Final Reflection

I have enjoyed learning new technology resources that I can share with others. My goal in the library is to serve our digital natives and provide engaging resources they can benefit from. I also want to help encourage teachers to step out of their comfort zone and implement new technology in their classrooms.
The technology I enjoyed the most were the RSS Readers, infographics, screencasts, Animoto and podcasts. I love searching for new ideas and the RSS Readers, especially Digg Reader will definitely help me to organize and search the blogs I currently follow. Screencasts will be especially helpful when providing tutorials. Students will also benefit from this as well because students learn from each other as well. I love Animoto because it allows you to be creative when sharing information and it is set to music. I'm excited to create booktalks and share Animoto with students so they can create their own as well. I would also like to showcase library activities and share the learning that goes on. Students will also like podcasts and comics. I think podcasts will give them another outlet to share what they have learned or create a project and report on it without having to stand out in public and speak. Creating comics would also be beneficial to students to be able to share in a fun way. I have a lot of students who love reading graphic novels so this might be right up their alley to be able to create their own comic.
One thing about learning something new, there is a process and sometimes you don't catch on right away and that's okay. Initially I had a tough time with infographics and trying to figure out how to share the information but when I got over the fear of trying something new, the possibilities are endless!

Clark vs. Kozma Media Debate

The Clark vs. Kozma media debate focuses on media and whether it affects the learning process or is media just the vehicle for instruction. I agree with Kozma’s argument on how certain media can help achieve certain learning goals. It would depend on the type of media that is presented. I think I am more drawn to Kozma’s argument because of the question of how media affects learning. I agree it is important to take a deeper look into exploring the relationship between the two. I believe learning can occur in different ways and it does not come from just direct instruction. The way our technologies are advancing, media is influencing our students lives and we have to adjust our teaching practices accordingly. Our 21^st century students are digital natives and they do not learn in the same way and we need various methods to engage children in their learning. This reminds me of my daughter and her struggles in math and how her teacher has recognized that it’s going to take more to engage her so that she gains true understanding. I do believe media, in addition to her teacher’s instruction has helped her to become more successful in math. 

Podcasts

Podcasts are digital audio files that are available to downloaded to a computer or mobile device.  I began listening to podcasts when I had to create my own for an assignment last year. I have a podcast app on my phone and I listen to TED Radio Hour and Geek Fit. I explored three podcasts: Sound Cloud, Audioboom and Podomatic. With Audioboom and Sound Cloud, you have the option to upload an audio file or you can record directly from the site. I only saw the option to upload your audio file to Podomatic. You would just have to record your file and then upload that file to Podomatic.

I liked Sound Cloud the best. I signed up quickly using my google sign in and recorded directly from the site. Time is always a factor in the classroom and students would be able to create their podcast in a timely manner. Podcasts would be an excellent tool to use in the classroom/library to help motivate and engage students in their learning. Podcasts can be used to share new and upcoming books and offer technology tips. Students can use podcasts in the classroom/library to conduct interviews and create oral reports. Teachers can record lessons as a reference for future use. I found a blog on We Are Teachers and it has possible podcasting projects that can be done in the classroom, for example, creating a current events news cast and recording a podcast to send to another classroom in another state or country.

I thought it would be a good idea to share with students how you can share important facts about a topic that they have learned using one of the online databases.

Cartoons and Comics

I am exploring several different comic strip sites that can be used in the library and classroom.   Below you will find examples of comics that I created. I used the following sites: Toondo, Pixton, Make Belief Comics and Tellagami.

TOONDO

By sdroyal | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

-          It was very easy to sign up. I had to look around for a few minutes to see how to get started, but once I found the "Create" option.  I was ready to go! Once you choose your layout, you can click, drag and arrange however you like. Toondo has a lot of fun characters and backgrounds to choose from. I think students would be able to use this site with no problems.

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- PIXTON

The message box popped from Clive the creator popped up quickly that helped me to get started. I still had a hard time but once I found the “create” section, I was able to choose my layout and setting, After that, I was ready to create. It took me a little longer but once I played around, Pixton had a lot of options to choose from to help create an engaging comic. I also liked the beginning and advanced options. I think students are much more computer savvy that I am so I believe they could navigate through this website with no problem.

MAKE BELIEFS COMIX

There is no registration necessary for this site. Make sure you select the box you want to work in, otherwise you will add/delete objects to the wrong box. It took me some time and frustration to figure this out. You have to scroll through the different pictures to find the one you like. I liked the others better because you can see all your options. But there were a lot of fun characters to choose from. Your comics are not saved to this site, so you have to make sure you either print, save to a disk or email. I think if students already have there comic planned out, they can create easily through this site.

TELLAGAMI

Click here for my GAMI!

Tellagami is a little different because it allows you to create a narrated animation. I created a "Gami" using the book "The Adventures of Beekle". This sit was very easy to navigate through. You are able to choose your character, emotion and background. The options are limited, but they do get the job done. Then you add a 30 second narration. You can also add text. Once you decide on those options, you are ready to share! You can share by Facebook, Twitter, email or sms/text. This would be fun and easy for students to use. The added bonus is that they can record their own voice.

Cartoons and comics definitely have a place in the library! I would use them to create book talks for upcoming books. They can also be used to help promote library events. Students can also be given a chance to collaborate with others and create together. They can create their own book recommendations on books they think others should read. I am excited about providing teachers and students various means to motivate and enhance literacy learning.