Blog Post 2: Handheld Devices

        Making Instruction Mobile discusses the need for libraries to evolve as student needs and ways of learning evolve. The introduction of Web 2.0 tools has opened up many options of sharing information. Students search for information differently than they did previously. 

The University of Tennessee Libraries started creating videos as a way for students to get information. They found it was important that they be short, accurate, and easy to find. Most videos students were searching for were “How To” videos. The libraries created videos based on the students’ and teachers’ needs. These videos can be accessed by computer and other handheld devices.

QR codes are also being used in the libraries. The QR codes are being used to provide short podcasts about different services the library offers.  They have also been used on posters for promotion of activities. This allows people to scan the code and have access to the information on their handheld devices. They are looking into how QR codes can help students while searching for information in the stacks. One possibility is scanning one could lead them to digital sources of information about a topic.

Another type of technology being used is Clickers and polling software. This type of technology allows students to be involved. They have used them for polls about various topics. They can be used in a classroom or as a large group. Students and teachers can see immediate feedback of how their answer compares to others, but it is in an anonymous way so there is no worry about getting embarrassed about your answer.  It also allows the teacher and/or librarian collect data.

I look forward to using these technologies in the library. I have thought about having the older students make “How To” videos teaching the younger students about library skills. I would also like to have them create video book reviews. One way book reviews could be accessed is by being put on the library website and by QR codes.  I have used QR codes in my classroom as quick links to take Accelerated Reader tests, self-checking activities in stations, and even a scavenger hunt. This could be used in the library as well. I would like to have the students kick off the year with a QR scavenger hunt to learn about what services and resources we have to offer in the library. Students would be able to use handheld devices to access the videos and to scan the QR codes.  They could also be used for Augmented Reality using an APP such as Aurasma. Students could make a video book report and use the cover of the book as the trigger. When the student hovers over the cover with the app, the video would play. This would be very engaging and help younger students to learn about the books. The devices could also be used for individual research, station activities and for reading e-books.

                                                             Reference

Bolorizadeh, A., Brannen, M., Gibbs, R., & Mack, T. (2012). Making instruction mobile.
        Reference Librarian, 53(4), 373. doi:10.1080/02763877.2012.707488

Blog Post 1: Technology Strengths and Weakness

      Based on a reflection and consideration of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) teacher standards I have determined the following understandings to be true. Before I share my reflections, I would like to share the ISTE standards (ISTE, 2015):

                  1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity
                  2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments
                  3. Model digital age work and learning
                  4. Promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility
                  5. Engage in professional growth and leadership
                 
Personal/Professional opportunities for growth

      One area of opportunity for growth is releasing control of the learning to my students with regards to technology. There is a fine line in elementary between capabilities vs. responsibility. As some technologies are new, setting clear expectations can be so dependent on each individual’s exposure. I would like to learn more about how to maximize the use of the limited technologies available to me on my campus. Another area is monitoring of students while they are involved in projects and other technology assignments as it is difficult with large classes. Digital citizenship is a topic I want to become more familiar with in order to confidently instruct students, especially in areas of internet safety, copyright free searches and giving credit for where you find information on the internet.

Professional Strengths

     My biggest technology strength is my eagerness and passion for professional growth. If something new is available, I am one of the first to try it out. I look forward to learning new ways to engage my students in learning, creating and collaborating using technology. I often seek new ways to integrate technology into my lessons. In my 2nd grade classroom I model the use of technology for my class by using my technology in my daily lessons. Engaging Power Points and videos have been beneficial to my students due to their increased engagement to the lessons. They have been introduced to e-books, and Virtual Field Trips have been a great resource. Due to the high number of Economically Disadvantaged students we have on our campus, these “trips” have enabled our students to have experiences they wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.
      My teammates often come to me for help with technology and ideas. I communicate with teachers and administrators online as well using e-mail and google docs and twitter. I used google docs to take surveys, set up schedules and plan (allowing my fellow teammates to add their ideas). I communicate with parents and staff through different media. This year I used a messaging app with my parents. This made communication much better between us. As a campus, we use online assessments monthly to collect data on our student’s growth. Luckily our 4th and 5th grade students next year will each have their own Chromebook, so we will really be able to incorporate these into their learning and group collaboration. I look forward to using Google Docs with them.
      Next year in my new position as Librarian, I look forward to working with teachers and students to incorporate technology. I plan to overcome my weaknesses by continuing to learn from the online courses I am taking and attend trainings and classes and bring those ideas to teachers. I plan to work closely with my technology personnel to learn more ideas for integration as well as work with ideas teachers on my campus may have to share.
      I would like to see projects and real world ideas representing each of these standards so I can have a better understanding and plan my own lessons. As a campus we are working to have K-5 students do more creating with technology next year and I look forward to being a big part of that.



                                                          Reference
International Society for Technology in Education. (2015). ISTE standards: Teachers. Retrieved             from http://www.iste.org/standards/ISTE-standards/standards-for-teachers

Class Projects

Class Projects