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.

Cartoons and Comics

Comics and graphic novels are extremely popular with students and are finally being seen as a way for students to read more. Students are now making multiple trips to the library a week to check out the next graphic novel in a series or re-read a favorite. Thankfully this is a change from the past when comics were seen as not "real" literature and even at one point blacklisted. Graphic novels are now being embraced by students of all ages.

 ToonDoo

The first comic designing site I looked at was ToonDoo. This one ended up being my favorite. It had many options for scenery, people and objects. I found it more intuitive and did not have a problem adjusting items or moving things around. I did have to create an account, but it was simple. The program gives you the option of making cartoons or a comic book. I do feel it would be best to have students start with a comic first.  You can also choose to have your cartoon set to private and the program allows you to download your creation for free. It also keeps your cartoons in your account. Here is the simple cartoon I made. 

Pixton

Pixton was the second site I looked at for this post. I did not find it as easy to utilize as ToonDoo. You also had to create an account for this site. Pixton allows you to create comics, storyboards or graphic novels. This site also had many graphics to choose from and the characters were able to be manipulated. You have to option to change movement, skin tone and facial expressions. It took me slightly longer to manipulate the figures into what I wanted and I still struggled to make it look right. You also could not download without upgrading to a paid subscription. This site is geared more towards high school aged students. Here is my creation from Pixton.

   

  MakeBeliefComix

MakeBeliefsComix was the last site I evaluated. This site features more developed characters and settings for students to use, but there was a limited amount of manipulating the comic. I found it relatively easy to use. I think this would be a great for older elementary students. No account was needed to start creating. Teachers need to be made aware that if they are using this site for projects, there is no way to save and come back. Students will need to be able to work on their project start to finish. This site provides lesson plans and writing prompts. 

Comics could be used in the classroom in a variety of ways:

1.     Building reading comprehension

2.     Use as an alternative to traditional text book or novel

3.     Part of a project based learning assignment

4.     Part of a creative writing assignment

Most importantly, students love them and if graphic novels increase their interest in reading, I call that a win. Here is a picture of my daughter going in to her first comic book club!

Tellagami would not work well on my old iPad. It kept freezing. It looked interesting and very easy to use with an updated device. This type of program would be perfect for elementary students.