My Final Reflection

Honestly, I can't believe the semester is over! I remember looking at the syllabus and being completely overwhelmed! I was familiar with Facebook and Twitter, although I hadn't used Twitter. I enjoyed looking at other school library's social media pages to see how they were using social media effectively.I learned so many new things in this class, I was pushed beyond my comfort zone and I still survived! Although, I don't know how to post my podcast! I had never heard of an RSS feed reader, but it really makes sense to have articles you are interested in automatically come to your feed.
I was fascinated that you could keep track of the books you read on Goodreads. I really like having this information with me. This is something I want to start doing in my library.
QR codes completely overwhelmed me. My twelve year old niece said "oh I can show you how to do that it's easy". I love learning from her and the other kids, they need the opportunity to share with us how we can integrate technology.
Cartoons and comics are definitely a tool I think would be interesting to students. I had fun making mine, and I'm sure they can make some more detailed comics. Tellagami was my absolute favorite! It can be used in all subjects, but would be great for book trailers and book reports.
Flipagram was my favorite tool. I loved making my mini movie and adding the music to it. I definitely see me using this in the near future.
I think the biggest thing to remember out of it all is that you have to start with humans. Machines will never replace the interaction between humans. 

Instagram, Flipagram, Screencast

Being a librarian isn’t like it used to be. If you’re expecting, to read aloud to each class and then let them check out books, you need to look again, because librarians do so much more. Librarians must be tech savvy, or at least willing to learn how to use it. Our students are digital natives.Technology is ever changing and some teachers could learn from the students. In today's world, students are used to being constantly and instantly connected. It is necessary to learn the various tools and technologies available to keep students engaged. 

Instagram is one of the ways we can connect to others. Instagram is an app for sharing photos and videos from your smartphone. It’s quick, and easy to use, which appeals to students. Here are a few examples of how to use Instagram in the classroom:

·         Showcasing student work

·         Featuring a student of the week

·         Imagine your favorite character (what would they say?)

·         Study a famous person in history and share information using instagram

·         Capture class memories (field trips, awards etc)

·         Book Recommendations

·         Share the steps involved in a science experiment

o   My first Instagram picture: https://www.instagram.com/p/BTS88RtAfAg/

  Flipagram is a sharing app that allows one to share a story with your photos to make short movies and videos. This app provides students with opportunities to create projects and activities. Here are a few examples of ways you can use Flipagram in the classroom:

·         Record children’s oral reading-use as an assessment

·         Record special events-field trips, awards

·         Students can demonstrate what they have learned about a topic

·         What are you reading? Each student takes a picture with the book they are reading, then create a video. They will love seeing themselves in the movie.

·         Keep parents involved about what goes on in the classroom

   Check out my very first flipagram: https://flipagram.com/f/17ijP91FlDF     This is my favorite- I’m addicted!!!

A screencast allows one to create a digital recording with audio narration of a computer screen explaining something in a step by step process. A screencast allows one to create a clear and organized explanation on a topic. This is a great tool to explain various tools and technologies to students. Some examples to use screencast in the classroom:

• Record procedures and answer common questions.
• Give students audio-visual feedback (the next best thing to a 1:1 conversation).
• Record lessons that students can access anytime, anywhere.
• Make a video to help your substitute teacher if you must miss class.

And my screencast: http://www.familyreading.org/great-ideas/bookmarks-to-download/10-great-reasons-to-read/