May 17, 2024

Gaming the Common Core: Many board games align with the standards

When the library profession gathers in Las Vegas this month for ALA’s annual conference, how can we not consider gaming in libraries? Play-based learning is an effective way to address the learning style changes of the Common Core and other emerging standards.

Weaving Together Touch and Digital into Early Childhood Play

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Experts have found that physical touch and hand movements are important for brain development and learning—crucial aspects to be aware of when creating apps and other digital programs for children.

SisOps: Girl-Friendly Tech Programs

New girl-friendly technology initiatives are challenging tech’s boys-only culture.

Apps for Outdoor Learning | Cool Tools

With spring in the air, students typically clamor to get outside—and teachers would often like to follow. April is an ideal time of year to explore outdoor learning opportunities, and these apps and sites can lead the way.

Not Your Mama’s Library Program: Lanyards give way to coding and power tools in summer tech camps nationwide

Computer coding programs and robotics are just some of the tools intrepid young patrons will be using this summer as school and public librarians nationwide gear up for technology camps.

What’s Not to ‘Like’? Rethinking Restrictive Social Media Policies

Most schools have highly regulated Internet policies that don’t address the productive use of social media by students. It’s time to revisit these rules.

Make the STEM connection | The Next Big Thing

Put the “science” back in library science and help support STEM learning

Teen Tech Week 2014: Computer Tear Downs, Skyping, and Raspberry Pis

Maker spaces, robot construction, and computer tear-downs will figure prominently in librarians’ Teen Tech Week lineups this year, taking place from March 9 through 15.

Build Better Robots with LEGO Mindstorms Education EV3 | SLJ Review

“The EV3 is one of those toys that transcends consumerism and becomes a pathway into new kinds of hands-on production and learning for kids and adults alike,” writes Chad Sansing in our review of LEGO’s latest version of the popular Mindstorms robotics platform.

Nashville’s Limitless Libraries Hopes to Merge School and Public Library ILS

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Limitless Libraries, an ongoing partnership between Nashville Public Library (NPL) and Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), is planning a move to a shared ILS system, and has requested funding for the transition from the office of Nashville’s mayor.