Final Reflection

I have learned over the last couple years that the use of digital media in the classroom makes learning so much more relevant for our 21st century learners but after enrolling in this class I realized I had been missing so much. I had been an advocate for the use of technology since I first started the Library Master Program last year but after taking this course I can't believe how many digital applications are available for teachers and students. I am grateful for all the knowledge I have gained from this summer course. I can't wait to implement all this digital tools in my classroom.

Digital Tools That Excite Me:

* Comic Strip

* Book Trailer

* Infographics

*Podcast

    I am excited to use all these digital resources this coming school year. I had been familiar with the podcast but the other three digital tools I just can't wait to share with my students and colleagues. I had so much fun creating my infographic it is a such a great tool I can use to share information with my students, staff and colleagues. My students are going to have so much fun creating their own infographics with the content they are learning. It is going to be a fun learning experience for everyone. I am ready to share these wonderful digital tools with everyone at my school campus. 

  

Digital Tool That Was Most Difficult For Me

* QR Code

    I am embarrassed to say that I had never heard of a QR code before taking this class and if I did I had not payed much attention to it. I guess what frustrated me the most is that I could not get the App to work for me. I kept downloading it several times on my iPhone and I just couldn't get it to work.  After many attempts, I decided to use my laptop to download the QR code website and I was finally successful.  It was such a relief to accomplish this task. After completing my assignment, I recognized the value of this  application that can serve students and teachers. 

Most Beneficial For Students

    I believe all the digital tools are beneficial for students but the one I feel can assist all students especially my  ESL and Special Ed students are the use of comic strips. Comic strips helps students practice essential skills like reading, writing, listening  and speaking. It can also be used for vocabulary development. This is a wonderful tool because it engages students in a meaningful learning experiences with skills they need more practice with. For students who are more advance, this tool helps promote higher level thinking. express their creativity and analyze and evaluate a story selection.  The use of comic strips can be use in all subject areas because it is a great way to  grasp concepts learned.  

Universal Design Learning

Universal Design Learning are guidelines to help teachers to implement a variety of teaching methods to help meet the needs of all students who come with a variety of learning experiences, disabilities, languages, and diverse backgrounds. The guidelines allows students the flexibility to have access to material which will help them stay engaged and show a success in their learning.

Which of these guidelines am I already using?

Based on the Universal Design Learning guidelines , the strategy that I have been using and I feel confident implementing  and explaining is the Representation strategy (The What of Learning). 

Guideline 1 Perception: Our school's English Language and Reading department works together to ensure that all learners are able to receive information in many different style of learning. As an educator, we have the responsibility to ensure that all students needs are met.  I understand all learners learn in different ways and helping them achieve success is our school's priority. 

Guideline 2 Language and Symbol: The use of graphic aids and illustrations are very useful when using new vocabulary terms. Using graphic aids, illustrations as examples helps our special ed and ESL students become familiar with various vocabulary words. 

Guideline 3 Promote Understanding Across Language: Since we have many ESL students in our campus, our department makes it a priority to use different ways to help students understand unfamiliar words through the use of multiple resources like translations, videos, and illustrations. This helps our ESL and our Special ed students get a better understanding of the written text. 

Guideline 4  Illustrate through Multiple Media:I have used graphic aids , illustrations and a few digital media applications and  resources that I have learned when presenting information to my students, but I would like to incorporate other things mentioned in this guideline.  

Which of these could I add right now to my teaching practice?

Engagement 7.1 Optimize individual choice and autonomy: As an educator, it is very important to give students choices to complete a specific task with a specific goal in mind. I understand students take pride in their learning when they are allowed to select how they want to complete the task when they have a goal in mind. 

Which of these look great but I might need some help to implement?

Engagement Guideline 4 Physical Action 4.4 Optimize access to and assistive technology. Over the past couple of years, the ELA department was awarded a class set of laptops for students to use in the classroom but because I didn't have the proper training nor confidence to implement digital media resources I did not use the laptops to their fullest. As soon as I began taking courses for my Master's program, I was so excited to implement many of the google applications and others digital media resources I have learned throughout the program.  This course has allowed me to see first hand how practical and beneficial digital resources are for students. I want to continue using them but I feel I might need a help implement some. 

    I want to continue implementing and exposing my student with the use of digital media tools in my classroom. I understand the value and importance of a digital media classroom and I want to ensure all my students to practice those skills so they can become digital literate and learners of information in a 21st century classroom and beyond. 

Technology Resources

https://www.edtechupdate.com/technology/tools/udl/

https://www.theudlproject.com/udl-tools---all-grades.html

https://swiftschools.org/talk/udl-technology-tools-from-the-fringe

https://www.lcsc.org/cms/lib/MN01001004/Centricity/Domain/21/UDLPresenation.pdf

https://liannepetrocelli.wixsite.com/techined/assistive-technology

Podcast

Podbean 

I had previously used PodBean and I found it to be user friendly and simple to do voice recording. Through the free basic version on PodBean, users have the ability to create an account either through Facebook, Gmail or make their own account. I personally used my gmail account to sign up to this podcast. A confirmation email is sent to you with a code to sign in. On the dashboard, you will fill in basic information about yourself and you also have the option to select a theme and edit some of the styling versions and you can also include an image from your downloads.. Once you are done, you can start an new episode and start voice recording. The episodes that you create are saved for you to edit or publish on a later time depending on your upgrade. If you decide you want to publish your podcast, you have the option to embed your link or share it through different social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Messenger, and many more. Although the free version only allows you to record five hours of voice recording or live stream, it is still a great podcast to use as part of the free basic plan.  If you decide to upgrade, you have unlimited time to record with many more options to use. This podcast was one of my favorite ones.

Zencastr

Users can sign up for a free account or pay monthly to upgrade. The free version doesn't allow you to host nor publish or edit your recording but due to Covid-19 virus users have unlimited guest and recording time. It is user friendly and easy to use. Just like the other podcast your voice recording is high quality but again it is very limited. Again, I do not think this one podcast that I would like to use in the future.

Anchor

This is one podcast that I have never used before. My group and I decided to use this podcast for our voice recordings. With one account multiple people can record while in the same location or it can also be done remotely. The person who creates the account can invite others by sending a link where the recording takes place. The recording time it is up to the individual and it gives you an option to use any electronic device whether you are using cell phone, computer and iPad. If you would like to add music to the recording, it gives you the option to add it to your recording. The recording was done from Anchor but uploaded to PodBean.

Listen to the Podcast from Yesenia, Christina and Virginia

Title: Texas Bluebonnet Award

https://virginiarod.podbean.com/e/texas-bluebonnet-awards/

Ways you can use podcast in a library:

Promoting  the library

• Library news letter

• Whats 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

Sharing school news

• Upcoming events/concerts

• Recording a game or drama play highlights

Provide Professional Development

• Book reviews

• Tutorials 

• Copy right discussions

• Book group discussions

• Overview of new services or policies

• Presentations by community member

• Book author

• Educational issues.

Cartoons and Comics Strips

 Cartoons and Comics Strips

This was my first time creating comic strips and I absolutely loved it. Although I lacked creativity, I can see the advantage of creating this type of digital assignment for my students. The use of comic strips is an effective way to engage students in a fun and meaningful learning experience where they get to practice vocabulary, reading, writing and communication skills. It is a great way for student to easily process, understand and remember information through the use of visuals and texts.  Students can easily develop their creativity in so many ways and have fun doing it too.  The use of comic strips can be implemented in all subject areas which makes this digital tool so much valuable for teachers and learners. It is a great way for teachers to see if their student has mastered the skill and for students to practice skills in all subject areas as well as to show their creative side.  

Pixton

https://www.pixton.com/

Pixton was one of my favorite web-pages for comic strip creation. The website included so many features and tools available for the free version.  Although it took me quite a while to think about what I wanted to do, I had fun producing my comic strip.   I was able to add and delete images and text so easily from one slide to the next and go back and forth from slide to slide. I did not encountered any issues while working with the comic strip everything just seemed to flow so smoothly.  I believe students will have lots of fun creating their own comics strips especially if they use this specific website.  

Title: Scavanger Hunt: 

https://share.pixton.com/pw0jecd  Comic strip

__________________________________________________________________________________

MakeBeliefsComix

https://www.makebeliefscomix.com/

Title: When I grow up, I want to be...........

https://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/?comix_id=14909155C2946941

This web-page was similar to Pixton it had a lot great features to work with. I think it is also a great web-page for cartoon and comic strip creation but it also had its limits. I did not have the option to create and account and if I wanted to share with other, I was only allowed to print or email my comic strip. This is a great site for students because it doesn't let them post anything on social media and it provides a safe experience. I will most likely recommend it to my students. It is another great site they can use for comic and cartoon creation besides Pixton and I think they will get lots of opportunities to use and share their imagination in so many ways.  

FotoJet

https://www.fotojet.com/

I was not to fond of this web-page and I do not think it is something I would use again nor share with my students.  It was difficult for me to get started and I was getting a little frustrated throughout the whole process.  I wasted a lot time trying to center images, shapes and text, and it wasn't doing what I wanted to do. I did not see an option to create a link but It did give me an option to downloaded and save my copy as a pdf.  Overall, it was not user friendly and I do not think it is something I would like to share with my student. 

Title: Welcome to the Library Media Center

Videos & QR Code for a Library

YouTube Videos and & QR Code for in the Library

Through the use of YouTube, teachers and students can create all sorts of educational videos from stories, to project, learning how to do something, and so many other things. YouTube videos can be share with teacher, peers or for everyone to see. This tool is unique because it helps students to build their media literacy skills and increase their engagement in a way that leads to creativity and retention of information.  Since evidence shows that students learn best with the use of technology resources, I am excited to share this type of digital resource with my students. While looking through different educational videos for my students, I found the following YouTube videos to be fun educational resources for my students.  

 

BBMS Media

https://www.youtube.com/user/bbmsmedia/videos

Most Helpful for students

6th Media Orientation

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T-QyQMS8H4

I found this video to be very important especially for our incoming six graders. The transitioning from elementary to middle school can be very challenging and daunting for many of our six grader students especially in the beginning of the school year. Although students go through library orientation the first few weeks of the school year, most forget what was shared with them. Having a video embedded into the library website is absolutely valuable for our student. They can view the video as many times as they like until they are able to grasp and understand the information presented. The librarian in this video clearly explained every step regarding the resources and procedures about the library media center. I think this type of digital resource is very valuable tool to use and have in the library website.

Student would like the best

Luke Sky walker has an overdue book:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivht6CPe1Ek

I believe students will find this type of video enjoyable to do and watch. Many of our students are very creative and having this type of activities in place for them makes learning so much rewarding. I am sure students will come up with so many creative ideas and this kind of activity gives them the opportunities to use their imagination and  produce videos that are not only engaging and fun but also extends their learning beyond the classroom setting.  ELA and History students would probably enjoy making this type of videos in their classes. 

Uniquelibrary

https://www.youtube.com/user/theunquietlibrary/videos

Most helpful for students

Finding CC Licence Image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XIMgryIYEo

I find this video to be very important and helpful for students. As we all know, students are assigned to work on projects throughout the school year in different content areas.   This video is a great way to show students step by step on how to find friendly copyright photos by using the Advance Flickr Search.  

Students would like the best 

Interviewing Experts via Skype: A medium for powerful learning experiences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oef5xdlO59A

I believe students will find this type of learning activity fun to do. When we students to select their own topics of research, students take what they are learning very serious.  For example, the student in the video wasn't to fond of the architecture aspect but wanted to know more about design. He chose the design aspect of running shoes because it was something that he wanted to learn more about. Through the use of the digital media Skype, he was able to connect with a professional expert about the design of the shoes and how it will help him in running. Not only did he learn from the expert but this type of activity brings many opportunities for students to take what they learn and use it later on in life.  I truly believe this video can bring so many great opportunity for learners to use what know and apply it in different situations. I really believe my student will benefit through this type of  learning activity in the classroom.

Calypso Gilstrap 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=&t=6s

Most helpful for students

CQ Researcher:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb9kASYL25Y

CQ Research is a website that provides the most recent topics happening around the world. Students have the opportunity to navigate through the website and look for topics and issues happening on the news. According to the website, each report is research and written by seasonal journalist footnoted and professionally fact checked. I really think this site can be a great place for my students to find the most recent articles they are interested in and want to know more about.  It is a great place for students to research topics and themes when asked to do a project or research.  

Students would like the best:

Norman Public Schools Celebrates Your Freedom to Choose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4keTSTLklU

I think this video is something students would like to see.  Many of our middle school students go through so many changes and challenges during this age level and if they are able to finding that book that gives them comfort, a smile, laughter, ideas, etc why not allow them to choose what they want to read. Allowing student to select their own reads should be the librarians priority. I think every library should have this type of video embedded in their library website for everyone to see especially students.  

 Pikesville Library

Most helpful for students

The Panthers Library in Action:

https://animoto.com/play/JYZYc3hSwlcnuUWVDlMM6A

This type of video advocates different ways the library media center can be utilize. It shows students how they can use the library whether it is for checking out books, reading, homework, group study, use of computer, presentation, after school tutorial etc.  It shows that it is a welcoming place for students to continue learning not only on their own but with their peers. Having this type of video on the library website creates a welcoming environment for everyone. 

Students like best

Hip Hop Day @ The Panthers Library

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3iihdaYAf0

The best way to get students involved in the library media center is to create activities that requires their participation. It is not only fun but it fosters learning and builds student-teachers relationships in a positive learning environment. I believe this type of activity can bring students and teachers together to celebrate different activities throughout the school year. My middle school students like to participate in lots of activities outside the classroom and this type of activity makes students feel part of the learning community. This video shows that librarians can create those type of environments for all students. It will take lots of planning but it is well worth at the end. 

Animoto

https://animoto.com/

 I enjoyed creating my book trailer and I found that all the features and resources were helpful in creating my book trailer. I used the majority of the images available on the website and it was pretty simple to organize and place each picture in the appropriate slot.  Once I was done inputting images and text, I selected the music to this book trailer by using the music that was available on the website. Overall, my experience with this website and the creation of my book trailer was a fun learning experience. I am excited to add one more digital resources to my technology experience. I am eager to share this website with my students and I can't wait to see what they can come up when they take part in creating their own book trailers in their  ELA class. 

GHOST BY JAYSON REYNOLDS

Synopsis:

Running. That’s all Ghost (real name Castle Cranshaw) has ever known. But Ghost has been running for the wrong reasons—it all started with running away from his father, who, when Ghost was a very little boy, chased him and his mother through their apartment, then down the street, with a loaded gun, aiming to kill. Since then, Ghost has been the one causing problems—and running away from them—until he meets Coach, an ex-Olympic Medalist who sees something in Ghost: crazy natural talent. If Ghost can stay on track, literally and figuratively, he could be the best sprinter in the city. Can Ghost harness his raw talent for speed, or will his past finally catch up to him?

Amazon Books (n.d.) Ghost. Retrieved July 11, 2020

https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Track-Jason-Reynolds/dp/1481450166/ref=sr_1_1?crid=AVMR19EISLCV&dchild=1&keywords=ghost+by+jason+reynolds&qid=1594507696&sprefix=ghost+by+%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-1

SCAN QR CODE to Watch Book Trailer: Ghost by Jason Reynolds.🠟

 This was the first time I had ever created a QR code and I found it to be very beneficial especially having in place in the library media center. It wasn't easy for me to create one but once I got the gist of making one, it became very simple to do.  I love the fact that you can find them just about anywhere but having some in the library media center makes things so much easier for students to locate certain resources they want to know more about. QR codes can be placed on books, magazine collection, signing in to a library, direct link to a web-page, book trailers, catalog search, and authors.  The QR Code can be created for a library media resources or classroom projects, assignment, link and etc. I think sharing this digital technology with students is just amazing. 

Reynolds, Jason. (2017) Ghost. NewYork: NewYork. A Caitlyn Dlouhy Books. 

Screencast Assignment

Screencastify

I have never used this application before but I found it to be very  useful.   Once you download the application, it is so easy to use. It can be used in just about anything you want to share information you want others to see. You have the option to select how you want to record your video either by using the browser tab, desktop or webcam only. It all depends on your preference. When you start recording, you have the option to select certain features while recording and once you are done it is saved to your google drive. It is a great tool to use in the classroom while sharing information with students or with colleagues. Since I use google classroom with my students, I can easily upload the video and create an assignment for students to view.  Although the application only allows you to record for five minutes, I still feel that it serves its purpose. 

Ways I can use this application:

* Presentations

* Record lessons for students who are absent or are out sick.

* Record short lesson for students to view at home so they know what they are going to be learning the next day at school.

* You can easily link it to Google Classroom

* Provide feedback to student when submitting assignment through google docs.

* Use for recording fluency for struggling readers

Students

* Student can create presentations

* Students can use it for story narration 

* Summarizing a concept in a story

* Explaining the main points of a story

* Student who need more assistance on an assignment can view the recording for clarification and understanding.

Spark.Adobe

The Spark Adobe is an amazing tool to use and it is definitely suited for teachers and students. It is easy to use and offers plenty of inspiring templates to choose from. Each template offers a distinct way of organizing the information the way you want it while using your own personal images, or you have the option to search on the web or use what the application offers. You can also add music to your presentation by uploading from your own music collection or from the tools that are available.   Students and teachers would probably find this application incredibly fun and useful. Sparks Adobe offers rich opportunities to demonstrate learning while getting creative with the design elements. I can see myself using this application in the future with my students. 

Ways I can use Spark Adobe:

 * Classroom lessons

* Classroom/Library newsletters

* Advertisements

* Parent Newsletters

* Distance and Remote Learning & Face to face video presentation recordings.( Flipped Classroom)

* Team and Departments Meeting Agenda

* Flyers/Posters

Students:

*Book Trailer presentations

*Book reports

*Story telling (oral presentations)

*Science fair presentation

*Written assignments with lots of images and text

*Practice language acquisition

*Great for any student especially our Special ed and ELL's students. They can use this application to record their stories using images with option to use text.

* Collages

Spark.Adobe 

https://spark.adobe.com/video/iSAKOY2I5lz4S

Screencastify

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1274OH26ejSli6o5VogRTzjtLaTndpVkL/view

Infographics Critique

As I navigated through the three different websites for info-graphic creations, I realized the value these resources can serve students and teachers when presenting information to colleagues or classmates.  I had used something similar to this but it was nothing as creative and easy as these three sources.

    The website that I feel suited me and had many great features was the Piktochart. I found it easy to use because it contained a variety of different objects and pictures which allowed the user to add just about any tools they wanted. Besides the options that were available to select, users had the choice to create their own template for their info-graphic or select what was already available on the site. The Easelly website was similar to the Piktochart but it did not have enough customization alternatives which limits users to be creative when using the free plan.  It also permit users to select different info-graphics for a template. I was able to create my info-graphic with no problem but again it limited me from using distinct tools. Last but not least, the Info-gram did not work for me. I had a difficult time getting started but I guess once you get the gist of creating a template, one can design professional visually appealing info-graphs. Another great feature the website contained was the use of animation. The animation was great but again it limits the user from finding objects to use on their templates on the free plan.

     Overall, the websites are wonderful tools to share with our students. It is a great way they can visually showcase their creativity with others and have fun doing it too.  These resources are a great way to visually communicate by sharing data, information design or editorials. It is up to the users to decide what type of information they want to share with others.

https://create.piktochart.com/output/47596467-infographic-assignment