Tuesday, November 28, 2017

TECH TIP:  WordItOut Word Cloud Maker

WordItOut is a word cloud generator.  You put in the text you want to generate a word cloud for and based on the frequency of certain words, the sizes of the words will be different.  You can change the font, colors, and also vary the word size on your own in order to highlight certain words.  This could be a good tool for students to use to visualize parts of texts, or for them to highlight certain words and explain why those are more important than others.  In this example, I used the MMRHS mission statement. 

BOOK TIP:  Beartown by Fredrik Backman

I read a lot and like a lot of books, but every now and then a book comes along that I just absolutely LOVE ​  This is one of those books.  Backman is the author of another of my favorites, A Man Called Ove, and this is his latest.  Set in a small Swedish town that is down on its luck, but high on its successful junior league hockey team.  A terrible incident occurs involving members of the hockey team and it divides the town and changes lives forever.  Wonderful writing, powerful characters, a book I still am thinking about.  

November 21, 2017

TECH TIP:  Photo Editing and Equipment

This picture ​was taken last week at Elsa's shower in the library.  Thank you to all who contributed and came.  I took this picture using the selfie stick, which is available to check out of the library.  I also have phone tripods and a microphone that can be used if you have any of your classes working on photo or video projects.  I used Pixlr to add in the frame and text.  

BOOK TIP:  Salt to the Sea by Ruta Septys

This was a wonderful book of historical fiction based on a true event.  Inspired by the worst maritime tragedy in history, this is the story of the Wilhelm Gustloff, a German ship transporting refugees in 1945.  Told through several alternating voices, the book moves quickly: I read this in one weekend! 

Tuesday Tips November 14, 2017

TECH TIP:  Piktochart Infographic Maker

Each quarter, I put together a Quarterly Report highlights events, circulation, and classes that used the library.  These reports also give me a chance to try out new presentation tools.  This quarter, I used Piktochart, which makes infographics and presentations.  We also used Piktochart with Bill Florek's Horticulture classes.  

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BOOK TIP:  Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

This was a heart warming and endearing novel.  Eleanor Oliphant is a socially awkward financial assistant with a devastating past.   She begins a friendship with Raymond from the IT department and she begins to come out of her shell and face her past.  Highly recommend this one.