Final Reflection

As I think back to the beginning of this semester, I remember reading the modules and feeling intimated by some of the assignments. I had been using technology in my classroom, but I had no idea of all the different apps available. This course gave me so much knowledge of all the different types of apps and tools I could use with the students. After taking this course, I feel more comfortable teaching with technology and implementing new apps. Not everything was fun; there were times when I felt frustrated with a program and had a hard time completing my assignments. My biggest take away from this course is that teaching and learning can be fun when you integrate technology into your lessons!

 Tools That Excited Me The Most:

• Podcasts
• Screencasts
• Youtube, Animoto & QR Codes

I was very excited to use these tools. This summer, I had a job interview for a librarian position, and I was able to use what I learned from this course for my lesson. They asked me to present a seven-minute library lesson. I was able to create a google slide presentation where I would be using podcasts for summarizing. I introduced the book, activities, and how to use Anchor podcast. I also included a podcast of my son summarizing the book I had selected. My son had fun recording himself and listening to his voice. I can imagine how my students will feel about this activity. Using screencast was extremely helpful this last semester when we were teaching from home. I was able to record lessons, activities, and provide accommodations with this program. Animoto was also fun to use. I had never used it before, but it was easy to navigate. I will also have the students create book trailers using Animoto.

Tools That Were Difficult For Me:

• Cartoons & Comics
• Infographics

The tool that frustrated me the most was infographics. I had a hard time using the programs and creating my infographic. I honestly didn't even know what an infographic was before this assignment. I always saw them as posters. I don't know if I felt this way because I was under a lot of pressure working on my portfolio and making sure I would finish all the assignments. I will continue using it to make sure I get more familiar with this tool and teach it to teachers and students. I also had a bit of a hard time using Cartoons & Comics. I was able to create them, but I had a hard time downloading my comics. Every time I would try to download from Fotojet and Pixton, it asked me to pay for a plan. I could not figure out why this was happening, but I had to take screenshots of my comics to turn in my assignment. I know that this is an excellent tool for students since most of them enjoy reading comics, but I need to continue practicing so I could teach them how to create comics.   

Tools That Will Benefit The Students:

• Podcast
• Cartoon & Comics
• QR Codes

The tools that I believe will benefit my students are podcasts, cartoons and comics, and QR codes. I plan to create lessons using these different tools. With podcasts, I plan to have book discussions, reinforce reading skills, and listen to educational podcasts. Students can talk about the characters, give a summary of the story, or even talk about the different adaptions of a story using podcasts. Comics and Cartoons can also be very beneficial for students. Many students do not enjoy reading or writing, and having them creating comics can help them appreciate those skills. The use of QR codes will help students save time, avoid frustration, and be engaged in their work.

Digital Reflection:

Universal Design for Learning

The UDL Guidelines are a tool that can be used to create learning experiences that meet the needs of all learners. It provides all students an equal opportunity to learn and succeed in the classroom.

UDL Three Guiding Principles: 

UDL Guidelines: 

UDL at a Glance Video:

Guidelines I Am Already Using:

• Guideline 1: Provide options for Perception
• Guideline 2: Provide options for Language & Symbols
• Guideline 3: Provide options for Comprehension
• Guideline 4: Provide options for Physical Action

After reviewing the graphic organizer, I realize that I have already been implementing guidelines 1 through four. As a teacher, I know the importance of teaching using different methods. At the beginning of the school year, I give my students an activity that will help me identify how they learn. I make sure that my lessons provide visuals, videos, captions, and handouts for the students who may need them. When teaching a lesson, I review the vocabulary words before reading a book or text so that the students will be able to understand what we are reading. The students are also allowed to use dictionaries for unfamiliar words during an activity. For my bilingual students, I make sure that I translate when necessary. I also display anchor charts in the classroom for students to use when needed. When working on a lesson, the students are always in groups or pairs. They are allowed to use highlighters, dictionaries, or electronic dictionaries. If the students work in pairs, I allow them to move from their desks to a place where they will feel more comfortable working.

Guidelines I Could Add Right Now To My Teaching Practice:

• Guideline 5: Provide options for Expression & Communication
• Guideline 9: Provide options for Self Regulation

The guidelines that I could add to my teaching are guidelines 5, 6, and 9. I have never used social media in my classroom. I am a little skeptical about having elementary students use social media, but I believe that if the lesson is planned correctly, there should not be a problem. I am excited about integrating podcasts into my lessons. Now that I am going to be in the library, I plan to use podcasts for all the students. I am also planning to integrate Flipgrid. Students can use this program to record themselves when talking about a book, characters, or summarizing what they have read. I could use Fligrip for students' reflections, goal settings, and self-assessments. I would also love to implement cartoons and comics as a different way for students to explain what they learned.

Guidelines I Might Need Some Help to Implement:

• Guideline 6: Provide options for Executive Functions
• Guideline 7: Provide option for Recruiting Interest.

The guidelines that I would need help implementing are 6 and 7. Even though, as teachers, we have to make sure we set goals at the beginning of the school year, I have never done it with my students. The only goal they have been setting every year is their Accelerated Reader goal, but that is done with the past librarian. I would like my students to set different types of goals that have nothing to do with Accelerated Reading. I would also like to provide choices on which tools they could use during their assignments. 

References:

CAST. (2010). UDL At A Glance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDvKnY0g6e4&t=214s.

CAST. (2018, August 31). The UDL Guidelines. http://udlguidelines.cast.org/.

CAST. (2018). The Universal Design for Learning Guidelines Graphic Organizer . Wakefield.

Podcasts

Podcasts

Podcasts have become a popular tool to use in libraries and classrooms. Integrating podcast in lessons allows for student engagement and creating fun and authentic experiences. Students can select an educational podcast to listen to or create their own podcasts.

Buzzsprout:

• Create an account
• FREE 2 hours per month
• Pay for more hours
• Upload files
• Creates a website
• Upload to platforms like Spotify, iHeart Radio, and Pandora
• Embed audio file

Podbean:

• Create an account using Google, Facebook, or create a username
• Create a user account
• Recommendations on who to follow
• FREE 5 hours 
• Customize dashboard and website
• Upload files
• Live stream option
• Upgrade for more options
• Upload to platforms like Spotify, iHeart Radio, and Pandora
• Embed audio file

Anchor:

• Create a free account 
• Record audio from phone, iPad, or desktop
• No storage limit
• Edit and create your podcast free
• Offers many free features 
• Upload as MP3
• Record with multiple people
• Drag and drop  audio elements directly into your episode
• Add musical interludes between content breaks
• Insert background music
• Include the voice messages of your listeners
• Transform audio clips into animated videos

Podcasts in the Library:

• Library newsletter,
• What's in the library
• Book promotion
• Storytelling
• Creative writing
• Book reviews
• Incentive program
• Students achievements
• Listen to an authors

For Students:

• Interviews
• Dramatization of students creative writing
• Reading of books passages, poems, summaries etc
• Observation of a learning process in any subject area
• Book recommendations

Sharing School News:

• Upcoming events/concerts
• Recording a games highlights
• Morning talk show/announcements

Provide Professional Development:

• Book reviews
• Tutorials 
• Copyright discussions
• Book group discussions
• Overview of new services or policies
• Presentations by community member
• Book author
• Educational issues

Educational Podcasts:

KidNuz https://www.kidnuz.org/

KidNuz provides news to students in a way that will not cause fear.

Science Friday https://www.sciencefriday.com/

This podcast covers different topics of science and it involves educational stories and activities to engage students.

History of the World in 100 Objects https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00nrtf5

This series revolves around the history of the world, and each episode talks discusses a historical object and how it affected history.

Group Podcast Link: 

Texas Bluebonnet Award Contenders

Verdict:

Anchor is the podcast I would recommend to others. It provides many features to edit your podcast before publishing. In Anchor, you can do all your recordings, editing, and hosting through the free phone app or website. The best part is that it is free, and it has an unlimited number of podcasts you can create and publish.

Cartoons and Comics

Before this assignment, I had never used comic or cartoon programs before, so I did have a lot to learn. After practicing and getting familiar with the programs, I was able to create my comics.

Fotojet:

Fotojet requires users to create an account. The program gives you free access for seven days. Since this was my first time using the program, I did find it a little difficult. It provided me with different templates and allowed me to upload my pictures. I do believe the students would enjoy this program since it offers many fun features. Overall, it was an easy program to use once you practice. The only weakness would be that you have to pay for a membership. 

Pixton:

After I created an account with Pixton, it prompted me to create my avatar. The program offers a seven-day free trial. It then gave me the option to select a template. The program has several features that I enjoyed. I was able to change the background, facial expressions, clothing, and actions. Even though the program was easy to use, I did had a hard time downloading and sharing my comic strip. It kept asking me to pay, so I had to take a screenshot of the comic strip so I could share it on my blog. Overall it's a program that the students would enjoy and would find easy to use.

MakeBeliefsComix

I was not required to create an account on MakeBeliefs Comic. The program offers limited features. While I was working on the comic, I was able to select my character, dialogue bubble, size, and position of characters and objects. It was easy to use, but the features are very limited. The one thing I did like was that it was free and easy to download.

Reflection: 

Overall, the one I enjoyed the most was Fotojet. It is easy to use and has many features that the students would enjoy using. The only downfall is that it requires a plan that might be a little difficult to get the school's approval to pay for the membership. From all the three, the program that the students would enjoy the most and would find easy to use would be Fotojet.

YouTube, Animoto, & QR Codes

Videos & QR Codes in the Library

YouTube

YouTube is a tool to promote the library. You can make a video promoting events in the library, reading a book, and how to use the database. Students, teachers, and parents can sign up to the library YouTube channel and make recommendations or comments on current videos. I have used YouTube in my classroom when teaching new skills or to listen to a fun book. I am subscribed to several channels that have been extremely beneficial when working with technology. Below are four YouTube channels that were created by other librarians.

Channel 1 The NHS Library:

Most Helpful for Students:  

Link:  How to use EBSCO Host

This video would be most helpful to students because it teaches them how to use online databases. It teaches students how to search the database depending on what research they are doing, and it walks them step by step to avoid getting lost or frustrated. It also teaches them how to use MLA citations. These skills are extremely important for students to learn when conducting research. 

Students Would Like: 

Link:  Tiger Visits The Norman High Library

In this video, the school mascot visits the library and shows the different things the library offers from signing in, using the online catalog, searching for a book, and finding a place to read the book. The tiger also uses the online database to conduct research. I honestly love this video. It is a fun way to promote the library. The children would love to interact with the school mascot and learn at the same time. This is a great idea that I would like to do when I start working in the library.

Channel 2 The Unquiet Library

Most Helpful for Students:

Link:   Tillery Tutorial Video: Creative Commons 101 for Senior Project Slides

This video teaches students how to find images with Creative Commons license or are copyright friendly images. The video instructs students on how to use creative works. It allows others to use work under certain conditions. The user gives credit to the work and does not make money by using the images. This is a great video not only for seniors but for students from any grade level. The more they practice these skills, the easier it will be for them as they continue their education.

Students Would Like:  

Link: New Arrivals

Even though the video is short, the music is very entertaining, and it promotes the new books the library has to offer. I think this is a great way to promote new books and the library's monthly book displays.

Channel 3 Pikesville High School Library

Most Helpful for Students:

Link:  PHS Financial Aid Workshop

This is a great video that provides students with information on financial aid, scholarships, grants, and other alternatives like loans and work-study to help students pay for school. It also teaches them the importance of meeting the deadlines for any aid application. I liked how considerate they were by recording the video for parents who could not attend the meeting.

Students Would Like: 

Link: Hip Hop Day @ The Panthers Library

I believed the students would like this video because the video provides memories of what seemed to be a fun day. The video showed pictures of students and staff dressed for Hip Hop Day. Students are showing off their hip hop moves. It just seems like a great way to revisit memories. 

Channel 4 BBMS Media

Most Helpful for Students:  

Link: Access Your Noodle Tools Account

This video teaches students how to access their Noodle Tools account. It informs them of different ways you can access it and lets them know they will have access to this account until they graduate. This is a great way to teach and inform students of different tools they have access to and can use during the school year.

Students Would Like:

Link:  I Really Really Want You - Overdue Books

I really enjoyed this video. It was fun to include kids and teach others about the importance of returning their books on time to the library. Creating videos with students and music is a great way to promote the library.

How to Promote the Library Using YouTube Videos:

* Creating How To tutorials:

• Access to Database
• Access Overdrive
• Citation Rules
• Use the OPAC
• Use Seesaw or which ever platform the campus is using.

* Book Trailers

* Library Events

* School Events

* Promotion of library book displays

Animoto

I had heard about Animoto but had never used it in my classroom. I followed the link, and it was very easy to create an account. I had to view several videos on creating a book trailer since I had never used Animoto before. I made a book trailer on the novel If I Stay by Gayle Forman.

Publishers Weekly:

The last normal moment that Mia, a talented cellist, can remember is being in the car with her family. Then she is standing outside her body beside their mangled Buick and her parents’ corpses, watching herself and her little brother being tended by paramedics. As she ponders her state (“Am I dead? I actually have to ask myself this”), Mia is whisked away to a hospital, where, her body in a coma, she reflects on the past and tries to decide whether to fight to live. Via Mia’s thoughts and flashbacks, Forman (Sisters in Sanity ) expertly explores the teenager’s life, her passion for classical music and her strong relationships with her family, friends and boyfriend, Adam. Mia’s singular perspective (which will recall Alice Sebold’s adult novel, The Lovely Bones ) also allows for powerful portraits of her friends and family as they cope: “Please don’t die. If you die, there’s going to be one of those cheesy Princess Diana memorials at school,” prays Mia’s friend Kim. “I know you’d hate that kind of thing.” Intensely moving, the novel will force readers to take stock of their lives and the people and things that make them worth living. Ages 14–up. (Apr.)

Goodreads:

Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones: Stay true to her first love—music—even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends behind?

Then one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it's the only one that matters.

If I Stay is a heart achingly beautiful book about the power of love, the true meaning of family, and the choices we all make.

Scan the QR code to watch the book trailer:

How to use QR Codes in the Library:

I would use QR codes in the library by creating book trailers, directions on how to use the OPAC, databases, overdrive,  displaying the students' projects, and linking them to websites and resources. I would also teach the students how to print a QR code when using Padlet for research projects.

Screencasts

Screencast-O-Matic is a free online software to capture screen videos. Screencast-O-Matic was extremely useful during online learning. I was able to create video tutorials to teach my students how to access different programs and tech lessons. Since I had several students who received oral accommodation and couldn't log on to zoom during our meeting times, I could service them using this program. I would record myself reading the questions and answer choices and copying a link to their google document. I was also able to share those videos on my website. Even though they have free accounts, I signed up for a plan, which was only $19.80 for a year.

Pros

• Can be used with Chrome, Mac, and Windows
• Web based or desktop version
• Free Account
• Easy to use
• Option to record screen only, webcam, or both
• Scripted Video
• Allows saving on Video File, Screencast-O-Matic, Google Drive, or YouTube
• Pause, record, or rerecord as many times as needed
• Capture Screenshot

Cons

• Membership required to edit videos
• Free account 15 minute time limit on videos
• Requires internet 

Pros

• Free Account
• Easy to use
• Creates videos, GIF, PNG
• Great for beginners
• Different options to share (YouTube, MP4, Twitter

Cons

• Program needs to be downloaded to computer
• Simple not a lot of features
• Not available for Chromes
• 15 days free trail
• Requires internet

Conclusion:

Even though creating an account in TechSmith was easy, the free trial is only for 15 days. I prefer Screencast-O-Matic. It is easy to use, has excellent features, and the website offers tutorials for first-time users. 

Infographics

Infographics: 

Last week I attended an infographic training on Canva. This was the first time I had heard of infographics and how they could be used in the classroom. I am not very familiar with creating or using infographics, but I had fun with this assignment. Infographics would be a great tool to teach to the students and teachers.

My Infographic Choice: PiktoChart

Piktochart was my favorite from all three. It was easy to use, and it provided many different templates to select from without being overwhelming.

Infographics Tools:

Easel.ly: 

It was easy to create an account. It offers different types of infographics. When selecting an infographic, you can search by keywords or browse by category. You can also add objects, change backgrounds, text, and charts. Even though it does offer many free features, you could also pay for a subscription. When I searched for an infographic, I was overwhelmed as I scrolled down too many infographics at the same time. Easel.ly could be a great tool once I become more familiar with inforgraphics but not right now. 

Infogram:

Signing up for an account was also very easy. It gives you the option to sign up with Facebook, Google, or email address. As soon as you log in, you can see all the templates. It offers charts, maps, Infographics, Instagram posts, Facebook posts, posters, and slide reports. It offers a free plan, and you could also upgrade by paying a subscription. The downfall of using a free plan is that your project will be publicly viewable and searchable on the web. To keep your project private, you have to pay for a subscription.

Piktochart:

Creating an account was easy. The program was easy to use, even for people with little to no experience like myself. As soon as you select the template for your infographic, you can make as many changes as possible. It allows you to change the background, fonts, text, illustrations. When selecting a chart, you add your information on an excel document that appears on the side. Once you add the data, you can change the text, color used for the chart, and add labels to the charts or graphs. One of the best features is that it automatically saves as you add information. The only thing I did not like is that you have to pay if you want to download your infographic as a PDF since the free version only includes PNG.