Media Debate

I had the opportunity to read the summary in Clark’s and Kozma’s debate.  It was interesting to read both sides and how they defend their point of views of media in education.  After reading both sides, I liked how Kozma rephrase the question from “Does media affect learning?” to “How, does media affect learning?”  I agree with Kozma point of view because today’s students are 21^st learners and use technology and media as part of their daily lives.  I have seen educators take advantage of Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube by using the capabilities each one provides to influence learning to students.  Blogs are another form of media instructors are starting to use to promote dialoguing, reflecting and social communication to improve their writing and reading skills. According to Morgan (2015) Reading Improvement article, “blogs allow communication through videos, sound, images, text, and links to other content on the Internet, making it easier for many students to learn new information and to express themselves (Sawmiller, 2010).”

In addition, social media like twitter is being used by teachers to improve writing and develop reflection among students.  Based on a research study done by Ricoy (2016), “the use of Twitter in the training of university students is of great interest, the students’ answers improve as they advance… aware of the evolution of their competence acquisition. Then as they progressively gain familiarity with the use of the tool, their learning improves.”

To conclude, today’s students are so involve with technology and social media that I feel that media does in part influence student achievement in learning.

References

Morgan, H. (2015). Creating a class blog: A strategy that can promote collaboration, motivation and improvement in literacy. Reading Improvement, 52(1), 27-31. Retrieved June 20, 2016, from Academic Search Complete.

Ricoy, M. C., & Tiberio, F. (2016). Twitter as a learning community in higher education. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 19(1), 237-248. Retrieved June 20, 2016, from Academic Search Complete.

Podcasts

Podcast-a digital audio or video file or recording, usually part of a themed series that can be downloaded from a website to a media player or computer. (Dictionary.com)

The first time I heard about Podcasts was when I enrolled in my first two classes for my library science master’s program.  I had the opportunity to create a podcast using Soundcloud where I interviewed my son pretending to be a librarian. In addition, one my instructors would use podcasts to instruct us what to do for our assignments.  I can see myself using podcasts in the library to advocate reading to students.  There could be a podcast for students designed for them to share recorded book talks, provide reviews of novels, manga, audiobooks or films.  The librarian could also showcase student’s creative writing where students could make podcasts sharing their essays, poems or short stories.  In addition, podcasts could also be used to inform or explain and serve as a guidance to teachers, students or the community.  I haven’t really seen podcasts used at libraries.  I think a good way to promote it is by using social media like Facebook, twitter, and the school’s newsletter.  It would also be a good idea to provide mini trainings to teachers and students to inform them of what it is and how it could be used.

To create a podcast is easy.  All you need is to make an account using Soundcloud, Podomatic, Audioboom, or GarageBand; a computer and a microphone.

I had the opportunity to use Soundcloud, Podomatic and Audioboom to create my podcasts.  I will briefly explain the podcast and the ease and challenges in using each program.

Soundcloud

Soundcloud allows you to both upload and record your podcast.  I had no problems using it.  If I did a mistake I could redo it again.  However, it doesn’t allow you to add a picture or music. You can play music in the background as you are recording yourself.  It allows you to share it and embed it. You can place it in a playlist.  I ask my 15 year old son, Joey, to create a podcast for me. He is into movies, manga and comic strips.  He did a podcast commenting about what he thought about the Deadpool movie.  Podcasting is a good tool not only to use at a library but also in a classroom.  It came out naturally for him wanting to podcast.  Teachers could definitely use a student’s personal interest in movies like my son to compare and contrast movies, and even talk about the similarities and differences between the comic book and the actual movie.

https://soundcloud.com/slumbreras-1/deadpool

Podomatic

I had no problems creating a Podomatic account.  In the top right corner it has an icon that you can press to create a podcast.  Once you click it, it will guide you step by step to create your podcast.  It allows you to upload and add a picture.  It would have been nice if it allowed me to record from the program.  I had to use my computer recorder to record and then upload the file.  Overall, it was user-friendly and a good tool to use.

The Podcast is about a review my son gave for “Finding Dory”.

https://slumbreras30.podomatic.com

Audioboom

Audioboom is the last podcast program I used.  I had no problems logging in. The program allows you to both record and upload your podcast.  I did not like the recording option. I tried recording myself and my daughter and I could only here static and the voice was not clear.  I had to record my daughter’s voice using the computer recording option to upload it.  The link to the podcast I provided was made by my 4 year old daughter reading one of her favorite books “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”.  At the beginning she was shy but after the second podcast she got more confident.  As I mentioned earlier, a podcast could be used for a book talk or read out loud.  My daughter is four years old and can’t read the book but was able to tell me a story based on the pictures and what she recalled from when I read to her. 

https://audioboom.com/boos/4718447-the-very-hungry-catepillar

Cartoons and Comics

It was fun playing with ToonDoo, Pixton and Makebeliefscomix to create my comic strips.  The following information provides feedback of what I thought after using every comic strip tool.  I honestly believe that students will probably have more creativity than I did.  I think promoting Comic Strips to our fellow teachers to incorporate in their classes for reading, vocabulary, writing and team work between students is an excellent and creative way to strengthen their reading and writing skills.

ToonDoo

I personally had a lot of trouble just loading the page to create my comic strip.  I used my phone, I-Pad and laptop computers to be able to log in and create it.  Don’t know if the webpage was having technical issues.  I had no problems creating my comic strips.  I liked that it provides you with different layouts from where to choose.  It has a variety of characters and backgrounds you can go for.  I had a little problem trying to delete the text balloons and re-adjusting them to the comic strip, other than that it was easy.  I had no problem saving it and getting the link to share and embed.  I did notice that when I tried embedding the link to my blog it gave me some kind of error message. That’s why I only have the link.

View this Toon at ToonDoo

http://www.toondoo.com/cartoon/10245402

Pixton

I really enjoyed using Pixton.  I liked that you are able to create your own characters, avatar, and give them a name.  I noticed that you are able to create a longer comic strip.  It allows you to change the characters position-loved this feature.  It has enough backgrounds to choose from.  Pixton allows you to change the emotions of your character but not until you choose to add another strip.  At least that was the only way I was able to do it.  I had no problems registering and saving my comic strip.  I was able to embed the link to my blog without problems.

MakebeliefsComix

MakeBeliefsComix comic strip:


http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/?comix_id=14908952C1978603

There isn’t a need to make an account to start using Makebeliefscomix.  I liked that the characters are animated.  It is simple to use and easy to delete if you don’t like what you have done.  It allows you to print and share it with a friend.  It does not have a variety of features to choose from like Pixton and ToonDoo but it is very neat to have an animated comic strip.

In addition, it was informative to read the Makebeliefscomix web link for educators.  I never thought of implementing a comic strip for reading and writing.  As I was reading the different ways to incorporate comic strips in the classroom, I was thinking and making a list of things I can do with my 1^st grade classroom this coming school year.  I really liked the idea of using a comic strip to introduce yourself.  I use that activity every year the first week of school.  I personally loved Pixton from all three comic strips tools. But base on the grade level I teach and the needs of my students, I would recommend Makebeliefscomix. My students can just log in and let their imagination and creativity loose. The fact that it allows them to print their cartoon strip and present it.

I also see myself using it to promote collaboration among students, build their vocabulary words, writing and reading skills in a creative way.  I have my students write in their journal in a daily basis. I think creating a comix diary will be an excellent way of engaging students to write.

Videos and QR codes in the library.

The blog I am posting provides YouTube videos created by librarians and students.  I also included a book trailer created with animoto and a QR code that links to it. 

YouTube videos

Pikesville library

Avid Summer Boot Camp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D-SMMLxxXo

SnapShot of the Panthers Library: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zat-1kHF5sY

In viewing both YouTube videos, I think the animoto video of the Panthers Library is most helpful.  It informs students of the activities and 21^st century tools the library implements together with teachers for student learning.  Additionally, students will probably like both videos because it involves pictures of them in the library.

The unquiet library

Sinco tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mipDakS7yjo

The importance of choice for igniting student passion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZUTsyfY8m4

It will be kind of hard to select a video from the “Unquiet Librarian”.  The first one is needed in order to understand how to complete the instructor’s assignment.  The second video promotes student creativity for problem solving and promotes reading from a student’s perspective.  Students will definitely like the second YouTube video the most.  It think they would see it as more meaningful because they will be able to relate to it.

Calypso: NHS Library

Tiger visits the NHS Library: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeUhXLvFAi4

Getting Started with NHS Library: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjpxzgZQkZM

From the videos I selected, I think it would be most helpful to view “Getting Started with NHS Library.  The librarian explains in detail how to use the library website. Students will probably prefer the video with the tiger visiting the library. 

BBMS Media

I really, really want you -overdue books:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfRPGV-f73Q

Overdue Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYS7t4vYsQw

Students will definitely prefer to see the BBMS Media YouTube videos.  Both videos I selected are very creative and engaging.  I could see my son wanting to create his own video. 

Animoto

I really like using animoto, it is simple and user friendly.  I had no problems registering for it. It guided me step by step to create my video.

The book trailer I decided to make was “Monster” by Myers.  The style of the book and the story behind it caught my attention.  Unfortunately, it is true how one wrong choice can ruin one’s life and change somebody else’s.  It is an amazing story to introduce our teenage students of how everything we do has consequences either good or wrong.  In the story, Steve was accused of being an accessory to murder because he participated in the robbery by given a signal to his partners that coast was clear.  I recalled discussing with my husband that I felt sorry for Steve if he got life sentence. Why was he going to be penalized with the same vigor as the one who actually fired the gun?  But as my husband said –If he did participate, he should also be held accountable for the actions and was part of the reason the man got killed. He made a wrong decision and like everything there are consequences for it.  Furthermore, I feel I still need practice creating book trailers but as the saying goes -practice makes perfect-.

Cover page and synopsis by amazon.com

This New York Times bestselling novel and National Book Award nominee from acclaimed author Walter Dean Myers tells the story of Steve Harmon, a teenage boy in juvenile detention and on trial. Presented as a screenplay of Steve's own imagination, and peppered with journal entries, the book shows how one single decision can change our whole lives.

QR Code links to Book Trailer.

QR Codes

QR Codes can be used in the library as a scavenger hunt to introduce genres and even be a good way to introduce a book.  The librarian can record her/himself and have students scan it to find out information about the book of the week- about the author and brief introduction about the book. It is an excellent tool to promote Award winning books, students work, book reviews, and reading renaissance.  QR Codes can basically be in any item inside the library that can provide a set of instructions of how to use it.  For example, next to the reference shelf to provide information of reference materials. Close to the computer lab listing the usernames and passwords for the different databases.  In addition have a QR code in the school newsletter that when scanned, it will inform users of activities happening in the library. For students and staff members that don’t have a device to scan the QR codes you could provide a short URL that will direct you to the same link as the QR code.

Screencasts and Instagram

It has been a learning experience to have the opportunity to use Screencast-o-matic, Jing, Adobe Spark and Instagram.  I had heard and seen screencasts but it’s my first time actually creating one.  These kinds of technology tools just opens the window for creativity as a teacher implementing and planning for lesson plans and as students actually creating and explaining their results.  I think the preference of each tool depends on the user.  Activities that can be implemented by these tools can include scavenger hunts, recording the steps for science experiments, creating their own book trailer, explaining how to use a certain IPAD app, sharing their book reviews, explaining how to solve a problem, or presenting their research project.  Students are learning how to use technology, their communication skills, and problem solving in engaging and creative way.

Additionally from all three screencasts I created, I really enjoyed using Screencast-o-matic the most.  It was easy for me to understand and use. 

Screencast-o-matic

Screencast-o-matic is simple and user friendly.  It allows you to record from the screen, web camera or both.  Both screencasts were created only from the screen.  Each recording has a limit of 15 minutes and allows you to truncate your recording (love it).  Furthermore, it allows you to save it on your own library folder.

http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cD12YHiFr8

Jing

Jing is a more detail tool it provides more features.  The time limit of the recording is five minutes. It allows you to record the screen or just images.  In order to use the program I had to download it to my computer.  It displays an icon in the shape of a sun that allows you to select the screen you which to screencast.  Once you recorded and saved it, the screencast would lead to a different website named “screencast”.  I was a little confused at first because it is loaded to a website named screencast and didn’t know how to create a new screencast.   I liked that it provides plenty of tutorials to get you going.  I probably wouldn’t have made it without the tutorials.

Jing Screencast:

convert youtube to mp3

Adobe Spark

Adobe Spark is user friendly and easy to use.  The tools I used to create my video reminded me of a PowerPoint.  You also have the option to do Meme’s.  I see my students using this tool for story-telling.

Adobe Spark: https://spark.adobe.com/video/B1ED0Z04







The following screencast-o-matic explains how to build a website using Weebly.

http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cD1ocpiFvX





Instagram Pictures

Pictures posted in Instagram are decorations to promote reading and celebrate Dr. Seuss anniversary.

https://www.instagram.com/sandmar12/

Infographic

Infographics- A visual presentation of information in the form of a chart, graph, or other image accompanied by minimal text, intended to give an easily understood overview, often of a complex subject.

I have had the opportunity to use Piktochart to create my infographics.  I like to use Pictograph because it is easy to use.  I like to get ideas from the free templates available.  I usually choose a free template that interests me and readjust it with graphs and information I plan to present.  As mentioned by the definition, infographics is used to present information in an easily understood overview providing minimal text and charts or graphs.  I see 4^th to 12^th grade students using infographics to present a project, or understanding of an assignment.  Infographics allows itself to use the creativity of students working in collaboration with others or alone using technology tools available.  It is a great way for the teacher to know if the concept taught was understood and it gives ownership to students creating the infographic.  Furthermore, it is a good way for students to develop their communication skills.  Some students are not use to presenting in front of an audience, infographic allows oneself to present something in simple words and at the same time build communication skills.

The infographic I decided to create is about a national survey given by Pew research center to parents of 13-17 year old teens concerning digital monitoring.  The information provided displays information received by the survey.  It has minimal text, a chart and graph that show data concerning methods parents use to monitor their teens online activities.

The following is the link to the infographic I created using Piktochart:
https://magic.piktochart.com/output/14479695-parent-and-teen-digital-monitoring 

Blogs and Feed Readers

A feed reader is an app that allows you to organize your favorite blogs, podcasts, and news into collections and allows you to receive updates of new stories being published.

The Feed Reader I decided to go for was “Feedly”.  It is simple, easy to use and free.  It allows me to build my own newsfeed about my favorite topics and create my own collections.  I was able to download feedly on my Windows computer and the App to my android phone.  I had the opportunity to use it on both my computer and my phone. I would recommend the Feedly App since I was able to find what I needed without a problem just by using the searching tool.  In contrary to the one I downloaded in my computer, I tried searching a blog and it will ask me to upgrade my account in which I had to pay a fee monthly.  The expense wasn’t that much but I didn’t have to use the upgraded version in my phone.  

The following information provides brief descriptions of blogs I decided to follow with “Feedly” to keep up to date with library news and events that could help me promote and serve as an advocate of reading at my own library.  Most of the blogs have to do with book reviews and library displays.  It is important to know the interests of our readers and their input of books being published.

Annoyed Librarian

Annoyed Librarian writes and provides an opinion about articles or events happening at the library.  It is interesting to follow and read about topics that might seem controversial.

http://lj.libraryjournal.com/blogs/annoyedlibrarian/

The Daring Librarian

The Daring Librarian writes about events going on at her own library.  The blog provides a list of book reviews and provides pictures and blogs of events happening during and after school.  I enjoy following her blogs because it provides me with ideas I can implement as a future librarian at my own library.

http://daringlibrary.edublogs.org/

Kirkus Review Blog

Kirkus Review Blog Network provides book review blogs for children, young adults and adults.  I am interested in following this blog because it gives me feedback of what readers are interested in reading.

https://www.kirkusreviews.com

The Book Smugglers

The Book Smugglers is a book review blog.  It provides up to date book reviews that I can read and use to get input of what readers are reading.

http://thebooksmugglers.com/

Library Displays

Library Displays is a blog about ideas use for library displays.  I am following this blog because it provides me with ideas that I can implement as a future librarian to engage and promote reading to students, parents, teachers and administrators at the school library.

http://www.schoollibrarydisplays.blogspot.com

My tumblr link: http://slumbreras.tumblr.com/

Facebook Pages and Twitter

Facebook is an online social network that today is used for businesses, schools, social media and for personal use in our society.  In the following comments I am writing about, I will provide observations of the advantages and disadvantages I see on school Facebook pages used at school’s libraries or school campuses.  I had the opportunity to view “Dora School Library” and “Evangelina Garza Elementary”. The following is what I noticed in their Facebook pages:

"Dora School Library"

Dora school library is a library that services K to 12^th grade students.  In looking at their Facebook page I noticed they value the town history and the community.  Most of the pictures posted show old town pictures and old school album pictures of students that have graduated from that school throughout the years.  I saw a few student and public postings.

"Evangelina Garza Elementary"

I have noticed some updates made to the homepage since last year.  The Facebook webpage is used as a channel to communicate to parents, students, teachers and the community.  The principal uses Facebook to ask for parent’s ideas and suggestions to celebrate student accomplishments.  It is a great way to involve parents in their student’s education.  The website is used to inform the public of events and activities being held at the library and school.  Pictures are posted on Facebook of workshops that administrators and teachers attend throughout the year.  Parents are encouraged to send the principal pictures they take to be posted at the school’s Facebook page.  Some pictures posted have to do with graduation, career day, water day, millionaire field trips, library events and anything involved with the school and students.

In viewing both schools Facebook pages I saw more advantages than disadvantages.  Advantages I noticed is that the schools Facebook page is being used as a newsletter to inform and involve the participation of administrators, teachers, parents, students and the public of the wonderful things happening at the campus.  It also serves as a way to advocate for the students and reach the public with events happening at school.  At the library, Facebook is used to promote reading and involve the participation of parents and their children to read.  I think Dora School Library posting of old town pictures and school albums is a good way to promote the towns and school’s history throughout the years.

Disadvantages I noticed is that some schools don’t take advantage of the potential of Facebook among society and our community.  I noticed some schools don’t keep up to date with all the wonderful events happening at their school and library.  Most school Facebook pages I noticed display positive feedback of viewers but it can always also go the opposite way and promote the school negatively.  Both Facebook schools I viewed I noticed postings and pictures are run by the librarian or principal from the school instead of parents. 

Twitter

I will also briefly summarize what I found in my exploration of following some educational technology leaders on twitter. Twitter is an online social network service that allows users to send and read short messages.

I had the opportunity to follow Linda W. Braun and Gwyneth Jones-The Daring Librarian and Kathy Schrock through their tweets.

Linda W. Braun is a teen advocate.  Most of her tweet involves information about YALSA articles, articles about summer jobs available for the youth.  I enjoy following her tweets because it keeps me up to date about teen library services and news.

Linda W. Braun@lbraun2000

https://twitter.com/lbraun2000/status/738480900116123648

Gwyneth Jones-The daring librarian.  I love following her tweets because she is always tweeting innovative ideas of activities I can implement at my school library and be able to share them with teachers.

Gwyneth Jones@GwynethJones

https://twitter.com/GwynethJones/status/736163026802507776

Kathy Schrock is an educational technologist she keeps up with technology and has her own site.  She recently updated and copyright her school project poster.  I like to follow her tweets to follow the changes in technology and how they can be implemented in the classroom.

Kathy Schrock@Kathyschrock

https://twitter.com/kathyschrock/status/738033214892040193

Library and 21st century student learners

The discussion I am writing about involves Marc Prensky’s thoughts about digital natives and how what he is saying can support Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy and Kathy Shrock’s guide to everything.

In my personal experience working with 5^th grade students and currently 1^st grade, I don’t think there is a necessity to break down technology from Lower Order Thinking Skills (LOTS) to Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS).  Students by nature use what they remember, understand and apply that knowledge to evaluate and create the end result of the technology tool they are using. Blooms taxonomy order from LOTS to HOTS is used in technology without realizing it.   As Prensky mentions in his article, students are native speakers of technology, video games and the Internet.  Many of the times I have my 1^st grade students showing me themselves on how to use a certain app and provide me suggestions what will make it look better.  I always try to implement HOTS during my instruction and have noticed that the best way to implement it is by engaging and having that collaboration among my students and myself.  I am constantly trying to keep up with technology and could be called a digital immigrant.  I realize that today’s students are 21^st century learners and the importance to adjust my style of teaching to their style of learning.  I have seen how some high schools and middle schools are starting to let students use their phones and I pads in math and language arts classes and how some teachers are reluctant to allow students to use them because of the misuse of them.  I believe that is a process were we have to teach responsibility and provide rubrics like we do with any other lesson we give.  It is something that will take time to make it part of the academic curriculum.

In deciding and explaining why I would need a certain app in the library I would keep in consideration Prensky’s point of views but will probably requested using terms of Digital Taxonomy because Blooms taxonomy most of the times is embedded in the academic curriculum used for student learning and it will be easier for administrators to accept my request.  Additionally, I feel technology is a tool we use for student learning and not a foundation for learning.  In my campus, we lack the means to provide students with I pads and enough computers to make it part of their daily tools of learning.  I think that with today’s 21^st century learners it is important to keep up to date with their needs especially as a future librarian to be able to develop student information skills using technology and provide resources with technologies rapid changes.

This year I had the opportunity to incorporate Big Brainz (basic fact game) with my 1^st graders.  Most of my students learn their basic facts in addition and subtraction because they were engaged and thought they were playing.  Students have different ways and styles of learning.  Technology allows the opportunity to incorporate the skills of those students that prefer hand on crafts and those that enjoy the use of digital devices.  It is a combination of collaboration among students. 

Finally, Prensky’s thought of digital natives support both Digital Taxonomy and Kathy Shrock’s guide to everything.  The main goal is to provide student academic learning by using high order thinking skills that can be use in today’s technology by our 21^st century learners.  Collaboration and engagement are powerful elements to have independent learners in this changing technological world.

References:

Prensky, M. (2006). Listen to the Natives. Retrieved June 04, 2016, from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/summer06/vol63/num10/Listen-to-the-Natives.aspx