To be honest, all of the tools were very exciting to learn about. I found myself most excited about how to use the social media sites to my advantage in a library setting. I am already familiar with Twitter and Facebook however finding out how to use them appropriately for the library was something I really enjoyed. I also really loved learning about video creators like Animoto to create book trailers to get the students excited about upcoming events or book trailers to encourage them to read them. The opportunities are truly endless when thinking of all of the ways to utilize this resource. I also really liked learning about the QR Codes. QR codes are a great way to communicate with students, parents, and faculty members. QR codes can be used to quickly disperse information in a quick manner. They can be printed, downloaded, emailed, or embedded into webpages or wiki’s. I plan on adding QR codes to the backs of books, and linking the QR codes to book trailers that are posted on author websites. I plan on creating QR codes about library procedures and information like how to use the self-checkout station and how to use the library’s OPAC system, etc. I also plan on creating a virtual library tour for students using a QR code to help the students become familiar with the library and where they can find certain materials. I also plan on making QR codes linking to video book talks, and then displaying them around the campus to get the students engaged and excited about the library and to come see me!
The infographics and the screencasting tools were definitely the most difficult for me. Infographics were a whole new world to me and although I do see the benefits my struggle was finding what information I should put into an infographic. I really liked the screencasting ideas however I do find that I need to spend more time on it to find out the true benefits of how and when to use screencasting. Because we are doing virtual teaching right now I feel like this tool will be a huge benefit to my toolbox.
I am so excited for my students to try all of these various tools, and I am excited to use them this upcoming year. I feel like it will keep things interesting for my students and really push me out of my comfort zone into unfamiliar territory. As educators we are lifelong learners and continuing to learn this tools is no different. The more we know, the better and more successful our students will be. Each tool had a different purpose whether it was to get the students excited about the library, inform them about specific things within the library, or even keep them engaged in lessons that go into the library. The whole purpose is to ensure the students and staff are using the library as a resource and consider it to be a welcoming and safe environment. By using these tools we are getting the students excited about the library and curious about what goes on in there. This is a great way to get them in the door and keep them there throughout the year by constantly updating social media or creating book trailers to get them excited! I can't wait!
I am also very excited about the digital storytelling feature that I have never heard about. After utilizing https://www.techlearning.com/tl-advisor-blog/30-sites-and-apps-for-digital-storytelling I realized how many different sites offer this feature for the student's to create presentations that fit their needs. They have choice and that is very important. I can see how to utilize digital storytelling as their presentation piece to an assignment or a project. I have created my final reflection into a digital storytelling format by using BookCreator. It was user friendly and easy to navigate. I wish it had a few more features on different fonts, colors, and sizes of the font however I liked that it was to easy to find pictures and add shapes to the story as I created it. Attached below is my final reflection in my digital storytelling format made by BookCreator.
Please click the link:
No comments:
Post a Comment