Final Reflection on Digital Technology for Libraries

As future librarians, we are put in a role that requires us to keep up to date and stay ahead of new trends when it comes to technology. One of the first things to consider when evaluating new technology is the impact it will have on the library and patrons. Some technology may not seem immediately appealing to libraries, but we need to take into consideration of our community's interests. 

One of the tech resources we used that excited me the most was creating comics using various platforms. I learned quickly how comics can be a great way to introduce one another, teach new concepts, retell stories, and create book trailers.  One of my favorite platforms to create comics was Pixton because it offered a comic school for those just starting out as well as able to choose different scenes, add actions to your characters, and change their facial expressions to fit the character’s words. I also liked that you can incorporate a rubric where students are able to rate their selves or their fellow classmates. Another tech resource I really enjoyed creating this semester is podcasts. This is something I want to start incorporating in the library with my students. This is a great tool for those that are not comfortable with videos to communicate or share their information with their audience. 

The most challenging tech resource I created this semester is infographics. I do like how infographics are engaging visuals that communicate information quickly and clearly, but I had a hard time choosing which infographic would be best to get my information across clearly and narrow my information down to make it easier for the reader to understand without taking away the visual aspect of infographics. Another challenging tech resource was implementing social media to promote libraries. I am very familiar with Facebook and Instagram, but was not very familiar with Twitter. I follow many librarians on Instagram and have seen the videos they have posted that included texts, music, and special effects to promote their libraries, but was unsure how they created these to make them so engaging until this course. 

The most beneficial technology platform for students would in my opinion be screencasts because it offers students 24/7 online access to knowledge. Not only is it a great tool to use to deliver content, but students are also able to create their own screencasts to prove what they understand. Screencasts give students the audio-visual learning environment that is useful to those who learn best through seeing rather than hearing or reading. With screencasts, students can become more proactive by learning at their own pace. I also think students creating digital stories would be very beneficial because they could have a choice in which platform to use and show their creativity by showcasing their learning to their peers, teachers, and audiences beyond the classroom. 

This semester has been a great learning experience for me because I felt I was pretty tech-savvy, but throughout the course, there were times I wasn’t too confident or comfortable with the new tools we were using. Due to technology always changing and evolving, I can see how many will be hesitant on integrating technology. In the end, I have walked away with new resources and skills that I can take back to my library and share with teachers and students.

Universal Design for Learning

According to Cast.org, the Universal Design of Learning is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people by giving insights into how we learn. There are UDL Guidelines to use as a tool to implement the UDL in any setting. These guidelines offer suggestions that can be applied to any subject area to ensure all learners can access and participate in meaningful and engaging learning opportunities. UDL supports the needs of diverse learners, including learning-disabled students from diverse cultural backgrounds (King-Sears 2009). 

1. Which of these guidelines I am already using?
   
   As a current librarian, I already incorporate multiple means of representation by providing options for comprehension in linking and activating prior knowledge to new books that I am sharing as well as using different types of concept maps. I also use digital text with an accompanying human voice recording (usually my voice) when students are using iPads to access the story for the week. 
   
   
2. Which of these could I add right now to my teaching practice?
   
   Providing multiple means of action and expression. Due to time constraints, I sometimes don't allow enough opportunities for students to stop and think before answering. To check for understanding, I could have students role-play the story or have them create podcasts with the new information they have learned which will enhance the capacity for monitoring progress.
   
   
3. Which of these looks great, but I might need some help to implement?
   
   Provide multiple means of engagement by allowing learners the autonomy to choose how to participate in the gathering of information or production as well as the timing for completion of specific tasks. 
   
   

I would like to gain a better understanding of UDL from a librarian's standpoint. As a librarian we need to be more thoughtful of ways in which we can incorporate the Universal Design of Learning into our library instruction. According to the article School Libraries and UDL in the Time of Learning from Home by Jennifer Sturge, librarians are already using the three main principles of UDL by providing choice. Under Principle 1, we promote a wide range of reading by allowing students to choose the format of the materials they are seeking and self-selecting books for academic purposes or for pleasure. We also provide feedback, multiple databases, and pathfinders for student use and engagement. Many school libraries offer a welcoming environment where students can exercise their choice and autonomy.  Under Principle 2, school libraries provide visual media in the form of books, periodicals, databases, and audiobooks where students have the option to have the text read to them. Librarians also support wide background knowledge and assistance in finding information the student is seeking. School librarians teach teachers how to utilize closed captioning in their instructional videos. Under Principle 3, school librarians collaborate with teachers in which students are provided with choices in how they present their findings. We provide multiple databases, texts, and ways to research and have the knowledge of technology in order for students to create. 

According to Reading Rockets in the article 5 Examples of Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom by CAST, it can be helpful for all kids, especially those with learning and attention issues. After reading the five examples, these are things that teachers and librarians are most likely already incorporating into their daily practices like posting lesson goals/objectives, providing a variety of assignment options, flexible workspaces, regular feedback, and access to digital and audio text. 

After reading more about the Universal Design for Learning and how it looks on the library side, I have a better understanding of how it can easily be incorporated to ensure the curriculum meets the diversity of my students. I also didn't realize that I am already doing some of the things that were explained by Jennifer Sturgeb and Reading Rockets. Check out Keeping Up with Universal Design for Learning for easy tasks that librarians can do to incorporate UDL in their library instruction.

Resources

Keeping Up With... Universal Design for Learning | Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL). (n.d.). American Library Association. Retrieved April 16, 2022, from https://www.ala.org/acrl/publications/keeping_up_with/udl

(n.d.). CAST: Until learning has no limits®. Retrieved April 16, 2022, from https://www.cast.org/

Robinson, D. E. (2017, September/October). Universal design for learning and school libraries. Knowledge Quest, 46(1), 56-61. https://learn-us-east-1-prod-fleet02-xythos.content.blackboardcdn.com/5c0f632563f2b/22812408?X-Blackboard-Expiration=1650153600000&X-Blackboard-Signature=W9xVUExcLXcQWihlnz34fRmvc9gh32B24i0j0hvGw%2F8%3D&X-Blackboard-Client-Id=100967&response-cache-control=

Sturge, J. (2020, June 2). School Libraries and UDL in the Time of Learning from Home. Knowledge Quest. Retrieved April 16, 2022, from https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/school-libraries-and-udl-in-the-time-of-learning-from-home/

UDL Examples: Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom. (n.d.). Understood.org. Retrieved April 16, 2022, from https://www.readingrockets.org/article/5-examples-universal-design-learning-classroom

Podcasts

AudioBoom

Audioboom looks beyond the individual podcaster by including features for managing multiple podcasts at once. It also provides analytics and insights to help podcasters understand who their listeners are, the content they want, and how the podcast is performing. Podcasters can start with plans for just $9.99 per month or $99 per year. If interested in the Podcast Pros plan, you will need to contact AudioBoom individually to determine plans and rates for accounts with more than 10,000 plays per month. Some pros are embeddable player, partnerships with distribution sites, offices located around the world to help connect to audiences anywhere, and is beneficial for one channel or a network of channels. Some of the cons of AudioBoom is that it limits you to five episodes per month on a beginner plan and it currently doesn't have an app. Also, in order to hit the Podcast Pros plan, your podcasts will need a high threshold of plays. 

Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout gives you everything you need to host, promote, and track your podcast. Podcasters can read millions of listeners by listing their podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitchers, iHeartRadiio, and many others. Buzzsprout offers statistics to see stats like total downloads, apps listeners are using to listen to the podcasts, and where people are listening. Buzzsprout will optimize your episodes automatically so no need to worry about filetypes. You can publish your episode immediately or schedule the day and time you would like your episode to go live. With a code, you can add the podcast player to your websites, help fans quickly share your episodes on social media platforms, and customize the podcast player to match your unique brand. With Buzzsprout, you can create as many podcasts as you like under one account and have unlimited team members you can help manage your podcast. Lastly, you can start podcasts free for 90 days as well as sign up for a monthly subscription. Depending on your needs the prices range from free to $24 a month. 

Podbean

My partner and I used Podbean to create our podcast on what does an ideal elementary library look like. Podbean is convenient to use even for those who have never launched a podcast before and have little knowledge of creating their first podcast. Podbean allows you to live stream and video podcasts to promote your podcast to new users. Currently, Podbean offers four plans: basic for free, unlimited audio for $14/month, unlimited plus for $39/month, and business for $129/month. Some cons of Podbean are limited site design options and for patron programs and PodAds, you must subscribe to higher-tier plans. Also, all plans have unlimited storage space and bandwidth except for the free version. Overall, Podbean is easy for beginners and offers a great alternative to other podcast hosting services. 

 

Benefits of Podcasts

Podcasting is a convenient form of communication and allows your audience to listen to what they want and whenever they want. Podcasts can be downloaded to mobile devices allowing access to the resources at any time. Those that are not comfortable with videos, may choose to record their voice only. With podcasts, you do not need any special equipment or special lighting to stand out. 

Challenges with Podcasts

One of the challenges with podcasts is not being able to combine two different sound files into one. In order to do this, you will need to use other outlets like Zoom or Youtube to record and then upload the file to your podcast host. Some other challenges that may arise are staying consistent with publishing new podcasts, reaching new audiences, staying up to date with trends, and finding the time to continually provide valuable information to your listeners. 

Podcasts in the Library

Podcasting provides librarians new ways of delivering library-related content. This can include information literacy concepts, marketing of library services, and exploring other ways to collaborate with library stakeholders. For use of information literacy, this may include database descriptions, searching techniques, librarian interviews, special guests, new book reviews, or descriptive highlights of the collection. 

Educational Podcasts

• TED Talks: Education 
• Hear some of the world's greatest educators, researchers, and community leaders share their stories and visions. 
• Education Talk Radio
• Rich discussions with innovative educators, thought leaders, authors, and leaders within the education industry to promote equity, access, and opportunity for every student in every school.
• House of #EdTech
• Helping educators integrate technology by sharing stories from teachers, explaining lessons learned, and sharing actionable easy #edtech tips and tools.
• Leader of Learning 
• Where educators can come to find inspiration to transform education through effective leadership.
• Education Tales
• Learn strategies to engage students as well as address differentiation in the classroom. 
• Spotify
• Apple 
  
  

References

Buzzsprout Features. (n.d.). Buzzsprout. Retrieved April 3, 2022, from                   

                    https://www.buzzsprout.com/features

Robinson, B. (2020, December 29). Audioboom Review - Podcast Hosting Features
                    and Pricing. WiredClip. Retrieved April 3, 2022, from https://wiredclip.
                    com/audioboom-review/

Roberts, R. L. (2007, August 19). Podcasting for Information Literacy. IFLA.
                    Retrieved April 3, 2022, from http://origin-archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla
                    73/papers/133-LeeRoberts-en.pdf