Digital Technology Reflection
Wow, what an incredible journey this semester filled with valuable learning! I've always felt pretty comfortable with technology. I'd usually be one of the people on the staff that others would come to when they had a question with a particular online program or site. But it usually had to do with Google programs, Istation or some other simple tool.
I now feel even more comfortable with technology. I'd even consider myself a Digital Technology Expert! Before this semester, I never thought I'd be an expert in infographics, podcasts or Screencasting! I've learned so much that has already made me a better educator. In fact, out of all the new tools we've learned about, I've already implemented four into my classroom instruction. My students are creating book trailers on Animoto, comics on StoryboardThat, recording videos to reflect on their learning and creating infographics to deepen their learning on Nonfiction Text Features. They are having so much fun while using digital tools!
Here's what I thought about some of the tools I discovered this semester!
Most Exciting
So I couldn't decide on just one: Animoto and Infographics were the most fun for me! I've had students create Flipgrid videos to share book recommendations, and they enjoyed this format. But as soon as I showed them my Animoto book trailer, they all said bye to Flipgrid for book recommendations! (Sorry Flipgrid!) The best part is that Animoto is extremely user-friendly. I created student accounts and my students are currently working on their own book trailers. They beg me everyday to work on it. My students love the fact that they can add music into the background and images found in the Animoto library.
I had seen infographics before in various articles that I read, but I always thought it looked like hard work and that it'd be time consuming to create one. I had a hard time deciding between the three programs that were presented to us because they all seemed fun and creative in its own individual way. Ultimately, I chose Piktochart and I'm glad that I did because it was the best one for a new infographic creator. My partner and I even created an infographic for our Fair Use handout. It's a great way to bring (sometimes boring) information to life!
Most Challenging
Podcasts were the most challenging for me, not necessarily because it was difficult to navigate or the content was hard. It's because oral communication is the most challenging for me. I had to record myself a few times because I did not like the way I sounded or didn't feel confident in my speaking. I imagine that this might be the case for some of my students as well.
Which tool will most benefit students?
I think infographics are the most beneficial to students because students really struggle with analyzing informational articles. As stated in my original infographics post, "Because many of our students are visual learners, infographics are effective tools to share information." Students are able to synthesize new information while studying and creating infographics.
Article Reflection
This article brought great perspective to the role of a librarian and the importance of valuing the strengths of the teachers we work with. What I learned most from this article is how crucial it is to meet our students and teachers where they are at. Even though I feel comfortable with technology, it might totally overwhelm someone who is not so comfortable with digital tools. As librarians, we must work hand in hand with our teachers and understand their needs. Not only is it important to model new tools, but we must give our teachers time to play around with the tools as well, and be there to support them as they learn and/or implement the tools.
Final Digital Tool
I touched on this site during our Comic unit. Www.storyboardthat.com is a website that I have used with my students. It is one of the best comic creation sites with an extensive image/background gallery to choose from. You can then customize each image (skin color, position, facial expression, etc.)
Made with Storyboard That
This is my creation on how libraries have changed. Notice that the first image is not negative: I don't feel that libraries have been doing it wrong; we have simply evolved to reach our users in an ever-changing world.
Thank you Dr. Gross for a truly impactful class that has grown me as a learner and educator!
I now feel even more comfortable with technology. I'd even consider myself a Digital Technology Expert! Before this semester, I never thought I'd be an expert in infographics, podcasts or Screencasting! I've learned so much that has already made me a better educator. In fact, out of all the new tools we've learned about, I've already implemented four into my classroom instruction. My students are creating book trailers on Animoto, comics on StoryboardThat, recording videos to reflect on their learning and creating infographics to deepen their learning on Nonfiction Text Features. They are having so much fun while using digital tools!
Here's what I thought about some of the tools I discovered this semester!
Most Exciting
So I couldn't decide on just one: Animoto and Infographics were the most fun for me! I've had students create Flipgrid videos to share book recommendations, and they enjoyed this format. But as soon as I showed them my Animoto book trailer, they all said bye to Flipgrid for book recommendations! (Sorry Flipgrid!) The best part is that Animoto is extremely user-friendly. I created student accounts and my students are currently working on their own book trailers. They beg me everyday to work on it. My students love the fact that they can add music into the background and images found in the Animoto library.
I had seen infographics before in various articles that I read, but I always thought it looked like hard work and that it'd be time consuming to create one. I had a hard time deciding between the three programs that were presented to us because they all seemed fun and creative in its own individual way. Ultimately, I chose Piktochart and I'm glad that I did because it was the best one for a new infographic creator. My partner and I even created an infographic for our Fair Use handout. It's a great way to bring (sometimes boring) information to life!
Most Challenging
Podcasts were the most challenging for me, not necessarily because it was difficult to navigate or the content was hard. It's because oral communication is the most challenging for me. I had to record myself a few times because I did not like the way I sounded or didn't feel confident in my speaking. I imagine that this might be the case for some of my students as well.
Which tool will most benefit students?
I think infographics are the most beneficial to students because students really struggle with analyzing informational articles. As stated in my original infographics post, "Because many of our students are visual learners, infographics are effective tools to share information." Students are able to synthesize new information while studying and creating infographics.
Article Reflection
This article brought great perspective to the role of a librarian and the importance of valuing the strengths of the teachers we work with. What I learned most from this article is how crucial it is to meet our students and teachers where they are at. Even though I feel comfortable with technology, it might totally overwhelm someone who is not so comfortable with digital tools. As librarians, we must work hand in hand with our teachers and understand their needs. Not only is it important to model new tools, but we must give our teachers time to play around with the tools as well, and be there to support them as they learn and/or implement the tools.
Final Digital Tool
I touched on this site during our Comic unit. Www.storyboardthat.com is a website that I have used with my students. It is one of the best comic creation sites with an extensive image/background gallery to choose from. You can then customize each image (skin color, position, facial expression, etc.)
Made with Storyboard That
This is my creation on how libraries have changed. Notice that the first image is not negative: I don't feel that libraries have been doing it wrong; we have simply evolved to reach our users in an ever-changing world.
Thank you Dr. Gross for a truly impactful class that has grown me as a learner and educator!
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