Goals for 2018

Goals for 2018

I truly enjoyed learning about many of the resources available for students and all the wonderful ways they can become 21^st Century learners. I started this blog as part of my graduate studies at SHSU and plan on continuing it as a way to help me process and reflect on the many ways technology can be utilized in an elementary school. I work in a 1:1 district which utilizes their own "App Store" that controls the content used on school issued iPads. I will be focusing on the apps allowed on student’s iPads and some of the ways to utilize them in the classroom.

Final Reflections

Final Reflections for Digital Technology for the School Librarian

Overall, I found this course from SHSU to be interesting and exciting. I loved learning about new sites and apps to use along with new ways to engage students utilizing technology. I know that the next step in my journey will need to be exploring the many apps available in my district which will help me when encouraging teachers to use the technology offered.

Most Exciting

I truly enjoyed learning how to make QR codes. I am so excited to find out how easy this is. There are limitless options on how to make this an effective learning tool for students. It is a great way to create shortcuts for young students, create interactive bulletin boards and give individualized group instructions. I am also excited to follow librarians on Twitter, Facebook and blogs. It is a wonderful way to explore new ideas and communicate with librarians around the United States.

Most Difficult

I found creating Infographics to be the most challenging assignment for me. I am not very creative and felt some of the programs more difficult to use than others. I would become frustrated when I could visualize what I wanted to create, but wasn't able to design it in the program. I also found it a little challenging to discover that some of the wonderful programs I have learned about in class aren’t accessible in my district or not approved for the elementary level. I will have to explore the options available to ensure my students have the ability to create movies, podcasts and small infographics.

Most Beneficial

For students, I feel the most beneficial application would be the app Tellagami. I think they would be able to utilize this as way to give book reviews, story summaries and reports. Students could use it with minimum assistance and with great results. I also loved Screencast-O-matic. This is a wonderful way to save a computer “how to” lessons for students who may have been absent or need to access the information at home. I could also store simple screencasts for teachers to use as needed to demonstrate how to access online resources, create QR codes and create their own screencasts.

Important to remember

It will always be important for me to remember to check the rules and guidelines of my district before planning lessons around a new program or a new application. For the elementary level, permission may be needed to obtain the app in the LISD app store. If a new app is needed to be utilized for a lesson and is available, it is also important to have it downloaded by students prior to the lesson, due to the limited capabilities at some schools. I feel confident that I could assist teachers and students in creating lessons that use technology and help those teachers that may be hesitant to try something new! 

Podcasts

Podcasts are typically audio files which can be downloaded and listened to on a computer, phone or mp3 player. Podcasts are extremely popular and many people tune in frequently to catch-up with their favorite broadcasts. I have not jumped on the podcast bandwagon, which is surprising, because I am a huge fan of audiobooks and love to listen while doing chores or driving around town. Looking over the types of Podcasts available, it seems there is something for everyone. I explored different ways to publish my own podcast.

Soundcloud

The first site I looked at was Soundcloud. You have to create an account, but it was simple and I linked it to my Google account.  Soundcloud offers a free account or you can upgrade for $4.99 a month for ad free listening and saving content off-line. With the free account, you can store up to 180 minutes of podcasts you have created.

*Pardon my voice, I have a cold!

AudioBoom

I had to create an account and confirm by email. You have a one month free trail, then it is $9.99 a month. It does allow you to connect your podcasts to social media accounts like Twitter and Facebook. It also allows you to distribute your work on Google Play and Spotify. This might be a great option for an educator who wanted to create podcasts for others.

Podomatic

PodOmatic requires that you set up an account either by using Facebook or email. PodOmatic does offer a free plan of 500 MB of storage and 15 GB of bandwidth per month. You are able to embed you podcast into Facebook, Twitter and Blogger. There is also a pro addition for $9.99 a month. It was easy to upload a computer file and create a podcast.

PodBean

I have used PodBean in other classes to upload and store audio recordings. This site works similarly to PodOmatic in that you upload a file from your computer. This site allows you to share links or upload to social media accounts like Twitter or Facebook. The content I created over the past year is still saved on the site.

Overall, I found Soundcloud the easiest to use, but podomatic would be a close second. I like that there are several options out there to help meet each individual's needs. 

There are some innovative ways to use podcasts in the classroom.

1.     Students can create book talks to promote literature.

2.     Students can create a podcast in lieu of the traditional written reports.

3.     Students could create newscasts on current events

4.     Teachers could record guest speakers for absent students.

5.     Teachers could record explanations of difficult concepts for students to access as needed.