compiling a list of 'what's working and what's not working.'  Wish me luck!

The syncing cart has 30 slots for iPads and enough room to store a laptop and some NOOK e-Readers.

 

Each slot is numbered and has it's own charge/sync cable. 

(look at how each number is etched in the metal surface)

  

The cart can be secured by using a combination pad 

lock that is included with the purchase of the cart.

This is what the iPad looks like when it's powered up for the first time!

After going through a registration process, I opted to skip the iTunes registration because I need more clarity about the assigned VPP email address.   (Hopefully I will have a moment tomorrow to contact a specialist)  I decided to turn on the Passcode on the iPad to discourage theft and maintain control of the use of the device.

I turned off the Keyboard Clicks option.  I just can't 

image hearing a classroom full of them during instruction!

I accessed the 'Serial Number' from the settings/general screen.  

Using powerpoint, I created lock/home screens savers and printed each number.  I took a picture of each printed number using each iPad.  For example, I used the iPad that was assigned #5 to take the picture of the above picture.   

This is what the iPad screen looks like once the lock/home screen is applied.   I decided to be a little fancy and include a picture of the school, address and phone number.

I barcoded and entered each iPad in my SOAR/TLC automation system as 'equipment'  Since the iPad will have a flexible silicone cover, I used the extra barcode and adhered it to my printed home screen/screen savers print out.  My plan is to have each print out laminated and placed in a binder.  When the students check out an iPad during class, they will exchange their id for an iPad.  I can scan their id and scan their assigned iPad (the print out) at the beginning of class.

I recorded each iPad's serial number on each print out.  (after I completed all of this work, I realized that I could have performed a screen shot to record the serial number...there's time and I will do this)  

Using the signature option on the Mail/Contact/Calendars screen, I replaced the Apple standard, 'Sent from my iPad' to 'Sent from iPad #5 and the barcode number"  This will help me greatly when students print their work. (we don't have the wireless printing option set up yet)   The catch to making this all work is I must ensure that the students remember their iPad number during the class period.

To ensure that I had recorded and numbered each iPad correctly, 

I re-scanned each iPad using my automation system. 

Using a scratch-free microfiber cloth, I cleaned each iPad screen.   Removing the fingerprints is a must!

The iPad is returned to it's correct slot and plugged back up using the charging/syncling cable.

1st NOOK Book Meeting

Today, the students and I held our first NOOK Street Lit. Book Club meeting.  We met for an hour and discussed K'wan's "The Leak."  The students also enjoyed a 'healthy' book club meal of salad, fruit, granola and juice.  Our wonderful Spanish teacher Ms Carter joined the discussion and checked out a NOOK.  She is just as excited as the students to read the next book club selection by authors Ashley and JaQuavis.

Check out the pictures below from today's meeting.

Salad, fruit and granola

Bacon bits add a zing to a salad

The Spanish olives were a hit!

Our wonderful Spanish teacher, Ms Carter, joined the discussion!

The students discussed a healthy menu for the next book club meeting.

NOOKs in the Classroom - Part I

The day has finally come.  The NOOK Simple Touch e-Readers were introduced Ms Tillman's reading classes.  These students were selected because they are interested in reading books within the Street Literature genre.  The students are especially excited to be the first class at Phillips to use the NOOKs.   The NOOKs were awarded to the Phillips Library through the Chicago Public Schools Dept. of Libraries and Information Services VITAL Grant.  The Phillips library was one in five high school libraries in the district that was awarded this grant.

During the class period, they learned the nuts-and-bolts of handling the devices and etiquette during class.   The students used the Quick Nav Button to access the home screen and library then learned how to swipe and use the side buttons to turn pages.  The students really liked the note taking and built in dictionary feature and want to use them during class discussions.  According to the students, they said these features were, "fly", which means really good!

Ms Tillman and I were really impressed by the students in her 8th period class.  They suggested that they could compare and contrast notes taken by previous classes that had read the same chapters.  I suspect they would like to make this a 'mini' competition between classes.  I'm anxious to see how this will develop over time!   The highlight of the period was when the students read and discussed an excerpt from K'Wan's book, "The Leak."   The class period ended with a lively discussion on how the student's feedback will be valued by Ms Tillman and I.

Take a look at the pictures below of the class periods from yesterday and check back from time to time to see how we progress.

The students learn that their hands must be clean before using the NOOKs.

Ms Boyd uses a ELMO and Promethian board to demonstrate how to use the NOOKs

Reading Teacher Ms Tillman ensures that students are locating the correct book.

This student uses the library menu to locate "The Leak" by K'wan.

Students following along during class.

Ms Tillman demonstrates how to use the page turn buttons on the NOOKs.

This student is participating in SSR.

Ms Boyd assists students that need help.

This student is one of my avid Street Lit. readers.  His favorite author is Sista Souljah.

Ms Tillman's 8th period class.  These boys can't wait to start reading and discussing 'The Leak" this Friday.  Special thanks to Mrs. Jones who took this picture!

NOOK Simple Touch Tutorials

     Later today I will be giving a demonstration on how to use the NOOK Simple Touch eReaders.    After speaking with the collaborating reading teacher, I learned that the students are really excited and ready to read the loaded Street Lit. books on the device.   I checked online and found some cool videos on the Barnes and Noble website that are quite helpful.

 NOOK Simple Touch Tutorial Videos

Get Ready, Get Set, READ!

Yesterday the NOOK Street Lit. Book Club at Phillips met for the very first time.   The NOOKs were purchased through a VITAL Grant that was awarded to the Library Media Center earlier this year.  The students were selected because of their love of the Street Lit. genre and willingness to participate in a weekly discussion about the selected books.  During the first meeting, the students received a brief tutorial about the use of the device and reviewed the three required readings for the week.  One of the books that they will be discussing is, "The Leak" by K'wan.  The meeting wrapped up with the students planning a 'healthy' menu of fruits and vegetables for the next club meeting.

The pictures below describe the students excitement about using the NOOKs.  Stay tuned for another update from the NOOK Street Lit. Book Club.

Notice how my students can multi-task

I can figure this out!

We have three books to read!

We are reading 'The Leak' by K'wan!

I'm going to read these books by Monday!

Just Try!

*Please note:  To protect the privacy of my student in this article, she will be called Tammie.  


Sometimes my students can give up before they even try.  An example of this is *Tammie, a senior who had to use the library iPad for the very first time.

Over the past week, her teacher and I showed her class iPad basics and how to use the app, Screen Chomp.  Today, Tammie had to complete her Screen  Chomp describing 'her' America.  This activity is part of a larger unit for a Urban Studies class at Phillips.  The students read the book, "Our America:  Life and Death on the South Side of Chicago," with their teacher and created an interactive poster, Glogster.   At first Tammie grumbled and told me, "I feel stupid!  I'm talking to a iPad."  I told her just try it, take some baby steps then move on to the bigger steps.  With a frown on her face, she ventured off into a quiet area of the library and began her recording.

Twenty minutes later, she came back to the circ desk smiling.  Tammie had made her first recording, colored highlights and all.  She said that she wanted to take more pictures of her neighborhood over the weekend and re-record her Screen Chomp on Monday when school resumes.  Once again, the use of a iPad has swayed even the most reluctant student to participate in a class activity.

View Tammie's Screen Chomp - http://www.screenchomp.com/t/Q1JqIakAGZ

iPad App Ratings

*Please note:  To protect the privacy of my student in this article, he will be called Marcus..  

Product Description from the App Store - Stardom: The A-List

Cost:  Free

- From getting off the bus as a nobody to accepting an award as an international - superstar, get rich and famous by starring in movies and TV shows and winning over fans.

- Work on-set to earn a 5-star performance, rave reviews, and more fans

- Invite friends to exclusive parties, have them co-star in your projects, or check the Top 100 to see who’s more famous.

Stardom:  The A-List

My student *Marcus enjoys the app called, "Stardom:  The A-List."  This app cleverly takes the user through a series of similations describing what is it like to be a popular entertainer.   The player can experience movie/television show auditions, learn how to connect to the movers and shakers in the industry and develop a image or brand that will attract fans.  

Marcus Tablet and iPod

Marcus enjoys this app because it gives him just a little taste of what is would be like to work in the entertainment business.   Why is this app so appealing to Marcus?  Well, he is a member of the Phillips School Choir, Glee Club and is an aspiring singer/actor.   He's one of many favorite performers at the all school assemblies.  I call him, 'Lil Michael Jackson'  because of the quality and range of his voice.   In addition, Marcus is one of my library regulars who visits before/after school and during the lunch periods.   If he's not checking out the library iPad to access Stardom, then he's playing the game on his personal tablet and iPod.

While this app may not be on the top of the list for educators, this is an app that is valued by my student.  For this reason, Stardom is a app that appears on my library iPads.

iPad App Rating on a scale of 1 to 5:  Five Phillips Paw Prints