Friday, December 2, 2022

A Semester in Review

 Throughout the fall semester this year, I have learned a lot while taking Digital Technology for the School Librarian at Sam Houston State University. I was a little apprehensive at first but excited to learn about new technology tools. 


Creating a blog using Blogger was a fun experience for me. I like that I was able to showcase my work in a creative way. I found Blogger to be very user-friendly and overall easy to use for someone who had never blogged in their life. Also, this semester, one of our assignments was to create and use different social media sites. Some of these I was already familiar with (mainly Facebook) but others like Twitter, Instagram, and Tumbler were new to me. Although I will admit I was slightly annoyed at jumping deeper into the social media world (due to personal convictions) I was able to understand how and why the use of social media sites is important for libraries and librarians. The use of social media sites can promote many services and special events that patrons and the community may otherwise not know about. During the semester we also learned about different applications that can be used for the creation of infographics. I found it interesting to compare three different applications and decide which one was the most user-friendly. We were also tasked this semester with learning about the use of Youtube, Animoto, and the use of QR codes. I found this particular assignment to be the most useful because it really required students to assess whether videos were created to help promote services or aid the student body. It was interesting to see the different videos created by other librarians and see how often the video was viewed (which was a possible indicator of how useful or informative it was). I also found the production of QR codes to also be especially helpful in aiding students or staff with easily receiving the information they may need quickly. The cartoons and podcast assignments I have to say were my favorite. I enjoyed using different cartoon and comic generators and comparing each of them for usability and ease. Using cartoon and comic applications would be an instant hit with students of all ages and provides them a new and creative way to share their work. I really enjoyed creating a podcast with a classmate. This was something I had never done and I was a bit nervous at the beginning of the project. Thanks to Podbean, the process was super easy and my classmate and I were able to successfully create an informative podcast! One of our latest assignments was understanding the use of Universal Design for Learning (also known as UDL). I found this to be one of the more informative assignments as it helps future librarians understand how learning takes place and ways to improve student learning. Last but certainly not least, our latest assignment was to create a digital storytelling of our semester while taking Digital Technology for School Librarians. I found this to be another fun assignment! I researched different digital storytelling applications and decided to try Book Creator. I had fun with this!! This application was SUPER easy to use and would be an instant hit with students. There are so many ways teachers and librarians can incorporate the use of Book Creator in class - no matter what subject. Check out the book I created by clicking the link below!


Mrs. Clifton's Adventures with Technology - Created with Book Creator


Saturday, November 26, 2022

Universal Design for Learning

 Universal Design for Learning


Universal Design for Learning (or UDL) is defined by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) as “an approach to curriculum that minimizes barriers and maximizes learning for all students”. 


This concept, introduced in a graduate course, was unknown to me, and being intrigued, I began to dig for information on the concept. UDL can be utilized by educators, curriculum developers, researchers, parents, or anyone who wants to implement the UDL framework in a learning environment. 


So you might be wondering if and why you would want to utilize such a framework. Incorporating the UDL framework means taking into consideration how each of us learns differently and having different motivations to do so. To begin using the UDL framework, you want to begin by asking questions about the goals for the information or concept being taught. Questions such as - What do I want my students to know, do, and care about? What barriers may prevent my diverse class from reaching these goals? - maybe considered. After determining such, you will want to assess your lesson plans according to the UDL guidelines established by CAST



After familiarizing myself with Universal Design for Learning, I found that I was already incorporating many aspects of the “Representation” section of the UDL guidelines. I think this is the section most teachers will find themselves utilizing the most in their classrooms already. In planning to better my students’ experience right away in my classroom, I feel that I can begin to implement aspects of the “Action and Expression” section of the UDL guidelines. I find that I have already begun to alter the manner in which students select to share their learning on occasion, but will begin to offer such an option from now on. One aspect of the UDL guidelines that I will continue to familiarize myself with will be the “Engagement” section. Due to this being the beginning of the learning process, this is probably one of the most important sections. On my journey to becoming more proficient in this area, I plan to continue my study of the UDL guidelines by researching and reading more about the topic. I have found a pdf provided by Oakland University specifically on strategies for the Engagement piece of UDL (UDL - Engagement). Other great materials, some of which contain information on the other sections of UDL, include: 

UC Santa Barbara: Instructional Teaching Resources - UDL (website)

The K-12 Educational Technology Handbook: Universal Design for Learning - Teacher Planning for Technology Integration by Esther Michela

Universal Design for Learning: Theory and Practice by A. Meyer, D. Rose, and D. Gordon (book)


As I continue on my journey of actively working on incorporating UDL engagement strategies, I will use the resources listed above. I hope that you find these resources useful as well!

Works Cited:

YouTube. (2010). YouTube. Retrieved November 26, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDvKnY0g6e4.

Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. & Kimmons, R. (2020). The K-12 Educational Technology Handbook (1st ed.). EdTech Books.

Rose, D. H., Meyer, A., & Gordon, D. (2014). Universal design for learning - theory and practice. Cast Professional Publishing.

Universal Design for Learning. UCSB. (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2022, from https://id.ucsb.edu/teaching/teaching-resources/inclusive-teaching/universal-design-for-learning

Robinson, D. E. (2017). Universal design for learning and school libraries: a logical partnership. Knowledge Quest, 46(1), 56.

Boothe, K. A., Lohmann, M. J., & Owiny, R. (2020). Enhancing Student Learning in the Online Instructional Environment Through the Use of Universal Design for Learning. Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research, 22(1), 1–24.https://doi-org.ezproxy.shsu.edu/10.4148/2470-6353.1310

Blue, E. V. (2011). UD and UDL: paving the way toward inclusion and independence in the school library. Knowledge Quest, 39(3), 48.



Friday, November 4, 2022

The Wonderful World of Podcasts

 Podcasts

As we all know, podcasts have become a huge hit with listeners across the globe. Hosts produce shows with content ranging from true crime to academic research. According to an article posted in Newsweek by Amancay Tapia on November 11, 2021, the popularity of podcasts has continued to increase in the last 5 years. This article also stated that true crime and news podcasts continually see an increase in listeners. I can understand why this is as I myself am a huge fan of true crime podcasts as well! Many researchers have tried to figure out why podcasts draw such a crowd of listeners. I can say for myself, there have been many times I’d much rather listen to an episode on a topic I’m interested in, rather than sit down to read a long article. Listening to podcasts can be a way to make long drives and mundane tasks more interesting. 


While researching podcasts and platforms for creating such, I came across a few great and not-so-great resources. 


Anchor


Anchor, launched in 2018, is a podcasting web app perfect for rookie podcasters. Now owned by Spotify, this particular application is a free podcast service that provides creators the ability to host and distribute podcasts. Users have unlimited storage and bandwidth, along with features and analytics that are basic. This can be very helpful for beginners. Anchor also offers video podcasting and the ability to receive donations from listeners or be sponsored by brands. Unfortunately, there always comes the bad with the good. While you may make some money with donations and brand sponsors, a portion of such will be taken by the hosting company. Another downfall for Anchor as a podcast hosting site is that there may only be one show per account. If you’re interested in creating multiple podcasts, this may not be the web app for you. 


Buzzsprout


Buzzsprout is another free podcasting platform that is great for beginners. This web application has a free plan that allows users to not only create their own show but monitor listener data. Buzzsprout has a very basic dashboard  - which again is helpful for beginning podcast creators and allows up to 2 hours of content download. Users may shy away from having such a limited amount of download capability, but this is quickly overshadowed by access to excellent statistics (often not offered with other free hosting sites). Buzzsprout also offers users a free podcast website at no extra cost with the ability to customize as one pleases. Additional paid plans are offered, which include other features not included with a free account. The downside to Buzzsprout? Content created will be deleted after 90 days and the platform doesn’t offer an unlimited download option. 


Podbean


Around since 2006, Podbean offers a free podcast hosting platform for creators. With this particular web app, users get 5 hours of storage and 100GB of bandwidth per month. Just like Buzzsprout, Podbean offers users a free website to customize to their liking and the ability to view data from listeners and downloaded episodes. Podbean also distributes content creators' podcasts to major podcast apps. Sounds pretty great…but it gets better! Podcasts are hosted on the platform forever unless you delete them. Content creators also have the option to manage if and how they want to monetize. Options include the ability to select ads to include in episodes, patron program options, or selling prime podcast episodes to listeners. Doesn’t seem like there’s much to dislike with Podbean! 


After researching and playing around with each of these platforms, I decided to try out Podbean. I have used this podcasting platform previously in other graduate courses, and have found it to be the easiest to use overall. Whether accessing the platform on my phone using the app or on my laptop, Podbean has always been easy and fun to use.


Check out this podcast I created with the help of a graduate classmate on Library Hand. 


Using Podcasts in the Library


Using podcasts in the library setting may be a new idea but a good one at that. Podcasts can be useful and serve a purpose. To mention a few ideas, podcasts hosted by librarians can highlight services offered by the library program, share interviews with authors and others in the literary world, as well as discuss new reading material and offer reading and other resource recommendations. According to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) some of the best educational podcasts are The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast, Visions of Education, The Innovator's Mindset, and more. A full list of these recommended podcasts can be found at ISTE Members Share the Best Education Podcasts.


I hope that you have found this blog informative and be sure to follow me at https://thetechieeducator.tumblr.com/.



Garcia, J. (2022, March 16). Best podcast hosting: 13 free and paid platforms tested and compared. Tooltester. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www.tooltester.com/en/blog/podcast-hosting/ 

Tapia, A. (2021, November 28). The 20 popular podcasts in America right now. Newsweek. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www.newsweek.com/most-popular-podcasts-america-right-now-joe-rogan-daily-crime-1650687 

Fingal, J. (2022, September 16). ISTE members share the best education podcasts. ISTE. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www.iste.org/explore/professional-development/iste-members-share-best-education-podcasts




Saturday, October 29, 2022

Cartoons & Comics

 Cartoon & Comics


As a child born in the 20th century, I remember the joy of reading the comics from the newspaper at my grandparent's house. I loved getting the new Sunday paper, pulling the comic section out, and sitting at the breakfast table for another round of Garfield’s antics, or reading about Calvin and Hobbs’ new adventures. Cartoons and comics have a great effect on children in many ways. As stated in an article published by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, “Motivating students with texts that resonate with their personal interests and identities will increase their investment, leading to greater exposure to words, greater vocabulary acquisition, and more frequent use of reading strategies — three cornerstones of comprehension” (Sellars, 2017). So how does one begin using cartoons and comics in the classroom so that students may experience the benefits of such? There is a plethora of websites geared toward those in the teaching field looking for ideas and ways to incorporate the use of comics and cartoons into their classroom and coursework. I have created comics with the use of three particular websites and will share my thoughts on them below. 


Fotojet

The first website I used was Fotojet. Take a look at the comic I created below using this site. 

FotoJet is a free, online comic strip website that offers its users a way to create comics with real photos of their own! The site also allows users to create collages, posters, cards, and other fun projects. There is an upgrade option available if users want additional editing tools, effects, graphics, and more. The free version has multiple templates to use and is fairly simple to navigate. While working in this program, it reminded me of Canva (if you are familiar with such).  As you can see in the comic I created above, I chose not to use my own photos, but rather clipart that was offered on the site. As I stated earlier, for me, it was fairly easy to use because of its similarity to Canva. I was able to create my comic strip with ease and had fun doing so. I did find that I was limited in some ways using the free version, as I was wanting additional options for clipart. Also, after finishing my creation, I was able to download or share my comic. If I was willing to pay for the upgrade, I would have been able to save my project to my account to access it at another time. Overall, I was pleased with the website. Students would easily be able to create their own comics using FotoJet and would enjoy doing so.  


Pixton

The next website I tried for comic strip creation was Pixton. Check out my comic below!


Pixton was by far my favorite of the three websites I used. The site offers various plans for educators, parents, students, and businesses. Upon completing the account setup, you are taken to your dashboard where you can begin creating right away. This particular site has a lot of options available to users such as more realistic characters and backgrounds. Users can easily change multiple aspects of their characters, from haircuts to outfits, and more! Additional options available (right away without a paid account) include just about everything you can imagine! I found it easy to manipulate each scene as I progressed in creating my comic. Story starters and writing prompts are available if your creativity is stuck. The only downfall to the program was I was not able to download or share my creation without upgrading my account. All in all, this was my favorite website of the three comic strip-making sites. Students would genuinely love using Pixton in class!


MakeBeliefsComix

The last website I used was MakeBeliefsComix. Check out my creation below. 


After having such a great time using Pixton, my hopes for this particular site were high. I will honestly say I found this particular website difficult to use. Before I continue though, I must convey that this site has A LOT to offer educators. There are tons of ideas and resources available and other various ways to use this website. For my comic strip, however, I found navigating and figuring out tools somewhat of a challenge at first. I would have liked more realistic characters and more options for changing the characters I selected to use. Once I figured out how the program worked and how to use the tools, creating my comic became easier. I was able to download a copy of my creation and also had the option to print. If I wanted to save it online, I needed to sign in which required creating an account. I don’t think students will enjoy using the comic strip creator as much as some of the others, but I may try using this site again to see if my experience changes. 


Using Cartoons and Comics in Class

The use of cartoons and comics in class can have a powerful effect on student learning. Because of this, I plan to share this idea with the teachers in our school. As a librarian, I collaborate with my teachers as often as I can and I try to bring new ideas each time we meet. Here are some ideas using cartoons and comics I will bring to them: 

  1. Use for creative writing

  2. Character perspectives

  3. Current events

  4. Social/Emotional learning

  5. Vocabulary practice for ESL students 


As you can see, there are many ways to incorporate the use of cartoons and comics into the classroom and other educational settings. For more information and useful ideas and resources, check out MakeBeliefsComix!


Works Cited:

Sellars, J. (2017, December 5). Comics in the classroom. Harvard Graduate School of Education. Retrieved October 29, 2022, from https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/17/12/comics-classroom 

Comic builder. Pixton. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2022, from https://www.pixton.com/comic-builder 

Turn your ideas into stunning artworks. FotoJet. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2022, from https://www.fotojet.com/ 

Zimmerman, B. (n.d.). MakeBeliefsComix. Retrieved October 29, 2022, from https://makebeliefscomix.com/ 












Saturday, October 22, 2022

Videos and QR Codes in the Library

Videos and QR Codes in the Library

In today's digital world, information is available in multiple mediums and accessible in an instant. In order to stay current with the demand for information digitally, librarians can utilize various digital tools to better serve their patrons. For example, creating and uploading video tutorials for students or community members to view as needed. This is not only a time saver for the user but also another way for the library program to continue curtailing its services to meet the needs of patrons. Here are a few examples of video tutorials that address user needs: 

How to Use Soundzabound

This particular video from theunquietlibrary had 141 views and would be a great tutorial for showing how to add sound to a presentation. One downfall is, in my opinion, this tutorial would need to be updated but may still be relevant for some.  

Using EasyBib to Cite a Music File from iTunes

**This would be most liked and most useful for students**

This video, also from theunquietlibrary, oddly did not have as many views as the previous video but has not been available for nearly as long as the previous one. This would be a great tutorial for showing patrons how to cite music used in a project and is still relevant because people still use iTunes.



Here are some other video tutorials from Pikesville High School Library. I found these to be very informative and a great resource for students (and their parents) to refer back to as needed.

2013-2014 Registration Process

**This would be most liked by students**

Sharing information about registration criteria and tips for scheduling, this video by Pikesvillehslibrary would be useful for patrons. Having 256 Views, it would be a great resource to refer back to for registration questions. One thing I would change is maybe adding some graphics to show information visually.

2014-2015 Course Advisement

**This would be most useful for students**

This particular video from Pikesvillehslibrary had 348 views, proving its usefulness to students wanting to access information about course advisement. This video is great information for selecting courses, includes lots of visuals and excerpts from teachers, and is available to view by students and parents. The only downside to this video is it may be a little lengthy and some of the audio was difficult to hear.


Another librarian/media specialist from a middle school offers great video tutorials for students to access. 

Noodle Tools - How to make a website citation

This video tutorial shares information with students about how to use a web application, Noodle Tools, to create a website citation. This video is very thorough and the librarian also offers a follow-up video on how to print or export the works cited list from Noodle Tools. With 286 views is a great resource for students but it is a little lengthy.

eResources Tutorial

**This would be most liked and most useful for students**

This tutorial focuses on how students can access electronic databases and resources. Having 213 views. this is a great tutorial on how to access and utilize the digital content the library program offers. This would not only be helpful to students but also to parents who may be trying to help their child with homework or a research project.


As a future librarian, I plan on following in the footsteps of the librarian/media specialists mentioned above. Creating tutorials on various topics can improve student access to resources but also access to a librarian when help is needed or requested.

Another example of ways to promote the library program and resources is through the use of book trailers. Book trailers are a wonderful way to highlight various books and promote interest in different genres and with different authors. I created a book trailer on a recent read by Angeline Boulley titled Firekeeper's Daughter. Scan the QR code below to view my book trailer!

Synopsis from the publisher: 
Eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine has never quite fit in, both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. She dreams of a fresh start at college, but when family tragedy strikes, Daunis puts her future on hold to look after her fragile mother. The only bright spot is meeting Jamie, the charming new recruit on her brother Levi’s hockey team.

Yet even as Daunis falls for Jamie, she senses the dashing hockey star is hiding something. Everything comes to light when Daunis witnesses a shocking murder, thrusting her into an FBI investigation of a lethal new drug.

Reluctantly, Daunis agrees to go undercover, drawing on her knowledge of chemistry and Ojibwe traditional medicine to track down the source. But the search for truth is more complicated than Daunis imagined, exposing secrets and old scars. At the same time, she grows concerned with an investigation that seems more focused on punishing the offenders than protecting the victims.

Now, as the deceptions―and deaths―keep growing, Daunis must learn what it means to be a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman) and how far she’ll go for her community, even if it tears apart the only world she’s ever known.


Using QR codes in the library brings access to information and resources so easily! I plan on using QR codes for access to items such as wifi networks, library resources or references, social media handles, virtual library tours, and more. Check out this study on the use of QR codes in the library: 

QR Code And Its Effectiveness in Library Services

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Saturday, October 15, 2022

Infographic Webapps

Infographic Webapps

Successful communication with an audience is vital to anyone who is taking the time to share information and data. One must be thorough and present data in a format that its readers can understand and glean knowledge from. One way to do so is through the use of infographic web apps. In this particular blog, I will be critiquing three different free infographic web apps for ease of use and access to tools to better create infographics. To become familiar with each web app, I found research data from Pew Research Center and attempted to create three identical infographics using bar charts to represent data found on the use of digital devices and social media sites by children ages 11 and younger during the years of 2020 and 2021. This was of interest to a lot of people due to this being the time period when Covid was prevalent and many people were social distancing and finding other means of entertainment - especially parents with young children. 


The first infographic web app I tested was Easel.ly. This particular application, as noted in a beginner's tutorial on youtube, works best in Firefox. However, I used Google Chrome and had no problems. To begin using this application, you may sign up for a free account by registering with your email and creating a password. After setting up your free account, the dashboard provides public layouts/templates for the user to choose from with an option to create from scratch. Within each template, you can manipulate your project by adding objects, shapes, and text, uploading photos, changing colors, and more. I began my infographic creation using a blank template. I inserted and manipulated a bar chart to reflect the data I had found on children using digital devices and social media sites during a two-year span. I did struggle some when trying to adjust the bar chart to show a title for the x & y axis or when wanting to change the coloring and text font and size on the free version. I was disappointed that I could not do any of those things but continued with my creation. Though there was a bit of a learning curve to using this particular web application, I did finally finish my infographic. There are many ways to share your creations: email, link, and embed code. You can also invite others to edit your work or share it on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Overall, I wasn’t too impressed with this application, but I can say it got the job done. 


The second infographic web application I reviewed was Infogram. I tried accessing this web app using Google Chrome but encountered problems with the site loading. I was finally able to access it using Microsoft Edge. Once creating my free account, I noticed the dashboard had a very clean interface. I also noticed there were templates available for the user but only about six to eight. The options available were fundamental but users can add charts, text, maps, pictures, and video links. Unlike Easel.ly, projects can be shared on additional social media sites other than Facebook and Twitter. An additional option includes Pinterest and publishing to the web. Users can generate an embed code to use as needed. I was disappointed to see that the option to download my project required upgrading my account from a free account to a paid account. Overall, this infographic web application wasn’t too bad, but I was left wanting more. 


The third infographic web app I evaluated was Piktochart. As with the other infographic applications, once creating a free account, you arrive at your dashboard. This web application also offers various templates and project themes to its users. I attempted to create a bar chart just as I had in the previous web apps by selecting a blank template. As I began my infographic, I noticed that Piktochart offered more graphic and formatting options. I was also impressed at the additional tools such as adding maps, charts, videos, etc. While creating my bar chart, I could also manipulate the properties of the chart to include X and Y-axis titles, along with the ability to manipulate the font and coloring of the text on the chart. I noticed that there was an option to import data for ease in making charts or other infographic visuals. Once done with your creation, a user may download the project as an image or pdf. It can also be shared via email as an attachment or printed with the use of a desktop computer. Sharing the Piktograph creation can also be done via many social websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest, email, or the generation of an embed code. This web app also allows its users to share their projects via email directly within the application. Once shared, recipients may view, interact, and leave comments on the project. Overall, I felt as though this particular web application was the most user-friendly and offered more features and tools than the other infographic applications. Check out the infographic I created below using Piktochart!

Saturday, September 17, 2022

Social Media Apps

Social media has allowed people to connect with each other better than ever all over the world. In an instant, you can receive updates on breaking news, receive a message from a family member, and keep up with friends - all virtually. This type of connectedness has allowed society to expand in ways unimaginable. Why not use these valuable connection resources for other means? Using social media apps and websites can further extend the outreach of professionals and their services. Libraries, for example, benefit greatly from using these resources to promote their services and programs. 

Facebook is an example of a social media app that can help promote libraries and their services. Upon reviewing some school library Facebook pages, it was clear that there is some value to using this type of social media to catch people’s attention. Many of the Facebook pages posted news about the happenings in the library, such as MakerSpace projects, students checking out books, and playing games. Some libraries also included information about their library stats and district announcements. As I continued to view many of these school library pages, I did happen to notice that there were very few likes and comments. This can be an indication that the posts aren’t catching enough of the viewer’s attention, there isn’t much interest in the post, or sadly there just aren’t enough followers. If this is a library’s only social media means of promoting itself and its services, one might suggest that another approach be used. 

Twitter is another viable option for libraries to use to promote their programs and services. This particular social media app can not only showcase the services and happenings in your library but can also be of use in finding the latest information and/or trends. Users can find and follow accounts that appeal to their needs or wants. For example, by following educational technology leaders, a librarian can keep up to date with the latest trends and uses of technology in the educational world. An example of this is a tweet by Jim Lerman (@jimlerman) in which he shares a website offering useful websites for students to use when researching.
Another ed tech leader, Gwenyth Jones (@GwynethJones) and creator of thedaringlibrarian.com, helps fellow tweeters with free printable forms to use for Chromebook repairs or checkouts. This is not only useful but a time saver as well!

While these are just two examples of leaders in ed tech, there are MANY more to follow for ideas and resources to make the integration of technology just a little bit easier. Although Twitter at times can seem intimidating due to the wealth of information or the roundabout way of getting useful ed tech advice, for those who dare to venture into the world of Twitter and all of its tweets, there is gold to be mined. 

Another great social media app is Instagram. This application can not only be helpful for promoting the library but also be useful in the classroom. Teachers can post homework reminders, and lesson tutorials, and showcase student work. Students can even engage in classroom discussions by using the comments section. Check out this article by Education Week about how to use Instagram in the classroom. Click HERE for the article. As with any social media app, there are downsides. For Instagram, the challenges you may come across are access to the application itself and learning how to use the app. There are many options for uploading content so it may take some practice but practice makes perfect right?! 

Follow me at https://thetechieeducator.tumblr.com/

 

A Semester in Review

  Throughout the fall semester this year, I have learned a lot while taking Digital Technology for the School Librarian at Sam Houston State...