Final Reflection LSSL 5391

Final Reflection LSSL 5391

I really enjoyed this class!  Digital technology has never been one of my strong suits.  The knowledge that I have attained through this course gives me the confidence to be able to implement any of these tools with success-granted a little more practice of course. I am now fully aware of the importance of technology use in the classroom and library environment. 

Which one’s excited me the most?  All of them had its challenge in the beginning.  I expected that because I was nowhere as tech savvy as I am now! Lol Because I am a visual learning, I appreciated the Infographic assignment the most.  Being able to use visuals to explain or inform material really appealed to me.  I also enjoyed exploring different screencast.  I am looking forward to using the Screencast-O-Matic tool in the classroom as lesson starters, create presentations, demonstrations and to display student work.

Which one’s were most difficult for you?  Anything were I have to be in front of the camera or my voice heard was difficult for me.  With that being clear, it would have to be the Facebook, YouTube and Podcast assignments.  I am a true introvert.  Anything that requires me to be the center of attention, intimidates me a bit.  You're probably wondering how I manage aa a teacher, I would say, it’s different around children than it is my peers.  That will not however, deter me from introduces and implementing the wonderful aspects of each one.

Which one (in your opinion) will most benefit students?  In my opinion, they all have there place and would benefit students when you properly.  It gives students alternatives to the traditional way of learning where it is mostly teacher-directed to focusing on student-directed.  It gives them a sense of ownership,fosters their creativity and keeps them connected to the global world around them.

Finally, this class has opened my eyes to what it means to be a “connected educator”.  I have a wealth of knowledge and resources that will help prepare students to be lifelong global learners.  We as educators have no excuse to not be creative and relevant with our students because we have the tools at our fingertips. This is just the tip of the iceberg, with new advances in technology sprouting up everyday, we will always have options to engage our students.  I look forward to it all!

Podcasts

Podcasts

With the hustle and  bustle of the world we live in, creating a podcast is a great way to listen on the go.  A podcast is a series of digital audio or video files which a user can download and listen to.  Using a podcast as an educational tool is a fun and engaging alternative to learning..  I would like to explore a few with you.

SoundCloud 

I already have a SoundCloud account.  It is the world's leading social sound platform where anyone can listen to or create sounds and share them everywhere.  You can sign up through your Facebook or Google account, or just use your email address. It is also available through your mobile app for the iPhone and iPad.  You can post and share your music, make playlist and use as a social networking tool to interact with others.  There is a free version, but for an inexpensive monthly fee you can upgrade for more options.

Audioboom (Audioboo Ltd, Developer) 

It was quite the challenge to locate the app for Audioboo.  The name changed to Audioboom, which is powered by Audioboo Ltd.   This challenge discourages me from recommending it.  In the setup process, it did not confirm my login information was accepted.  It gave me an error message.  Once confirmed, I was able to set personal recommendations based on interests.  Once established, it was simple as clicking a button and recording. You are also able to edit and upload straight from the app. I recommend creating a link for students to access directly to avoid the confusion I experienced.

Podomatic

Podomatic is free and simple to setup.  You must set up a URL, however, you can not change your URL once you select it.  There is a step-by-step tutorial that guides you through how to select media, enter title/description, add images, choose quality and publish.  It also gives you the option to use the old publishing flow.  I felt this podcast was a little too complex for lower grades but, maybe a good option for middle and high school.  Podomatic was my least favorite.

Podcasting is a creative, engaging and fun way to share information and music. Overall, all three podcast can be helpful resources in the classroom with supervision and knowledge.  The free versions are have enough features that can produce quality and informative material.  From my explorations, I would highly recommend a direct link to podcast, teacher controlled supervision and a thorough beginners presentation, Although my initial introduction was not pleasant with Audioboom, I would still recommend it.  As stated before, once established, it is a matter of clicking a red bottom, recording and publishing….1, 2, 3, A, B, C.


Use of Podcasts in the Library

• teach digital citizenship and safety (some podcast do not allow membership under 13-teacher controlled account)
• Share library webpage events and announcements
• Create classroom assignments or directions
• Record stories for accessibility

Here are a few links to information on educational podcasts.  Please explore at your leisure.

Best Education Podcast 2018
https://player.fm/featured/education

50 Educational Podcast You Should Check Out
https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/50-educational-podcasts-you-should-check-out/

10 Podcasts That Will Make You Feel Smarter
http://mentalfloss.com/article/80043/10-podcasts-will-make-you-feel-smarter

8 Great Educational Podcast for Kids
https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/educational-podcasts-for-kids/

18 Best Podcasts for Kids in Elementary, Middle and High Schools
https://www.weareteachers.com/best-podcasts-for-kids/

Check out my podcast example by using the QR Code below.

Using Cartoons and Comics in the Classroom

Using Cartoons and Comics in the Classroom

In my last two post, we touched on different ways to use social media apps in the classroom.  Today, I would like to discuss ways to integrate cartoons and comics into the learning experience for students.  I have since learned that the use of these two resources was not always popular.  Now that it is making a comeback, I’d like to explore three online comic makers-MakeBeliefsComix, Pixton and ToonDoo.

MakeBeliefsComix

I was pleasantly surprised to find out there is no downloading or signing up to access MakeBeliefs Comix.  I found the process quite simple to use.  The tutorial was a big help. There are not a lot of options with templates, but there is enough to make an impressive comic.  You have four poses to choose from each character.  There is also the options to move, scale, bring to font, flip and delete. These options apply to creating characters, balloons, objects, words, and backgrounds. You can also review, save, print and email.  This resource is user-friendly and creative. I think it would engage students and be a fun alternative to any assignment.

Pixton 

Unlike MakeBeliefsComix, you do have to sign-up for Pixton through email.  The was a simple process.  I was a little overwhelmed at first.  There are so many options to choose from in regards to characters, objects, and backgrounds, you could really spend a substantial amount of time manipulating it.  I suggest that you allow a class period at least to allow students to familiarize themselves with the website.  You can embed or email your images, but you will need to subscribe to download or print.  I would recommend this product to middle and high school age students just because of the complexity of the options.

ToonDoo

I did have to sign-up for ToonDoo as well, but the process was very simple.  There is a variety of layouts to choose from, templates for characters, backgrounds, props, text, balloons and an option to upload your own pictures. I do like the vibrate colors.  I think this would be a great option for 3rd grade and up.  It is user-friendly, colorful and simple to manipulate.

Overall, all of these resources can be used effectively with students.  It gives students alternative options to be creative in a nontraditional fun way.  This could be a fun beginning of the year staff development for teachers in instructional technology.  I would add it to my library services and resources.

Videos and QR Codes in the Library

Videos and QR Codes in the Library

In my last post, I touched on visual media tools that could support learning in the classroom like Instagram, Flipagram and Screencast.  For this post, I would like to touch on three more.  YouTube videos, Animoto, and QR Codes are being utilized in the classroom as well to give students other outlets to learning material and developing skills that are creative, engaging, and relevant.  According to recent research done by Pew Research Center, YouTube is one of the most popular online platforms used amongst teens.  Let’s explore that a little.

YouTube

YouTube is a video sharing website. With the installment of a free app, students can download YouTube or manually type it in on their smartphones and have immediate access. Teens are online on a near-constant basis and nearly everyone has a smartphone or access to one.  Students can benefit from this technology in the classroom as a tool to help develop specific skills and retain knowledge.  To promote my library, I would use YouTube as an alternative to reading assignments, to record lessons/lectures, create book trailers, and to display student work.

Norman High School Library YouTube Channel

1)  Which is the most helpful for students?
This video navigates the students through the library website. It will be helpful to students because it easy to understand, visual and short.

2)  Which is the video that the students would like the best?
Students would like this video because it shows the school mascot giving a personal tour of and tutorial on how to use and access resources in the library.

Unquiet High School Library YouTube Channel

1)  Which is the most helpful for students?
This video would be helpful to students because it gives a step-by-step tutorial on how to navigate and create a PowerPoint presentation.   

2)  Which is the video that the students would like best?
Students would like this video because it shows their peers interacting with the librarian.  It also gives students another avenue to check-out and check-in books from the library.

Pikesville High School Library YouTube Channel

1)  Which is the most helpful for students?
This video would be helpful to students to capture a glimpse into some of the resources offered in the library. 

2)  Which is the video that the students would like best?
Students would find the videos that show their peers enjoying activities in the library like “Senior Party” and “Hip Hop Day”.  It is relatable and relevant. 

BBMS YouTube Channel

1)  Which is the most helpful for students?
This step-by-step tutorial would be helpful to students in knowing what other electronic/library resources are available outside of school.  

2)  Which is the video that the students would like best?
Students would like these parodies about overdue books because they are done in a creative and entertaining way.  Also, it is relevant to the times.  

Animoto

Animoto is a cloud-based video creation service that produces video from photos, video clips, and music into video slideshows.

Using Animoto to create my book trailer was not difficult.  It guided me through the process with step-by-step instructions.  There are limitations on how creative you can be under the free version, but you can definitely create something impressive with what is available.  I did have a learning curve with the photos.  I discovered that I had to upload my photos rather than copy and paste.  Overall, this is a simple, user-friendly tool that can be used in the classroom to enhance lessons, presentations and to display and record student work.

A National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature.

Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read.

Ghost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his elite middle school track team, but his past is slowing him down in this first electrifying novel of a brand-new series from Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award–winning author Jason Reynolds.

QR Codes

QR Codes are mobile phone readable bar code that store website URL’s, plain text, phone numbers, email addresses and any other alphanumeric data.

How to Use QR Codes in the Library:

• Instructional videos
• Create book trailers
• Create blogs
• Provide brief information
• To promote library services and events
• Virtual tours

Please scan the QR Code as another way to view my book trailer for Ghost, written by Jason Reynolds.

Screencasts, Instagram, and Flipagram

Screencasts, Instagram, and Flipagram

Get Out and Be Sociable!

Let’s face it, kids are more technologically advanced than ever.  We as educators, understand the use of technology in the classroom as a great tool to enhance the learning experience.  With the many social media outlets drawing our students, I thought it would be cool to highlight three popular applications-Instagram, Flipagram and Screencasts.

Instagram is a free social media app that allows you to share photos and videos through Facebook, Twitter and even Tumblr with family and friends.  Instagram is a wonderful way to stay in touch with people, places and things both professionally and personally.  I could use Instagram in the classroom to document student work, capture moments, find ideas for presentations, record student experimental processes and promote events in and around the community, to include schools.

https://www.instagram.com/librarylady11/

Flipagram is a tool used to create and share presentations through video slide shows.  Flipagram was my least favorite of the three.  I had issue uploading music and manipulating the text.  A tutorial would have been nice to navigate you through how to use.  If I had to use it in the classroom, it could be used to tell stories, record class presentations and document/display student work/progress.

Screencast is an online recording platform used to create, manage, and share videos.  In the classroom it can be used to capture lessons, make announcements and even make assignments for students.

Overall, my favorite app for the classroom is Screencast.  I think it has the most educational valuable.  It can be used in a variety of ways.  I can easily see utilizing it for lesson starters, presentations, demonstrations and displaying student work.  All the apps were free and easy to access.  With so many options including these three, we as educator have no excuse not to be creative in reaching our students and giving them the best experience possible.

The World of Infographics

The World of Infographics!

We live in an ever-evolving world of technology. Information is literally at our fingertips. We are constantly being “overloaded” with new information. Infographics is a tool that is changing the way we present this information. It is a quick and easy way to present information using eye-catching graphics. Let’s review a few I thought was worth a look at.

Easel.ly: For someone with little artistic ability, Easel.ly created a platform for me that was simple and quick to navigate. Easel.ly provides both a free and paid version of its program. The free version has its limitations, but, with the variety of free images, font sizes and other features, you should be able to create a product that you can be proud of. You can choose to use templates or backgrounds already formulated or a blank slate. Because one of learning modalities is visual-the You Tube tutorial was very helpful. It prepared me with instructions on how to insert objects (listed by category), how to change colors/shapes and even upload pictures. Try the free version. If you like it, its super cheap ($3 per month) for the year upgrade.

Infogr.am: The first thing I noticed was how clean and simple the interface is. Its transitions from one slide to the next is smooth and seamless. It is user-friendly, interactive, visually appealing and little to no learning curve. The free version is extremely limiting. Overall, it is a good option to display your spreadsheet data effectively in a business setting.

Piktochart: Includes a start-up video that provides step-by-step instructions on how to use. There is a very limited selection of templates. Once you choose a template, you can change, add to, and upload text and pictures. I recommend that you play around with it before implementing in the classroom. It does have a bit of a learning curve to be comfortable. I also recommend getting the paid version if you want the full effect of the product.

Ease.ly, Infogr.am and Piktochart are great tools to use to present information in a visual format. They all have pros and cons, you have to choose which one best fit your needs. This is a good start to exploring the world of infographics as a resource to enhance instruction for teachers and as a visual learning aid for student.

References

Battelle, J. (2018, February 6). The techlash gains momentum. Retrieved from
https://shift.newco.co/the-techlash-gains-momentum-8e7cfaf23b51

Rosen, L. D. (Spring 2017). The heavy toll of “always on” technology. Retrieved from https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/the-heavy-toll-of-always-on-technology/

Webber, J. E. (2018, January 12). Digital dystopia: tech slavery and the death of privacy-podcast. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/audio/2018/jan/12/digital-dystopia-end-of-privacy-tech-podcast

Thornhill, J. (2018, March 23). Halting the slide towards a digital dystopia. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/21a7044a-2dcc-11e8-9b4b-bc4b9f08f381

Stephens, R. (2015, December 16). How adolescents cope with digital stress. Retrieved from https://journalistsresource.org/studies/society/internet/adolescents-cope-digital-stress

Pew Research Center. (2018, April 17). The future of well-being in a tech-saturated world. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/04/17/the-future-of-well-being-in-a-tech-saturated-world/

Image Created with Easel.ly

Social Butterfly: Facebook and Twitter in the Library

I went to school in the late 70s and 80s, way before social media existed.  It is now everywhere.  I can only imagine how different my school experiences would have been.  It would have eliminated a lot of time.  Facebook and Twitter allow us immediate access to information in a matter of minutes.  it is no surprise to me that librarians are using those platforms to engage and communicate with students, parents and the community.

I have had a personal Facebook page for many years.  I must admit I mostly use it to keep up with family and friends.  Rarely do I post except for special occasions.  It peaked my curiosity as to what a library page might offer.  After exploring quite a few pages, it appears that liking and sharing is more popular than commenting.  Almost every page had an “About” section that consisted of a mission statement and contact information. It also including pictures (students, décor, etc.), videos (themed, read aloud, etc.), events (author visits, story fest, and community outreach (beautification projects, Oni-Con, etc.) Although having a Facebook page for your library would be a wonderful place to exchange information, there are some drawbacks.  A library Facebook page can be an avenue to bring awareness to library events, gather feedback and connect all stakeholders.  However, it takes time to manage, some sites maybe blocked by your school’s internet filters and Facebook is no longer the top social platforms for students.  Even with the cons, Facebook is a worthwhile library commitment.

The landscape of how students use social media has changed.   Facebook is no longer the most popular online platform.  According to a recent article published by Pew Research Center, “YouTube, Instagram and SnapChat are the most popular online platforms among teens”. (Anderson and Jiang 2018).  Although Twitter did not make the top three choices of most popular, it is still a great resource and one that I would choose overall.  Twitter is immediate, interactive and concise.  Whatever the platform of your choose, make sure you know your audience, are willing to maintain page and be current and relevant.

Twitter Ed Tech

The Daring Librarian

@GwynethJones

The Daring Librarian. Future Ready. Mover, Shaker, Innovator, & Google Certified. Geek. Ridiculously Humble.  Gwyneth uses the platform of Twitter to showcase the wonderful things that are happening in her library as well as recommendations and lists of books to read.

Jim Lerman

@jimlerman

Architect of Ideas & Implementation: Educator, Designer, Author, Speaker, Project Director

Joe Fahs

@mpondu 

Director ATS Elmira College, Canvas learner, math instructor, returned Peace Corps vol (French-speaking Congo), proud grandpa, avid walker, yoga believer. Joe gives us a glimpse into his personal life with sweet tweets of his grandchildren doing the cutest things like watering plants.  He also shares important and insightful information and resources related to Elmira College and his department to technology reviews about the latest happenings.  

Kathy Schrock

@kathyschrock

Educational Technologist/Ed Tech presenter. Geek, DEN Guru, GCT. Apple Teacher 2016. Kathy is a true “techy”.  Her tweets are informative and hands-on. She is a true “techy” with a vast knowledge of technology.  Her use of Twitter is a great enhancement to creditability.

Anderson, M. & Jiang, JJ. (2018, May 15). Teens, social media & technology 2018. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org

Blogs and Blog Readers

Wide World of Blogs

Although I’ve blogged about books I read in two of my previous classes, this assignment dove in a little deeper.  It showed me how little I know about the world of blogging. The article on the top RSS Readers was very helpful and informative in my decision on which one to choose.  I highly recommend reading the article https://zapier.com/blog/best-rss-feed-reader-apps/  to better understand the diverse types of RSS readers out there.

Most of the RSS Readers offered the same services but, I found Bloglovin to be a better fit for me because of its simplicity.

Bloglovin is a platform that allows users to organize, read, and discover their favorite blogs on mobile and desktops.

Other features I liked:

• No cost
• Easy set-up built-in blogging tools
• Offers apps for both Android and iOS platforms
• Caters primarily to the “lifestyle” crowd
• Reputable and award winning

Highlighted Blogs

Bookswept is a collection of literary quotes, reflections and personal storytelling. This blog caught my attention because it focuses on two these that I love, quotes and storytelling.

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/bookswept-11870201

Me, My Shelf and I is a blog with book reviews, giveaways, author interviews focusing on Young Adult, New Adult and Middle Grade Books.  The blog title caught my eye first because it is very similar to the title of one of my favorite Beyonce songs’ Me, Myself and I. I am also a big fan of YA books.

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/me-my-shelf-i-18854971

Xpresso Reads is mostly a YA book blog that helps you pile on to your “to be read”(TBR) list. I am a big fan of YA books and hope to one day become a middle or high school librarian.

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/xpresso-reads-4014216

Caffeinated Reviewer is a blog of book and audio reviews in all fictional genres from romance to horror by Kimberly Costa all while chatting over coffee. Who doesn’t like like a good chat over coffee or tea with friends.

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/caffeinated-reviewer-9974645

NPR Topics:Books is a blog dedicated to book reviews, interviews with authors, and NPR Book Tours, a weekly audio feature and podcast where leading authors read and discuss their work.  I really like the idea of the authors point of view of the writing. I think it would be quite interesting to discover their process from being to end.

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/npr-topics-books-639050

My Tumblr page

https://cassandramurdaugh.tumblr.com/