Hello Alexa!
Back in November Amazon announced that it was taking pre-orders for the new Echo - by invitation only. Intrigued, ever geeky, & with a big discount offered as a Prime member - I jumped on it with my own money! (Just in case it was a flop!) It took months of waiting but finally, just a few weeks ago it came and we now have a new information tool in the library! It's the Amazon Echo! Have you heard of it? Watch this promo video!
(Fun viewing tip, watch the mom's facial expressions - they're epic!)
UPDATE! No Invitation Needed Now! In stock July 14th
Since I'm not going to have an assistant full time next year, (don't get me started!) I thought this could be a cool way to answer basic questions. Kids are delighted to discover Alexa, living in the
Amazon Echo. Not only is it a fun way for kiddos to learn how to ask the right questions, to speak clearly, it also introduces them to the Internet of Things. Since it's cloud based, Amazon can automatically upgrade and send OS downloads to the device. Is this cool or scary? I say cool!
The new "Simon says" feature is fun to play with. I was in my office checking my email, with the Echo remote handy as one of my 8th grade lunch kiddos came in. I said quietly into the remote "Alexa, Simon says: Hey Mike, it's good to see you again" He just about freaked out! "Ms Jones - it knows who I am!" I rushed out of my office and said, "What just happened!?" Heh heh heh. I even had my assistant, my beloved Ms. Bell, going for a few hours! Yeah, I'm a little bit evil.
Here are some examples of my kids discovering their new friend Alexa!
The Amazon Echo is available by invitation only & for $50 bucks off for Amazon Prime members. I requested an invite on November 6th, got the invite and ordered in January, and FINALLY received my Echo in May - the pre-order special deal in November was $100 off - that's why I took a chance!
Will this tool (I am assiduously avoiding using the word toy) be an asset to our library or a distraction? Time will tell!
List of things the Alexa in the Echo can do in your Library:
- Get the Title or Author of a book (She knows Harry Potter & Hitchiker, may not know more obscure YA titles)
- Answer basic factual questions (I'm better at obscure trivia)
- Spell and define words
- NPR News Flash (Customizable)
- Tells the time
- Weather forecast for your location
- Play Prime or purchased music & playlists
- Listen to audiobooks from Audible or Kindle Unlimited on your Amazon Echo
- Teaches kiddos how to phrase a question - this has been fascinating!
SECURITY Note:
But make sure to download the ECHO app and disable the ability to purchase items through the Echo. That was the 2nd thing I did!
The Echo Does NOT Replace a Librarian!
Dear reader, let me assure you, however, that NO DEVICE invented will EVER be able to replace a certified Librarian! Only a Librarian can give the necessary context to any information, be able to sift through the results like a surgeon, curate the best, and give all that to the student or patron with a smile.
Feel like you've read this before?
Originally, I had all this info on my Makerspace Starter Kit post, but I decided it deserved it's own post!
Get Your Charge On!
We also have a new Courtesy Mobile Device Charging Station in the MHMS Daring School Library Media Center! Moving closer to BYOD means that kiddos often come to the media center at lunch to charge up. Nothing too fancy, a tall AV cart with a heavy duty power strip, two super fast charging UNITEK 10 USB port hubs and a couple 4-in-1 USB Charging Cords.
This is just a start! See? You don't have to invest thousands to make a change. It doesn't have to be all fancy shmancy - just be creative and give it a shot! The look on my kids faces when I put that charging cart there was priceless...they were like WOW! And one said, "this is the coolest library in the world" that's better than satchels of gold!
Next school year I'm going to buy more charging cords - one of these already broke. Either Teens are HARD on peripherals or that was a cheapo cord. Probably both! LOL
Just came in yesterday; set it up this morning! @OMHSmedia @GwynethJones @RHHSPrincipal #BYOD #ChargingStations pic.twitter.com/jSUA49T5ec— River Hill Media (@RiverHillMedia) May 7, 2015 I may even buy this station on Amazon, inspired by Michael Ahr & the RHHS Library Media Center - their blog & Twitter feed is so amazing! I invite you to follow them! The Resources:
Did you know that there are some super cool Easter eggs built in?
Here's a hint, say "Alexa: Tea, Earl Grey, Hot"
'Alexa, show me the money!' Amazon updates the Echo
Amazon's Echo gets some savvy upgrades - CBS News
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