Final Reflection-Digital Technology for the School Librarian

Final Reflection

While I look back at my last and final semester before I graduate…yay, I can really say that I have gained a great wealth of knowledge in this course.  Honestly, I did not know about a lot of these new innovative technology resources and different ways I could implement them in the library.  I was also able to blog a little more which is always fun.  I was also able to read my classmates blogs which is a new way of growing and developing new ideas for my library too.

 Which new technologies excited me the most?

 Although I truly did enjoy and learned from many of my assignments, my favorite was creating and revisiting the Podcasts.  I think I will be trying to use these more in the library.  I also really enjoyed the cartoons and comics.   There is just an abundance of ways to integrate these in the library as well.  In my library, Graphic Novels are big and I think with these cartoons comics websites/apps, students will really enjoy creating their own and share amongst themselves.  I honestly was scared in doing so many of the assignments, but once I played around with the apps/websites I was okay at the end. 

Which new technologies did I find most difficult?

The most challenging assignment for me was creating Infographics and only because I really had never created one before.  I thought that it was very difficult at first, because I was viewing the professional ones and comparing myself to it, which terrified me.  After completing mine, it was not the best but I felt a little better that I actually completed my final product.

Which new technologies do I find most beneficial for students?

I cannot honestly just point out only one, because I strongly feel that many of the resources that are embedded in our modules/assignments will benefit my students as well as myself.  I know that trying new resources can be scary, but so worth it at the end.  I need to try to expose my students to many new innovative resources so they can become 21^st century learners.  I truly enjoyed this class and found it extremely beneficial.

Media (is) the message?

Media (is) the message?

Is the medium truly the message?

In my opinion I feel that no, we (educators) should be able to use different mediums to deliver the instruction or message we are sharing or teaching.   I feel there is much emphasis in trying to incorporate technology into our lessons that sometimes the reason of why we are using it, it tends to get lost along the way.   Eric Sheninger mentioned, "schools are going all in with 1:1 or BYOD initiatives with no real plan for implementation and evaluation of effectiveness" (Sheninger 2015).   I think just because we provide students with an iPad it does not guarantee student success.  I feel that technology can have a great impact on how students learn, but it has to be planned and always with an intention in mind.   We should do research before we implement apps or websites into our instruction.  We should never assume that all students could use the new technology.  Yes, some students tend to be able to use them, but thinking that all of them is a big misconception, many educators tend to do.   We should also teach our students about making smart ethical decisions while using technology.   So is the medium truly the message, again no, in my humble opinion because we educators should decide what medium to deliver the message or instruction.

How you see your role as a school librarian to support student and teacher learning?

We librarians wear many various different hats, and one important component in us being successful while using all of them should be student learning.  As librarians, we must empower our staff members as well.  We should offer to train our teachers with the most current and new technology gadgets.  In doing this, we are also being trailblazers in recommending new ways in how to incorporate technology into their classroom instruction.  As librarian/media specialist at our campus, we should not be scared about trying new technology.  We should be advocates and serve as an example in how much fun integrating technology can really be.  I feel that in providing staff members with information regarding literacy, research skills and different ways will allow our students to become independent learners and develop 21^st century learners.  If we provide staff members with these skills, we will ensure students to become critical thinkers while also enjoy reading.

How can you use technology to teach and learn?

I feel that technology can be a powerful and useful teaching learning tool if used appropriately to meet the student’s needs. Technology for me like for example in my educational experience plays a big factor in me achieving my Master’s Degree.  I am able to complete my degree online and therefore I will be graduating with my Master’s Degree in Library Science.  Honestly, if it had not been for it being online I would not have been able to get my degree.  Therefore, technology if used appropriately can be a great powerful and useful opportunity for student learning to occur, in my opinion. 

Where do we need to go in terms of how librarians support this vision? 

I feel that libraries are not no more just viewed as buildings with books, but rather as a resourceful place to locate different resources.  The days when the librarian was only sitting behind her desk are far from gone. I feel that we librarians can support curriculum while promote literacy development and foster lifelong readers.   If allowed we can offer a great wealth of educational resources that will allow students to become 21^st century ready.  Libraries offer various online databases, eBooks, audiobooks, online catalogs, research tools and websites that can be great resources to all.  This past year was my first library position and I was able to incorporate into my lessons technology centers that include Osmo kits, Makey makey, Dash and Dot, LittleBits and Ozobots.   These tools were great resources that will prepare our students for their future educational endeavors.

What blocks you see that will hinder the adoption of technology in education?

I feel that one of the biggest factors would be the lack of funding.  I think it is very difficult to stay up-to-date with all latest technology when there is no money.  I am not in any way trying to make excuses because I feel when you really want something you find a way to get it.  Like for example, all the technology gadgets mentioned earlier, they were additions to the library with Donor’s Choose grants, so there is always a way to get things done if needed.  However, when you get a very small school budget it is very difficult to purchase new devices or gadgets for the library.   I also think that another factor that could hinder the adoption of technology in the library or education would be the lack of support from administrators.  It is sad when some administrators do not appreciate technology and therefore do not see the great impact that they can have on student success. 

References:

Sheninger, E. (2015, April 26). Why Pedagogy First, Tech Second Stance is Key to the Future. EdTech.

Podcasts

Podcasts

What are some of the benefits of using podcasts in the library?

• Collaboration between students and librarians.
• Using podcasts will promote using several multiple learning styles.
• Active learning is occurring.
• Enhance creative skills.
• Enjoyable way for learning.

Personal Reviews

In this assignment we were to create a Podcast.  We were instructed to learn or create one by using three different types of programs.  In the past I’ve used Podbean when creating Podcasts.  Podbean is rather simple, and I think students would love the user-friendly style.  It is easy and free.  Even though, I did create free accounts with all of three suggested programs/apps, I choose to stick to Podbean.  I just liked how familiar I was with it. 

Ideas for using Podcast in the library

• Storytelling
• Book talks
• Student Presentations
• Guest speakers
• Debates
• Current events
• Student presentations
• Reading Autobiographies
• Book Summaries
• Main Idea of books
• Interviews

Here is a link to the podcast that I had created in the past

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My podcast is in regards to my Reading Autobiography.

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-aktpt-600ed0

Cartoon and Comics

Cartoon and Comics

Make Beliefs Comix!

Evaluation

Was the comic strip easy to create?

This site was super easy and quick to create a comic strip.  Make Beliefs Comix!  is an online tools that with just a few clicks and drops you are able to choose to create your comic strip. 

Was it easy to save?

I created it then emailed it to myself.  Once I opened the email I had the option to open or save my comic strip. 

Did the site offer enough variety?

Make Beliefs Comix!  offers a great variety of characters and background you can choose to create your own comic strip.  The comic strip library for characters, and back grounds was not much, but still it worked out.  You can change the color of the backgrounds or choose a background.  It is a free website which is great, because you don’t need to download an app for it. 

Would students be able to use it?

I feel that this website would be of great fun for students to get to create their own comic strip, but worried as far as how will they be able to take it with them.  I suppose for the older students in the elementary level, if students have access to an email they could email it to themselves or their parents.  But, overall Make Beliefs Comix! I think students would love it!   

Pixton

 

Evaluation

Was the comic strip easy to create?

Pixton was a little  bit more engaging, being that there is more backgrounds and characters or objects you can add.  You simply click-and-choose what you want to add or delete. 

Was it easy to save?

Although, the site and app are free to use, in order for you to print or download you comic you need to upgrade your account.  I was able to screen shot the comic and share that in here.  I also was able to attach the link to my comic, but you would need to have Pixton in order to view it.

Did the site offer enough variety?

Yes, the site does offer more of a variety of templates, templates, characters and fonts to work with. I loved the fact that in the backgrounds there was several library backgrounds to embed into your comic strip. 

Would students be able to use it?
I feel that students would enjoy this site/app and appreciate the fact there is an option for age controls and language to be filtered. I would highly recommend this website for educational purposes.

Link to my comic:  https://www.pixton.com/schools/from/comic/i9dxi9hs

Toondoo

Evaluation

Was the comic strip easy to create?

This website was a little more confusing, but once I got the hang of it I liked it.  Kids would enjoy using this to create their strips.   

Was it easy to save?

Yes, users it was easy to download and save as well as share. 

Did the site offer enough variety?

Yes, the site offers a wide variety of characters, colors, and backgrounds to choose from, as well as different speaking bubbles. 

Would students be able to use it?

Even though it is kid friendly I did see some characters that can be manipulated in a negative way, so not sure if it would be appropriate. 

Reflection

Overall, after practicing and creating from the three different sites I would have to say that all of them have their own positives and negatives.  Honestly, I felt like why should we need to create a comic strip, but after creating one I can see the many ways they can be beneficial as educational resources.  I feel that students and teachers could enjoy creating these comics for various different reasons to integrate into their classroom instruction.  My favorite site was Make Beliefs Comix. I feel that this website would be a great match for the students at an elementary level.  It was easy to use and safe.  I also found that they have an additional website that offers writing prompts and lesson plan ideas.

Extra Credit: Tellagami Book Talk

 

YouTube, Animoto, and QR Codes

Videos and QR Codes in the Library

YouTube is commonly used by a lot of people, and now you see it being used more by educators as well.  Libraries are also choosing to showcase their elementary by creating book talks, book nooks, or even to promote their upcoming events.  While trying to find examples of book trailers I noticed that many were created by students.  I feel when students are in charge and are creating their videos it will allow them to feel ownership towards their creations which enable them with motivation to think critically and out of the box.

The NHS Library

1) Video that students would like best: Tiger Visits The Norman High Library

2) Most helpful video for students: Norman Public Schools Celebrates Your Freedom to Read

 

 

The Unquiet Library

1) Video that students would like best: New Arrivals, April 2012

 

2) Most helpful video for students: Finding and Using Wikimedia Commons Images

Pikesville HS Library

1.)    Video that students would like best: The Panthers Library Shakes

 

2)        Most helpful video for students: Registration Process

 

 

BB MS Media

1)      Video that students would like best: Fifth Harmony Overdue Library Book Parody

  2)     Most helpful video for students:  The Panthers Library in Action Jan 2012

Overdue Twilight

 

Overdue Games

 

Book Talk: "Little Cat’s Luck" by Marion Dane Bauer

Synopsis from Publisher:

When an indoor calico cat named Patches spots a golden autumn leaf fluttering past her window, she can’t help but venture outside to chase it. But soon, Patches feels something tugging at her, telling her to find a special place—one she won’t know until she sees it. Why must she go on this search? She doesn’t know yet.

Along the way, Patches finds herself in dire circumstances, but with the help of the other neighborhood animals, she faces off against the scariest dog in town and continues on her journey to her special place.

Author's Website Link

Social-Emotional Learning Guide

Teaching Guide

Podcast introducing the book on TeachingBooks.net

About our book talk:

How can I use this new learned knowledge in the library.  Well, I’m hoping to create book talks or book summaries and recommendations to books with students this upcoming year.  I’m really hoping to create more QR codes that will be around the library so students can check out the book talks when I’m trying to promote books.  I’m even thinking of doing it with the Blue Bonnet Books this upcoming school year.  Will see, but for sure will be utilizing these neat tools in the library.

                  Book trailer using YouTube & Animoto

 

Scan QR CODE

Scan QR code to see the book trailer for the book "Little Cat’s Luck" by Marion Dane Bauer.

 

 

 



 



 

 



 

SCREENCASTS, INSTAGRAM AND FLIPAGRAM

Screencast, Instagram and Flipagram

Screencast-o-matic

Screencast-o-matic was more simpler than I thought.  I had seen our professors from Sam Houston done several screencast videos, but never had I experienced doing one myself.  I wanted to create a quick tutorial that would be useful for our staff to benefit from.  I always seem to get the same question or student who asks me “Mrs. I’m locked in AR can you unlock me?”  Even though, I’ve demonstrated to teachers how to unlock students some might not remember how, so with that in mind I decided to make this quick easy tutorial of how to unlock students within the program Accelerated Reader known as AR.  My goal would be for me to link or embed this tutorial in my webpage or even email it to our staff members for future reference.

 

Instagram

Instagram, in my opinion can be a great tool for our students and staff members to use for the promotion of any upcoming event they might be having.  I did a post promoting our District-wide Back-to-school Expo.  I can foresee how much a school and library can benefit from these type of apps.  I had not used this tool in the library because we need to have our School District approve it first, so I have not been utilizing this tool as much as I should or can.  Instragram seems to be earning more popularity with younger users rather than Facebook, so therefore I feel students would be able to view posts more if Instagram is approved through our District as a resource to use. 
 

 

 Flipagram

Flipagram was pretty simple to use as well.  I have used Flipagram as part of one of my past Sam Houston courses requirements for the introduction of my other courses.  I can foresee myself using Flipagram in the library to be able to create and share videos of our students participating in the library with different miscellenaous events.  I used Flipagram this year earlier in the library when I created a video to showcase some headstart 3 year olds visiting the library.  They were visiting our school as part of their orientation and while their I read them a book and in conjunction with the music teacher we also sang allowed them to sing as well the book.  I also prepared some baggies with goodies and they even received a book from Henry Ford Elementary.  I love this video and this resource.

Flipagram Video-Headstart visits the Library Link

 My Favorite:

My favorite one tool from all these three is Flipagram maybe because I was able to create a video showcasing some pretty little faces.  I love all these tools and enjoy learning more of these type of resources.  Overall, I feel that any resource will work if you make it work, and they all seemed to be great additions to my library toolbox.

Infographics

Software programs options to create infographics: 

Piktochart

Piktochart is a web-based infographic software program that allows users to create professional infographics. You have the choice to use their pre-made creative themed templates which look so professional and appealing.  An awesome feature that Picktochart has is that its capability to HTML your infographic which makes it easier to view online which allows more numerous elements right in your fingers.  The program provides users with tools like charts, videos, hyperlinks and interactive maps.

Easel.ly

Easel.ly is a website that features numerous different and free infographic templates that you can design or customize to create your unique one.  This website also allows you to share your ideas online. By using this website, you can easily drag or drop your designs by either choosing to use their pre-made templates or purchasing their designs.  You can change backgrounds or insert images which creates ownership.

Infogr.am

Infogram is easy and user-friendly, the data visualizations are extremely appealing. Infogram grew its usage during its first six months and has been viewed by over 1 billion.  Charts and infographics are created and published across the nation.  The animated GIF chart and graphical map titles has been recently added to be featured in their image libraries.

Evaluation:

Honestly at first, I was feeling a bit confused and overwhelmed thinking about how I would be able to create an infographic, but after viewing the user-friendly software available it relieved me to see how easy it really is to create my own infographic.  In all three sites I was able to create free accounts but, I found easier Picktochart to use.  I was able to drag and drop pictures and design and present my information.  The article that I choose I mentioned in my infographic “Teaching with Infographics-A Student Project Model” because I found more relevant to us in the education field. 


Link to my infographic:  https://magic.piktochart.com/output/23264010-webapps