New Tech Tool Review: ScreenPal

 

What is it?

ScreenPal is a screen recorder and webcam tool that makes it easy to record and edit the videos you create. This tool is especially helpful for librarians and teachers to create tutorial videos for your students and to be able to speak & navigate while doing so. The videos can easily be shared by copying a link to ScreenPal or uploading to Youtube.

Pros:

• Free version allows you to upload 15 min videos to Youtube
• Easy to use!
• Can easily pause recording and begin where you left off
• Gives you the ability to create your own content

Cons:

• Costs to record longer videos and for editing features

Overall:

I highly recommend using Screenpal for your next tutorial for your class! Even though it costs to use all of the features, there are plenty of things you can do to make your tutorial for your class in the free version.

New Tech Tool Review: Padlet

 

What is it? 

Padlet is an app/website that makes collaboration easy and makes it look good whether with a team or with a classroom. It features boards and sandboxes that are customizable to what you need and how you want to convey information. You can use padlet for immediate in-person feedback and lessons or it can be used remotely. This is a way to engage your team or class by asking questions on the padlet board, creating lessons, creating an interactive bulletin board, and much more!

Pros:

• Easy to use and user friendly
• Customizable templates, no starting from scratch
• Templates are visually appealing
• easy and fast way to gain feedback
• engaging for the students/participants
• Free version available
• great collaborative tool

Cons:

• There's a cost in order to use it to it's full potential
• Everyone participating needs a device and access to internet

Overall:

I really enjoy using Padlet in order to engage students in library class and in professional development workshops that I facilitate. It's a great way to get instant feedback and to collaborate. Even participates/students that don't normally want to be called-on are opting to participate since they can type their answer and submit it, rather than speak it. There are many ways to incorporate Padlet into elementary library classes with it's collaborative nature. However, this also can be used for MS/HS libraries as well. For example, the ms/hs librarian can have a virtual bulletin board where students can access through a link on the library website. By doing this, the librarian can keep students up to date with new library updates and books. 

I highly recommend using Padlet!