Final Reflection: LSSL 5391

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As we reach the end of the summer semester and as I begin my new job as a school librarian, I have realized that this course regarding digital technology has been super beneficial! Especially since we are about to complete the first few weeks of school virtually! Here are some of my thoughts of the course's tools we have practiced with:

1. Which ones excited me most?
While all apps and digital tools are special in their own way, I must say that creating screencasts and podcasts were the most exciting to me! For screencasts, we are able to show viewers how to complete a task step-by-step, which is great for visual learners like myself. There are options to show yourself during screencasts, but I like how it's not mandatory since I don't like being personally recorded where my face and body are shown. I also really enjoyed creating a podcast because this was another option where it's just audio that's necessary. I can create a podcast over many topics regarding the school library, collaboration, etc. I'm actually thinking about pitching this idea to my principal!

2. Which ones were most difficult for me?
I honestly don't think any of the digital tools I practiced with during this course were difficult to use. Time-consuming? Yes, there are a few that are but are not difficult. I can see how some of these tools may be difficult for someone who is either completely new or low when it comes to technology. However, the more practice that's put in with these tools, the more efficient one can become with them! That's why it's important for me to give numerous opportunities for staff members and students to use these tools so they can get familiar and comfortable with them for academic and real-life purposes.

3. Which one will most benefit students?
ALL OF THEM WILL BENEFIT STUDENTS! Students learn in so many different ways, and it is my responsibility to give them these engaging 21st century learning opportunities. It is important though to assess my school population and see which ones will be the most beneficial for my group of students. 

In case you missed some of my previous blog posts regarding these tools, check out these brief summaries of them!

Blog Readers: Great for organizing blogs of various topics for later reference!

Social Media: This includes Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Great for advocating for the library and promoting new resources and/or events!

Infographics: This tool is excellent to represent different types of data and helps make relaying information more appealing!

Screencasts: These are used to record your screen so viewers can see how to complete something step-by-step or follow along during some type of information presentation.

Videos: Great to create when explains how to do something! This also a great tool for students to create projects (i.e. book trailer). 

QR Codes: Fast and easy! Patrons can simply scan a QR code that will take them to another helpful resource!

Cartoons and Comics: Fun and illustrated way to tell a story and/or give information.

Podcasts: Great to host a recorded audio piece over various subjects!

Need a more visual representation of all this? Check out my digital storybook!



Comments

  1. Amy GutierrezJuly 29, 2020 at 2:56 PM

    I really enjoyed both your blog post and your bookcreator reflection! Well done! I have seen many colleagues in our class use bookcreator, and I think it is a great tool that students can use as well! I also found book creator to be user-friendly and visually appealing! Thank you for sharing your reflection!

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  2. Bearded LibrarianJuly 29, 2020 at 5:18 PM

    I have to agree that the screencasts and podcasts were my favorite tools we were exposed to during this course. I think this has given me much more confidence with using both of those in my own classroom. Also, your visual representation of your post looks great. I'm definitely going to have to find a place for a storybook creation like that this year.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Leo MorenoJuly 30, 2020 at 12:12 PM

    The tools can be time consuming, so that is why sometimes I struggle with introducing them to students, because some will focus on the bells and whistles rather than content. I know it is a necessary evil because this is how digital natives communicate nowadays. It was great having you as a group project member. Good luck on your new job!

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  4. Virginia RodriguezJuly 30, 2020 at 12:50 PM

    I agree the use of podcast can be so beneficial for students. It is a little intimidating in the beginning but overtime you seem to get a little more comfortable recording yourself. This is one tool that I plan to use this coming school year.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dyan MarekJuly 30, 2020 at 2:03 PM

    I agree with you on a number of things: none of it was too difficult, just time consuming, all of the applications are beneficial to students, and creating the screencasts was pretty exciting. I can't wait to implement using these applications, this year.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tanya's FindingsJuly 30, 2020 at 4:27 PM

    I like how well organized your blog posts is. I also used Book Creator for my digital story for my final reflection. I know that a lot of what we have learned, we will surely be using the our classrooms or our own library. Great job!

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  7. Karen AnthonyJuly 30, 2020 at 7:09 PM

    Your book is SO cute! I loved it! I used Storybird to create my reflection but I am interested in trying out Book Creator now that I have seen your book. I agree with you about all of the apps being beneficial to students. Screencasts I will definitely use but I am a little nervous still about Podcasting.

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