Connecting through Screencast

If you've read my first two blogs, you'll notice I use screencast to introduce library events, create video tutorials, and basically, connect with as many students as possible. It has been especially useful this year since English teachers are not bringing their students to the library this year due to Covid restrictions. Students have a homeroom time to hear the principals' school message, and a once-a-week message from the school librarian.

There are a lot of different screencast websites, but after trying out a few different ones, I settled on an annual subscription ($50) to screencast-o-matic. It allows me the option of using just my computer screen, video, or both. I generally prefer both--students see my face and I like to think it brings my bitmoji library to life as I hover in the clipart bookshelves. Many 6th graders have never actually been inside the library, so it's a way for them to become familiar with me as well. My principal prefers I send her the videos in an mp3 format, which is easy to do. They can be uploaded to your youtube channel in that format as well.

Have you found a cool way to connect with students on a weekly basis? Do tell!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfZ2Zx6gbSA