Final Reflection

                                                    5391-Final Reflection

I am leaving 5391 Digital Technology for School Librarians with so many new resources and tools. With technology leading the way of education, I could not have taken this class at a better time. My knowledge on digital technology has increased sufficiently and I can’t wait to implement these tools in my future library, until then I will use them in my classroom!

MOST ENJOYABLE

I have to say cartoons and comics module was the most enjoyable module. I know cartoons and comics have been around for some time now, but I really never took the time to create my own. Gaining the opportunity has made me realized the possibilities the use of cartoons and comics can be in the library and classroom. 

NOT MY FORTE!

Every module through out this course has offered its unique information, but I would have to say podcasts are not my forte! I had a blast creating the podcast with my group members, but if it was just me on my own, I am not sure what the outcome would be. I personally love listening to podcasts and think they offer great insight on a different number of topics. They can also be useful in the classroom as students can create their own.  

BEST TOOLS FOR STUDENTS

There are many great applications and tools for students to use from screencasts to YouTube, podcasts to QR Codes, infographics to social media platforms, but I would have to say, cartoons and comics. Cartoons and Comics can be a great way to have students showcase what they have learned. Many times students have a hard time putting their thoughts down on paper. Using comics can eliminate those barriers and assist students to show what they have learned. At times students need to visually see information and this is one way this is possible. The fact that their creations can be completed using a computer or cell phone makes this tool that more feasible. 

For the final reflection I selected Plotagon an app that is downloaded via a smart phone. Plotagon is a platform for digital storytelling. The application allows you to create your own story with different characters, settings, and directing options. This app would be a great addition the library or the classroom where students can create their own story. I enjoyed creating my digital story through this app. Enjoy!

                                                                5391-Final Reflection

Universal Design for Learning

 

Universal Design for Learning a.k.a. UDL

Meeting the needs of all learners can be a struggle for teachers at times. I know the question I always ask myself is, am I meeting the needs all learners and then, how do I implement those specific needs. Universal Design for Learning is something teachers implement in their instructions daily, but perhaps unaware their proactive planning falls under the umbrella of Universal Design for Learning. With the help of the UDL Guidelines Checklist and UDL Guidelines makes diverse instruction possible. 

After combing through the UDL Guidelines, I have come to find out there are some practices I already use within my instruction at this time. As I introduce a new unit or concept, I pre teach vocabulary words and use visuals to help make connections for those students who require the use of visuals. The use of graphic organizers is also present in my instruction. Since my teaching is currently 100% online I utilize the closed captions settings throughout my recorded lessons. When presenting information to my students I bold, use different fonts, and highlight keywords or key factors of the lesson. I also use sentence starts and sentence stems to assist my students and provide individualized feedback on assignments and projects.

            As I went through the UDL checklist and guidelines, I noticed there were several practices I can implement in my current instruction such as provide the option of rate of speech or sound. I become overly passionate of my content at times and have been told I speak at a rapid rate, so with this option made readily available to students, it gives them the option to slow down or speed up the rate of speech or sound. Varying demands and resources to improve challenge would be a guideline that I would need help with as I try and add it to my instruction.

Since we have been teaching virtually, I know I have been currently struggling with implementing more technology to meet the needs of my diverse learners. As I researched on ways to implement UDL in within virtual teaching I came across the following article and website:

Universal Design for Learning Application for Technology - Enhanced Learning 

 Technology and Universal Design for Learning 

   Universal Design of Learning Application for Technology – Enhanced Learning which provided great information for online teaching with UDL in mind. The article uses a college course as an example, but key takeaways are allowing students to showcase what they have learned in a variety of ways. This can be easily implemented within my class. Technology and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) explains a variety of tools for synchronous and asynchronous students, what the tool can do, ideas for use online, and how it connects to the Universal Design for Learning. Many times we are given many great tools to use, but the ever lingering question is how to use it in the class.

Resources

Morra, T., & Reynolds, J. (2010).Universal Design for Learning: Application for Technology Enhanced 

         Learning [Abstract]. ERIC, 15(1), 43-51. Retrieved November 27, 2020, from https://eric.ed.gov/?

         q=Universal+Design+of+Learning+Application+for+Technology+-    

         +Enhanced+Learning&id=EJ881564

Technology and ​Universal Design for Learning (UDL). (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2020, from  

            https://schoolvirtually.org/technology-and-udl/

Podcasts

 

When I first heard the word podcast, I really did not know what to think. I never understood what podcasts were and to be honest, I never took the time to find out what they were all about. The word was foreign to me until last year. I was asked to create my very own podcast for one of my librarian classes, and then I finally figured out what podcasts were. Thinking back, I must have literally been on another planet because I was unfamiliar with podcasts. Every once in awhile I catch myself searching for new podcasts to pass the time for the drive to work. There are so many topics I jump back and forth from education podcasts to mystery/ thrillers. I do not have a favorite just yet, but I am slowly finding my way through the many varieties.

In the world of education there are many ways podcasts can be used, whether in the classroom as students create their own podcasts to assess their knowledge on the content that is being taught or they can be used as an instructional tool to teach students. As far as podcasts in libraries, the possibilities are endless. Podcasts can be used as part of mini lessons taught by the librarian, or the students can create their own podcasts on the current and up and coming events within their library. This is a great way for students to stay informed on different topics as well as learn from them. After searching for educational podcasts I came across some great podcasts that I have now subscribed to which are, Moving at the Speed of Creativity  (click for link!) by Wesley A. Fryer  and Edsurge Podcast (click on Edsurge Podcast for link). Fryer’s platform is education and digital literacy and Edsurge mainly covers how to implement education in the classroom. I think now more than ever any extra resources we can find on implementation of technology in the classroom is important. Even without this pandemic, I think eventually technology was going to take over the education world. It was only a matter of time. I know our district is in the talks of keeping the digital learning platform in the classroom. When the pandemic is over I think we will only be stronger at facilitating learning through technology and it will become the new “norm”.

Creating our podcast with our fellow group members was really a neat assignment. I have done solo podcasts, but to experience creating a podcast with other people was fun. After agreeing on the topic, the next challenge was to see how we were going to record all three of us on one podcast. Luckily one of our members was quick to think of a three way call and record the “interview”! Our team member uploaded the file to Podbean. I would have chosen the same platform because it is simple to use and navigate. You can hear our podcast on School Libraries-Check Book Out during a Pandemic: (click Library Lounge Podcast!) Library Lounge Podcast. Enjoy!

Whatever the case may be, podcasts are finding their ways into laptops, cell phones, vehicles, libraries, and classrooms. If you are looking start your own podcasts below are three different platforms, I have used and assessed.

Buzzsprout

The signing up for a free account was pretty simple and only tool about two steps to create an account. It did not have the option to sign up with your Gmail account, which makes it easier to login. So now I have to remember yet another password! Other than that, this podcast platform is straightforward in creating your very own podcast. It gives the option to upload files, which makes things easier for the user. Buzzsprout offers users to upload 2 hours of free content every 30 days before having to purchase additional hours of content. If you plan to create short podcasts, this free plan may be for you, however I can see where the user may need to purchase additional time. 2 hours of content can only take you so far. All in all I could see myself using Buzzsprout to create short podcasts. It is simple to upload and create your personal podcasts and the website it easy to navigate through.

 

Podbean

Then there is Podbean. Signing up for a free account allowed you to use you Gmail account, which is a small bonus (not having to remember another password is key) but never the less, it makes logging in is a cinch! If you are looking for a platform that has basic functions to create your personalized podcast, then look no further. Podbean offers 5 free hours of content with the free plan. They also offer 3 paid plans for the podcasts enthusiasts! I think the only downside with the free plan is the bandwidth you are given. I know it’s a business and they want to make money, so if you are needing more than 100 GB of bandwidth then you will be looking at upgrading your basic plan. The website offers a dashboard which keeps all of your podcast information centralized. This platform offers users to upload files to create their podcasts. The website also offers users a live stream option. This is a really neat function that I did not see on Buzzsprout. Both uploading and live streaming your very own podcasts begin with a simple click of a button. I would recommend this particular podcast website to those who are just starting off with podcasts.

Soundcloud

I had heard many great things about this podcast platform, but after taking a closer look, in my opinion it did not live up to my expectations. Then again not every podcast platform will suit every user. If you are in the music industry or looking for a way to show case your talents in music, then this podcast is just for you. Signing up for an account was easy. Once you have created an account you are able to upload your content and create your podcast. You are also able to stream music through the website. This podcast host is a create concept, but I do not think this is the way to go if you are looking for an easy podcast platform to upload and share with listeners. My advice would be to use podcasts such as Podbean or Buzzsprout. Although, I may have found a new way to stream music!

 

Cartoons and Comics

PIXTON

                                                                   PIXTON-Link to comic 

    Out of all three different comic/cartoon platforms, I enjoyed creating this particular comic strip. Being able to create your avatars as characters would be something I can see the students enjoying. There are many options a user can use to create their unique comics. From the different premade backgrounds to the action of the characters, the possibilities are endless. I was a little disappointed at seeing how most of the backgrounds, avatars, faces, and actions required an upgraded plan in order to gain access, but with the items that were free was enough to create a descent comic. I think students would enjoy this particular platform because of the simplicity use of the program. It is not at all confusing and your work is saved as you are completing your comic. Pixton would be a comic strip platform I would use with my students. I think by creating the comics with Pixton  would keep the students engaged in the activity from beginning to end. 

FOTOJET

    I appreciate when a website offers templates to get you started with your project. I think this is great for first time users of the website. Without templates, I think the task can be a little intimidating to get started. This particular comic platform was different from the rest, in the way that you could apply actual photos to the comic strip. The others did not offer that option. This adds another way users can creatively create comics. Saving the assignment was simpler than the others. It downloaded as a jpeg, which was easy to upload. There were many backgrounds, fonts, colors, styles, and clipart to create your personal comic strip. I do think students would be able to use Fotojet in the classroom, but it would not be my first choice to offer students. The only concern I keep in mind is the creating accounts. I like the way Pixton allows you to create and manage classes, in the similar way Flipgrid does. 

MAKE BELIEFS COMIX

Make Beliefs Comix-Link to comic

    I like how you do not have to create an account, which may be easier to log in and start creating right away, but I do not recommend this option. I had to redo my comic 3 times before completing it! I accidently clicked on another link and it would erase my work. By creating an account, you are allowed to save, which I recommend you do right away and allows you to save your comics online. This comic was probably the easiest to create. There are many characters, balloons and prompts, backgrounds, and objects to select from. There is a limit of 18 frames, so the students would have to be aware of that before starting on their comics. I can see students using this Make Beliefs Comix because it is easy to use and create. The comic starters are a great way to get the students started on their comic. At times they need that little push and the rest is up to them. 

Sharing Comics with Teachers

    Now that I have had the opportunity to create my own comics on three different platforms, I now have an understanding of the benefits of creating comics as part of promoting student learning or educating teachers. Comics can be a great visual representation of information that can be shared with teachers during staff development days. It can engage the learners (whether teachers or students) on different levels. Perhaps converting those powerpoint presentations into comics can get the students to understand content better. As part of student learning, the librarian can offer comics to teachers to assist with ELL students. The beauty of comics is that is less writing involved, but can still showcase what a student has learned throughout the lesson. 

Videos and QR Codes in the Library

Youtube 

Norman High Library

Tiger Visits The Norman High Library 

How to use EBSCOHost

The Unquiet Library

The Unquiet Library on Wheels @ The Cafeteria

Creative Commons 

Pikesville High School Library

The Birthday Party Paper Slide Video 

Hip Hop Day @ The Panthers Library

BBMS Media

Hey Where My Books At- Miranda Sings Parody

Headphone Storage

1) Which is the most helpful for students.

The Creative Commons video on what creative commons is and when to use it would be most helpful for students. This is a great visual on providing students information on Creative Commons. 

 2) Which is the video that the students would like the best?

They were all great videos, but I think the visit to the library would be most beneficial to the students. It showcased the process of checking out a book, along with all the resources the library has to offer. At times students may not know or will not take the time to check for themselves what the school has to offer. By making this video it may spark the interest of many other students to visit the library, as they now can see for themselves what the library has to offer. It kept me engaged from start to the beginning and I know students alike would like this video.

Implementation of YouTube in My Library

There are many ways to incorporate YouTube in a library. A channel specifically for our library could be used to showcase our school library and to create how to videos for instructional purposes. Library projects can also be used within this channel. 

Animoto: Book Trailer-Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott, with Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis 

Please scan QR Code to view my Book Trailer! 

Creating Book Trailer with Animoto 

When I first read over the assignment and what we would be doing, I was feeling a little worried because this was my first time creating anything with Animoto. I was surprised at how easy it was to create the book trailer. The website is extremely user friendly and easy to navigate. I can see the endless opportunities websites like Animoto can provide for students to use their creativity and create different projects. I can also see how a school library use such websites to promote the school library or to engage students during instruction. 

Good Reads: "Stella Grant likes to be in control—even though her totally out of control lungs have sent her in and out of the hospital most of her life. At this point, what Stella needs to control most is keeping herself away from anyone or anything that might pass along an infection and jeopardize the possibility of a lung transplant. Six feet apart. No exceptions.

The only thing Will Newman wants to be in control of is getting out of this hospital. He couldn’t care less about his treatments, or a fancy new clinical drug trial. Soon, he’ll turn eighteen and then he’ll be able to unplug all these machines and actually go see the world, not just its hospitals.

Will’s exactly what Stella needs to stay away from. If he so much as breathes on Stella she could lose her spot on the transplant list. Either one of them could die. The only way to stay alive is to stay apart. But suddenly six feet doesn’t feel like safety. It feels like punishment.

What if they could steal back just a little bit of the space their broken lungs have stolen from them? Would five feet apart really be so dangerous if it stops their hearts from breaking too?"

Reference 

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott. (2018, November 20). Retrieved October 25, 2020, from 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39939417-five-feet-apart

QR Codes 

As I researched ways libraries are using QR Codes in the library I came across great ideas. Giving the students the opportunity to create a code that shows their projects. Students get to work with technology while staying engaged. QR Codes can also be used them as instructional videos. Librarians can them displayed at the computer area, check out stations, and throughout the book shelves to name a few. These codes can take students directly to how to videos, which can free up the librarian to assist in other areas. These codes can also be used as brochures for literacy night. It can showcase what literacy night has to offer parents and students. Last but definitely not last, they can be used to manage the library. Hours of the library can be scanned along with extra information of the library. 

References 

Whitchurch, M. (2011, December 01). QR codes and library engagement. Retrieved October 25, 2020, 

                    from https://asistdl.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/bult.2011.1720380107

Zinkovich, B. (n.d.). Using QR Codes to Promote Your Library. Retrieved from 

                    https://www.ebscohost.com/novelist/novelist-special/using-qr-codes-to-promote-your-

                    library

Screencasts

                                                          Screencast-o-Matic Vs. ScreenCastify 

Screencast-o-matic

I was a little apprehensive at first with the thought of recording myself. One must get used to recording yourself, of course after some practice, screen casts become easier to complete. I absolutely love Screencast-o-Matic. I have been using this screen cast to record my lessons for virtual learning this school year. I have heard mixed reviews on this particular screen cast as it does have a limit of recordings you are given before you have to upgrade. Recently I upgraded to the premier plan because it allows for longer recordings and extra bandwidth. It also has great editing features. 

ScreenCastify 

This was the first time I used ScreenCastify. Some of my colleagues use this certain screen cast, but I feel indebted to Screencast-o-matic. I was a little confused as to how to go about recording even after taking the virtual tour. After exploring the application, I noticed it only gives you a 5 minute recording time frame. I also noticed you are also able to clip videos and adjust as needed, which is a great feature. 

There are plenty of ways to incorporate screen casts within the school setting. As Dr. Gross mentioned, screen casts can be used to record lessons, give tutorials for students on different applications or directions, and share out information to students and parents. Creating screencasts gives off a more personal experience as some offer the option of recording yourself as you are recording. 

I personally prefer Screencast-o-Matic over ScreenCastify. I am familiar with this screencast, as I mentioned I have been using it for my virtual classroom. I am sure if I was introduced to ScreenCastify or another screen cast I would probably prefer that one over Screencast-o-matic. The tools to record in Screencast-o-matic are very straightforward and I feel it is user friendly. 

Infographics

                                                                           INFOGRAPHICS 

Piktochart seems simple enough to use. I like how they offer many types of templates which seems to be more than Infogram offers in their basic plan. Templates are easy to manipulate and allows you to create your own unique design. It also allows simple ways to add or change pictures and content. I personally think Piktochart offers great eye catching templates that can offer students of all levels a great visual presentation of information.

With infogram they automatically start you off at the basic plans which allows the user up to 10 projects, 13 maps, object animations (sounds interesting) and access to public content. They also offer 2 other paid monthly subscriptions: Pro at $19.00, Business at $67.00, and Team at $149.00. I like how the templates are broken up into categories as soon as you are beginning your infographic. I believe infogram would benefit the teacher or librarian as the templates seem more engaging/ appealing for students. They do not however, offer as many free templates as Piktochart or Easley. I ended up choosing and using this particular application to create my assignment. I know with more practice, the possibilities are endless. I have already thought of many different ways to implement infographics within the classroom! 

At the first glance, this infographic website looks simple and easy to navigate through hundreds of free templates. Just as Piktochart, I find the templates simple to manipulate and make them your own. This website seems to offer the same editing functions. I think selecting the one that works best for you is key and stick with it to complete your project.

Here is the link for a better picture of my infographic! Tammy's Infographic

Reference for Infographic

Rosentiel, T. (2020, August 11). Who Flies the Flag? Not Always Who You Might Think.

Retrieved October 09, 2020, from https://www.pewresearch.org/2007/06/27/who-flies-

the-flag-not-always-who-you-might-think/