Zepnick, Jaclyn

Z

Smithsonian National Museum of American History. (2017).  Do Try This At Home! Retrieved from http://invention.si.edu/try/do-try-home

This is a “fun” link I found while browsing the web for ideas in creating a Virtual Makerspace for the library I work at. Via the Smithsonian’s “Fun Stuff for Kids Online,” the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation has an entirely different approach to fun stuff for kids not online. 

While I could not incorporate any of these activities into my Virtual Makerspace (that would defeat the purpose of being “virtual”), I thought teachers and teacher librarians could get ideas about activities that students can physically do in class, the library, or at home. Make sure to click on the Spark!Lab and Encouraging Innovative Thinking tabs too. 

Microsoft Education

Michele Peabody

Z

Microsoft Education
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/default.aspx
This is a free sign up for educators with free classes in all 21st century technology learning. The Skype in the classroom, Skype Mystery State (3-6grade),  real time virtual museums (provides real time docent), and Ask an Expert (via Skype) is a must for any teacher

Jolene Nechiporenko

CO, IL

Buerkett, R. (2014). Where to start: Creating virtual library spaces. Knowledge Quest, 
        42(4), E23-E27.

Buerlett does a wonderful job of explaining what virtual library spaces are.  In reference to these spaces, he comments on the why, how, and who.

According to the author, these spaces are important in today's world of online learning and technology.  "Beyond allowing students 24/7 access to authoritative research materials, a virtual presence allow school librarians to promote the library program!"  In regards to online learning, the author states, " If authoritative sources are not easily accessible through the school library's website, students ill resort to the first result on their Google searches, often Wikipedia or Answers.com.

Buerlett's steps to creating a virtual space include choosing a virtual platform, deciding on resources, assessment, and constant tweaking.

The author encourages creators to take into consideration that some students maybe using a mobile device or tablet, therefore the site should be made available on multiple platforms.
 
The author's last bit of advice, "When ever possible, get students involved in the creation, testing, and upkeep of the site.  Students who curate information on their school library's site not only learn more, they feel ownership and are more likely to use the site.