Embedded Files
I have been thinking about ways to give my students access to more global literature. Besides providing links to articles and global news outlets as well as research resources, I want my students to read thought-provoking fiction that we can discuss before and during class. Since I teach in a virtual school I decided to work on creating a digital classroom library where students could check out books just like they used to do from my library shelves in my old brick and mortar classroom.
Of course, the first hurdles appeared almost immediately when I realized that even if I purchased all the books I want them to access with my Amazon Kindle there is a limit to how many times I can share a digital book. I turned to social media to see what other teachers were doing. I read a post by @virtualelementaryteachers on Instagram about Epic books and how she created a library much like the one I wanted to create. I checked it out however, Epic is mostly geared towards elementary and middle school students. While researching I found the Sora app which is just like Epic but is also geared toward high school-age students. This app requires a school-wide license so I was still out of options to provide my students with a bona fide digital library experience. Enter the Libby app by Overdrive which is the company that provides digital books to most library systems in and outside of the state of Florida. They are also the makers of the Sora app so Libby provides a similar interface and user experience. Since I wanted to include the covers of my book recommendations I used the link to the description page from my Libby account. Even though the page has the option to place the book on hold it re-directs the student to enter their library card if they click on it. I tested it with my 16-year old daughter and she loved it!
So I set out to make my digital library as appealing as a real one and took a page from the Bitmoji virtual classrooms that are so popular nowadays. I made sure to include instructions for students, the link to sign up for the Libby app, and many fun extras to fully engage my students! Here are some tips to help you create your very own digital library.
Start by adding a background to a blank Google Slide- I found this one in a Google search and since all the books on the shelf were white I added rectangles in different colors for each book spine (see next image).
2. Then add a bookcase and start adding book covers for your book recommendations- Remember you need to find images with transparent backgrounds. PNG formatted images and vector images work best so you can include that in your search. Search for Public Domain (No Copyright) and Creative Commons to avoid copyright infringement or use stock images (unsplash.com is free!). I prefer images of real objects but feel free to use clipart as well as long as it looks appealing and fits your library "decor". Another thing to consider is the angle of the objects in relation to your background, note how my bookcase aligns with the floor and shelves so it looks like it belongs there. You can add a link to the Libby app or to the book description to each book cover image.
3. You can have a theme for your library or for each shelf- My library has a global theme so you will notice a lot of my recommended titles have to do with current issues, diversity, historical fiction, and biographies. I made sure to search in the Teen section of the Libby app to make sure the books are age-appropriate. I also added signs with instructions to use the app and added titles to the book spines on the white shelves. One group of books is "Classic Favorites" and the other one is books I am reading now.
4. Next add some other sections such as periodicals and magazines and add some fun activities- Search and curate links to websites that are also age-appropriate. I even added a link to a global radio website where students can tune into radio stations all around the globe in real-time and a link to a fun website with free online geography games.
5. Next comes the fun part- decorate!- Add furniture, plants, posters, items that show what you are passionate about so you can share with your students. I love music and I play the banjolele so I linked an interactive music website to a picture of my banjolele and a doodling webpage to a picture of a sketchbook since I love to draw. I even added a stack of Blue-ray movies and a remote control casually placed on the floor that links them to a virtual shelf with my favorite movies. This allows your students to engage with your site, get to know you better, and help you to better connect with your students and easily start conversations with them before, during, and after class. I also wanted to add some useful links so I added a bulletin board and even pinned a link to a Jamboard so that students can leave a sticky note with their book recommendations.
6. And don't forget your reference section- In the lower grades, this may look like links to online dictionaries or an illustrated thesaurus. Since I am teaching AICE Global Perspectives this year I wanted to add links to really good reference and research resources such as the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress Digital Collections. However, during my research, I stumbled into some other less known but very good online libraries and archives that will definitely come in handy as my students work on their research.
7. Once your library is ready you can publish it by clicking on File/Publish to the web. You have the option to get just a link or an embed code if you are adding your library to an existing page. What's cool about using Google Slides is that any updates you make to the slide will automatically refresh on the linked page.
The sky is the limit as to what you can include in your library to make your student's digital reading experience a fun, engaging, and educational one. You can use your library to assign readings to the class or to individual students, assign enrichment activities, exchange book recommendations, and even start your very own book club! Have fun and foster literacy in an innovative way - happy reading!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse