As we head into a new school year, many things will be different in the library. One area that may be different is how librarians deliver instruction to students. Several tools are available online to help provide instruction through videos:

1. WeVideo
2. Powtoon
3. Screencastify
4. Adobe Spark

WeVideo

WeVideo is an online video creation tool. It enables users to use voice narration, add images, insert arrows, and other highlighting tools. WeVideo will provide a specific link to the video or you can also publish it to YouTube. It allows you to embed in other programs like Google Classroom, Canvas, library website, and other online locations. WeVideo is a great tool for teaching a lesson about a certain concept like paraphrasing or creating a bibliography.

Cost: Free and Paid
Support Link: WeVideo Academy

Powtoon

Powtoon is a fun animation video creator with characters, props, audio, and so much more. It does take a little more time to figure out all the tricks, but the creative options outweigh the extra work. Powtoon would work great for library orientation as you introduce yourself to students and your students learn a little more about the library.

Cost: Free and Paid
Support Link: Introduction to Powtoon

Screencastify

Record your screen using Screencastify and Google Chrome Browser. Choose to capture your entire screen, a browser tab, or just your webcam. Additional features include a highlighting tool, mouse spotlight, and drawing tool. Share to Google Drive or download the video file. Screencastify can be a great tool to demonstrate how to navigate the library website, databases, access books, and other library resources.

Cost: Free and Paid
Support Links:  Screencastify How-To Courses 

Adobe Spark

Adobe Spark continues to provide excellent design-friendly video creation options.  Utilize the provided music and images or add your own. Each slide is limited to 30 seconds, so it keeps your content moving. Adobe Spark is user-friendly without requiring a lot of time to learn complicated features. Adobe Spark is ideal for promoting books and other fun library programs.

Cost: Free
Support Link: Getting Started Guide

What other tools would be helpful to deliver lessons?

Author: Becca Munson

Becca Munson, Librarian, is a National Board Certified Teacher with over 24 years of experience in education. Becca is the Coordinator for Library Systems in the Blue Valley School District. Previously, she was school librarian at Blue Valley West High School. She opened two buildings in Blue Valley and spent some time as an Ed Tech Specialist before returning to libraries. Becca supports over 45 librarians and support staff as they work to fulfill the mission of flexible scheduling, collaboration, and literacy.

Categories: Blog Topics, Student Engagement/ Teaching Models, Technology

Tags: distance learning, pandemic resource, remote learning, Videos, virtual instruction