Thursday, July 28, 2016

Final Relection

I have had so many valuable experiences with technology this semester. I’ve learned a lot and plan to utilize many of the technology programs that I have learned to operate, in my own library. I also plan to advocate different uses of the technology for classroom use.

My favorite program was the use of screencasting through Screencast-o-matic. I eagerly anticipate the use of this program as it will be a very handy teaching tool that will save a lot of time when explaining “how to’s” of library resources. The podcasting programs are very handy as well but proved to be the most difficult applications that I encountered in the class. Classmates did suggest other podcasting programs that worked better for them and I plan to explore those options. I would like to utilize podcating for making announcements and other innovative class assignments.

Animoto is a fun program that I plan to use in my library upon getting in new books. I enjoyed creating the book trailers and I like the fact that there are time limits so they won’t be long and drawn out. They could be short, sweet and exciting for students to enjoy and look forward to. I plan to utilize the QR codes for easy access to the trailers as they browse the new collection. This is a very exciting idea!

I believe students would also love creating cartoons for classes. I plan to train teachers on it’s usage and encourage them to incorporate it into their lesson plans. I will also utilize and encourage the use of Symbloos for lessons. I have created a couple and found it to be a very useful teaching tool when giving students guidance and resources when researching.

It is also a goal to create an online presence for my library as well. I plan to create a website and include many of the technologies that I learned about during this semester on the website. Although social media sites are restricted in my school district, I will consult with my principal about the benefits of a social media presence for our library. And hopefully the students and parents could at least access it from home. 


I truly enjoyed exploring the different types of technology tools and feel prepared to effectively perform my job as a library “media specialist”. 

12 comments:

  1. Screencasting was new to me with this course. I am so glad that I now know how to create one. Very useful for a future librarian.

    ReplyDelete
  2. My school is very active when it comes with keeping up with Facebook to promote what's going on at school. I haven't seen that much of twitter, but as you mentioned it would be a good idea to inform the principal of the benefits of having it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm glad you mentioned creating an online presence. I think that it's great that we're using so much technology in our students learning but I also feel that it should be available for our students to use even if we aren't working with them at a particular moment. Many students explore on their own and it's important to have these resources available to them at all times.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Valerie,

    It's been a pleasure reading your blog and learning from you and our peers this semester. You're sentiment that screencasting will save a lot of time (and repetition) throughout the year is spot on. I also agree that Animoto will be a great tool to introduce new text acquisitions.

    Take care and have an awesome library year!

    Warm regards,
    Johtell

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Valerie,
    I also loved screencasting and Animoto. I won’t be a librarian for at least a year, but I have so many ideas on how to incorporate these into my classroom.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Valerie,
    I also really liked using Screencast-o-matic. I think this tool would be so helpful in instructing others. I also plan on promoting programs in my library using social media.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Valerie,
    I too can't wait to collaborate with teachers on how we can work together and incorporate some of these great tools we learned to use this semester. This was a fun and truly a learning experience for me. Wishing you luck in the future.
    Buffie Smith

    ReplyDelete
  8. Valerie,
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts and teaching ideas this semester. I've enjoyed reading your posts and I always learned something new. Like you, screen casting is a tool that I plan to use, along with several that you mentioned. It's interesting that social media is highly restricted your district, while mine is pushing Twitter. ;0) enjoy the time before you report back. Wishing you an amazing year!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Valerie,
    I enjoyed reading your final reflection. I really enjoyed learning how to make screencasts as well. I cannot wait to incorporate what I learned in my library.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sounds like you already have plans for sharing-- that's fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've enjoyed your ideas & posts-screen casting is a great tool I will use with students for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Social media is a great tool to use. I wish it wasn't restricted in your district to use. From your posts it sounds like you will have a great school year and wish you the best of luck!

    ReplyDelete