As National Distance Learning Week (Nov 9-13) comes to a close, we’d like to take this moment to thank all of those who have supported online learners this year. In addition to appreciating instructors, staff members, and administrators, we’d like to thank those writers, editors, and publishers who have prioritized free and easy access to valuable information over monetary gain. These “open” texts are particularly important to our online learners now, in this year unlike any other. 

UH Press has recently published book 3 of The Value of Hawaiʻi. The Value of Hawaiʻi 3: Hulihia, the Turning is available for free on the UH ScholarSpace as PDF or EPUB download. The description of the book explains well why this compilation of short essays is the latest essential text for our times:

“Hulihia” refers to massive upheavals that change the landscape, overturn the normal, reverse the flow, and sweep away the prevailing or assumed. We live in such days. Pandemics. Threats to ʻāina. Political dysfunction, cultural appropriation, and disrespect. But also powerful surges toward sustainability, autonomy, and sovereignty.

Books 1 and 2 are also available online, through the library ebook system. Check out our Researching Local Topics research guide for access links.

Ocean debris, rising tides, urbanizations and industrializations, and coqui frogs…
In addition to a rise we’re seeing in students’ interest in cultural issues and topics, our online learners continue to seek out an increasing number of resources for civic environmentalism. In order to keep up with these rising demands, we’ve added a collection of 3-minute, critical thinking videos about Culture & Citizenship (published by Credo Reference – UHMC credentials required for access).

• Introduction to Cultural Issues
• Global Citizenship
• Introduction to Civic Engagement
• Introduction to Civic Action
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• Because this is a newsletter appreciating those who support online learning, here’s a reminder that the library has resources for regarding Copyright & Fair Use. In addition to a comprehensive LibGuide on the topic, you can now view the recent recording from the Mixed Plate 9 – Fair Use & Copyright where librarian Jeffrey breaks down the basics.

One librarian’s candid reviews on some popular engagement technology — cool stuff for use in the classroom, meetings, or presentations!

Jamboard (white board for posting and drawing and uploading images):
This is a good platform for the anonymous posting of ideas (number of characters are limited, so short posts only). The benefits include that it’s a free Google app (so participants may feel comfortable finding and using it), and that it’s super basic and really easy to set up and use. My favorite thing about Jamboard is that you can connect multiple boards, so Jamboard is more like interactive whiteboard slides.

The limitations may be: Not the best platform for commenting on posts or ideas (posts and comments look the same and aren’t automatically linked), you can’t add hyperlinks, and the space isn’t very big, so maybe not ideal for lots of posts (it doesn’t automatically expand).

Padlet (online ‘Pin board’ where users can post their thoughts on a topic, add pictures, audio, videos, links and upload documents.):

If you want a platform for posting a variety of types of content (sticky notes, websites, videos, photos, etc.), with the ability to comment on each post, Padlet may work for you. Padlet has a variety of templates to choose from, which is fun and you can customize the boards based on your needs – for example there’s a “mind-mapping” board.

Also, Padlet will expand as the number of notes grows, which allows for a lot of posts, but there’s only one board, so it’s limited to one question or topic per board. The other possible downfall of Padlet is that you can only own three boards before you need to pay for the upgrade. Padlet can be used anonymously or users can login to post and comment with their name. (I know a few faculty who love Padlet and happily pay the extra $8/month for Pro, but we’re hoping to get pro licenses with CARES). Padlet will integrate with Laulima).

Sli.do
(thanks for Laureen for introducing this product to me!)
I think this is one of the better Q&A and polling platforms out there. You can create an “event” where you ask questions either live or as a link that’s active for a set amount of time. So I think the real benefit of Slido is that responses don’t have to be done quickly live. Posting is anonymous. You simply give participants a code to put into the webpage and they can add their comments and thoughts on their on time. The main disadvantage is that you’ll need to upgrade to Pro if you want to use it beyond asking just 3 questions. (we’re hoping to get pro license with CARES)

Ice Breaker (and stress releaser) Games ♠️
I’m all about the “levity” apps and engagements these days! Here are two easy, quick and fun online games that I learned about in a student-led convention:

Spyfall online interactive card game. Best for smaller groups (6 to 8 players is ideal, but you can play with up to 12 people). Low stakes, good ‘ol fashioned card game fun that encourages creative and critical thinking. Kinda like a fast game of Clue.

And https://skribbl.io/ (like Pictionary) – seems really dorky at first, but actually fun (online drawing is hard – and funny!) 

HAPPY ENGAGEMENT! 
/your librarian, ellen