Digital Technology

Podcasts have been one of the social media trends in the early 2000s. Podcasts are convenient because they are "on-the-go".  You simply need a device and headphones. Educational podcasts are on the rise. Podbean: I used Podbean in the past for one of my other Library Science classes and it was extremely easy to navigate for a first time podcaster. Now, I am pretty comfortable with technology, so I liked the Podbean app.  For those who are not used to social media, this might not be the right podcast app because there's a lot going on. Podbean resembles news and social media sites, in that it has scrolling podcast recommendations, ability to like and comment on others' podcasts.  This is my favorite podcast app, even after sampling the other two. Podbean has amazing features that the other two apps do not have.  I decided to use Podbean to record my podcast. Strengths: downloaded as an app on my phone  podcasts are broken into categories features audiobo...

Now this is an area I feel I am an expert in! Since graphic novels and comics are one of the latest trends with students, I try to stay updated with technology related to this topic to make learning engaging for my students.  The popularity of graphic novels in these last few years is simply astounding!  Nearly every kid in my fourth grade class has a graphic novel in their reading book box.  At first, I felt skeptical of my kids reading these books because I didn't feel it was high quality literature.  After sampling a few graphic novels on my own ( El Deafo, Smile), I realized that these stories can be thought-provoking for students. I now embrace graphic novels in the classroom.  My own personal recommendations: Before this unit, I sampled a couple of other comic sites in my own classroom: Storyboard That and Powtoon. Storyboard That ( https://www.storyboardthat.com ) is an online comic creation site.  It is free, but you are limited on how many st...

Youtube: The NHS Library Channel: Video that is most helpful for students: The librarian shows students how to use the EBSCOHost database, both at home and school.   Video that kids would like most: This video shows the school mascot touring the library and doing various activities such as browsing the online catalog for tiger books.  Too cute!  The Unquiet Library Channel: Video that is most helpful for students: This video had one of the highest amount of views on this channel.  Prezis are one of the most common presentation tools, so I think this is very helpful to students.   Video that kids would like most: The librarian brings the library to the students at lunch!  They were so amazed. Pikesville HS Library Channel: Video that is most helpful for students: The librarian features ways that the library addresses student needs.  I could tell that the library is a welcoming place for students. Video that kids w...

This week, I sampled using Screencasts and Instagram for classroom purposes. Screencasts Screencasts allow users to record and display information on the computer screen.  There are so many possibilities of using Screencasts in the classroom.  Teachers can record themselves doing a lesson to share with students for a review.  If students did not grasp a concept in class, they can watch the screencast video to review that concept.  Screencasts can also be used as an alternative to homework.  I have seen this being used in 'Flipped classrooms'. Students can watch the screencast on an upcoming topic in class, and they will be prepared to discuss the topic the following day.  This is a great way to save and use class time in order to address misconceptions and personalize learning based on students' understanding of the topic. One of the most innovative ways that I've seen teachers use screencasts is by having students record themselves teaching lessons base...

Infographics are new and improved ways to share information and messages with any audience. Infographics are visual graphics used to represent information (information + graphic) . Because many of our students are visual learners, infographics are effective tools to share information.  Students are able to quickly grasp and/or share new concepts, data and information through an infographic.  Diana Laufenberg, a history teacher in Philadelphia, provides valuable insight into the benefits of using infographics, " Infographics work in the classroom because they grab students and allow an entry point to learning — and because they sum up pages and pages, even chapters, of information that would take a reader hours to process. It pushes students outside their normal, comfortable “school” reading-and-writing habits, but it gives them practice in the ultimate 21st century skill: telling stories with data. In my experience, it also causes the new information they’ve researche...

Social networking is an online platform designed for users to connect with each other based on social and/or business purposes.  Social networking has transformed the use of communication in the education field.  Educators are able to connect with students, parents and the community in a way that is more relevant to modern users.  Because of this, we can reach more people in our school community. Today, I will be discussing the role of Facebook and Twitter in libraries and education. Facebook I have used Facebook for over ten years mainly for social purposes.  It was not until I began pursuing my Master's degree in Library Science that I discovered the benefits in using Facebook for business purposes as well.  Facebook promotes the library in a more interactive way than just a standard library webpage.  Most students are familiar with Facebook; it's a part of their everyday life. This makes it easy for students to navigate the page and is more ...