Final Reflection

As the semester comes to an end, I can't help but wonder "Where does the time go!?"  I had such an amazing experience with Dr. Karin Perry's LSSL 5391 Internet for School Librarians class.  I loved how each week we explored different technology to be integrated in both the library and the classroom.  With such an overwhelming list of choices to use, the list from Dr. Perry was a great guideline to valuable technology sources that have been tested and used.  Each week I would share my new learning experiences with my colleagues and my students.  I now have the title "techy guru"!  Too funny!  I still have a lot to learn, but I feel that with this class, I have narrowed my choices and look forward to integrating the technology into my classroom and librarian lessons.

My overall experience with this class was very positive and supportive.  All the lessons are presented in a clear and concise manner.  If I had any questions, I emailed my professor Dr. Perry.  Her response time was fast and informative.

My favorite lessons with technology include:  using the LINOIT website and app to create virtual cork boards,  Facebook and Twitter are a great way to reach out to the community to promote the library and projects.  I really enjoyed creating my first Infographic.  Another definite favorite was creating QR codes.

One of the difficult assignment I encountered as creating a screencast.  I used Screen cast o matic without problems but, screenr gave me a headache!  I did learn how to create a screencast and it will be useful in future flipped classroom lessons.

The technology I feel is most useful for my students is QR codes.  QR codes are very beneficial for the students because they can use their smartphone or device to snap a picture of the QR code and obtain all the information.  QR codes can include study notes, spelling words, book recommendations and school information.  Wordle, Instagram and Vine are also fun and friendly apps to use and student will be engaged in their lessons.

I'm so excited to continue my journey as a graduate student in the Sam Houston State University Master of Library Science department.  I'm looking forward to applying gained knowledge in my future endeavors as a teacher and future librarian.

A big Thanks goes out to my professor, Dr. Karin Perry for making this class fun, informative and very useful.

Instagram and Vine Videos

Instagram and Vine videos are a great resource to use in the classroom and library settings.  The possibilities are endless.  Both Instagram and Vine are popular social media sites and can be valuable teaching tools.  The students can explore a variety of ways to use both in their academic settings.  I'm a huge Instagram fan and now I really enjoy Vine too.

My Vine Videos:





The videos were fun to make, easy to upload and a breeze to share on various social media sites.

Instagram

Instagram will not let you post any writing onto the pictures so I downloaded the app Overgram and used it to create the writing for the pictures.  It's a fun app to help add personalization to the Instagram pictures.

Overall I see many educational and inspiring opportunities where my students can use both Instagram and Vine videos to create projects.  Book pictures, quotes, quick favorite book parts can all be shared with the class through the use of both Instagram and Vine videos.  I can't wait to explore more options where I can use these wonderful social media apps with my students.