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

Cartoons and Comics

Fotojet

• Overall, Fotojet was fairly easy to use. I chose from the several free templates to start my comic strip. One thing I could not figure out is how to change my picture if I changed my mind. If I deleted the image it took away the box that was there. I did like the feature of adding backgrounds to your design to make your comic strip stand out. In order to save, you will have to upgrade your subscription, but you are able to download your designs for free. Fotojet is a great resource for just starting out and would be a great tool for students to use. 

Pixton

• I immediately notice the resources made available to the user and how the sections were laid out in play, plan, and feedback. The site was also very visually appealing to the eye.  For someone who was unsure how to start creating a comic strip, comic school came in handy. I did like the feature of creating your own avatar to incorporate into your comics. With Pixton, you are able to choose from several different scenes and not just plain backgrounds. Also, you are able to add actions to your characters as well as change the facial expressions to fit the character's words. The only downfall is that you have to upgrade in order to share or download your comic. I think it is great that you can add a rubric where students can rate their selves or their classmates. Pixton was very easy to use and student-friendly compared to others. 

Make Beliefs Comix

• I was not a big fan of Make Beliefs Comix due to not being able to resize the images or the speech bubbles and limited resources to choose from. The site itself seemed a little outdated compared to Pixton and Fotojet. I found it very hard to figure out how to create my comic and I think students would experience the same issues. It does give some ideas to pick from, but nowhere near the other two sites. There is not an easy way to search for specific pictures to add to your comic. There were not enough resources to pick from to help create a visually attractive comic strip. Being able to save and download your comic was fairly easy. It had several options to share to social media, download, or even email your comic to someone. 

Tellagami

• For some reason, I could not find the app in the apple app store. I did find a similar app that I tried. The app I used is called Plotagon. You are able to choose from free scenes and create your own characters. The app allowed you to add emotions to your characters and record your own voice or use one of the voices in the app. Also, you were able to position the characters in the scene. I did watch a YouTube video, "Let's create our first Plotagon video", to help with getting my characters to talk. Other than that, the app was user-friendly. 

Sharing Comics with Your Teachers-Colleagues
The following ideas could easily be shared with colleagues during weekly faculty meetings. The librarian could visit each grade level during their grade level planning time to share ideas and how they can incorporate comics into their everyday lessons and activities. The librarian can also invite classes to the library to demonstrate creating a comic with the class on a specific content area topic. 

• Comics are a great way to introduce one another at the beginning of the year. 
• Teaching new concepts
• Students can create comics using new vocabulary terms 
• Students could retell a story
• Create a book trailer to promote the book and grab the reader's attention

Videos and QR Codes in the Library

 Simple Video Ideas to Promote Your Library

• Promote programs happening in the library 
• Showcase new books
• Sharing book trailers, genre highlights, and library resources to help match students to the right books
• Highlighting student projects such as book trailers, book reviews, book club meetings, etc.
• Share events and information such as book fairs, family reading nights, author visits, etc. 

YouTube Videos for Student Learning and Pleasure

• theuniquelibrary
  
  
  
   
  
  The first video would be the most helpful to students because it will ensure they are using copyright-free images to add to their projects instead of using google images and correctly citing where the image was taken.
  
  The second video would be one students would enjoy the most because it is pictures of students using the library/media spaces. The pictures depict students as readers, learners, and collaborators. 
  
  
• pikesvillehslibrary
  
  
  
   
  
  The first video would be beneficial to students as well as teachers because it gives student personal reviews of a program called Socrative. Socrative is an app to engage students in learning by allowing them to choose an activity and also receive instant feedback on their learning. 
  
  The second video would be something students would enjoy because the library is known as a quiet place, but it doesn't have to be. The library is a great place for students to collaborate, explore, research, and create. The library is no longer a place where it has to be silent. 
  
  
• bbmsmedia 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  The first video would be helpful to students by providing a quick introduction to the library orientation. With busy schedules and time, this will allow students to start using the library without having to come on a fixed time for a face to face orientation before using the resources. 
  
  The second video wold be ones students would get a kick out of watching over and over. These overdue book paradoies are a creative way to get students to turn in their books without the negativity of hounding students to return their books back to the library. It keeps a positive relationship between the library and the students. Students also can create their own twist of overdue books using songs they listen to on a daily basis. 

Ways to Use QR Codes in the Library

• Link your library catalog 
• Link book trailers, reviews, and post on the shelf where the books are located
• Library Orientation Scavenger Hunt
• Link online content (e-books)
• Author Facts 

Book Trailer

Chase's memory just went out the window. Chase doesn't remember falling off the roof. He doesn't remember hitting his head. He doesn't, in fact, remember anything. He wakes up in a hospital room and suddenly has to learn his whole life all over again . . . starting with his own name. He knows he's Chase. But who is Chase? When he gets back to school, he sees that different kids have very different reactions to his return. Some kids treat him like a hero. Some kids are clearly afraid of him. One girl, in particular, is so angry with him that she pours her frozen yogurt on his head the first chance she gets. Pretty soon, it's not only a question of who Chase is--it's a question of who he was . . . and who he's going to be. From the #1 bestselling author of Swindle and Slacker, Restart is the spectacular story of a kid with a messy past who has to figure out what it means to get a clean start.

Screencasts

 

Using Screencasts in the Classroom

Teachers, librarians, administrators, and students can benefit using screencasts. Here are a few ways screencasts can be used: 

• Students can create tutorials or presentations to share their learning. 
• A screencast can reinforce basic concepts. 
• Teachers can share their instructions when they are absent. 
• Administrators can share information prior to a meeting. 
• Students can create content using a digital tool and then narrate their story in a screencast. 
  
  

Screencast-O-Matic

The first video I used Screencast-O-Matic to record how to create a book talk using google slides. Before you can start recording, it does ask that you download the app to your computer. I was able to adjust the screen of what I wanted to capture and record. The free version only captures narration, but you can upgrade to capture computer audio. Screen-O-Matic allows you to take a screenshot or create a video by recording your screen, webcam, or both. After I was done recording, I had options to edit my video, save video, upload to Screen-O-Matic, upload to YouTube, or upload to Google Drive. I chose to upload to my Google Drive and noticed it did take a few minutes to publish the video. When it was complete, Google still needed to process the video before I could access it through the Drive. I did have the option to download to the computer.  I noticed you do have to upgrade to manage your video projects, see past uploads, and edit videos.

Loom

The  second video I used Loom to record how to place books on hold using Destiny. Loom allows you to record your face, just the screen, or both with audio. You are able to download your video, embed it, or share via a URL. Loom offers a Pro Version which is free for teachers and students. With loom, you can make an unlimited number of 45 minute videos on the free education account. Loom can be used via a Chrome extension, desktop app as well as an iOS app. 

Conclusion
In the end, after using Screen-O-Matic and Loom, I really liked Screen-O-Matic due to its ease to use the screen recorder that enables you to capture any area of your screen. For student use, I like the 15 minute limit that you are able to record. This will ensure students are using the most important information to get their ideas across. I also liked the highlighted cursors which made it easier for your audience to follow along.

https://youtu.be/mX4Ix2FiPSU

https://www.loom.com/share/17b90a9865ed45758830db2d87e6903b

Infographics

Do you have an infographic?

An infographic is a collection of imagery, data visualizations like pie charts and bar graphs, and minimal text that gives an easy-to-understand overview of a topic. As in the example below, infographics use striking, engaging visuals to communicate information quickly and clearly.

                                     3 TyPES

Easelly offers 3 different pricing plans for students, individuals, and businesses ranging from $2-$5. You can try easelly for 7 days risk-free money-back guaranteed. With the standard features, you have access to 320+ templates, over a million icons and photos and can export in PDF, JPEG, and PNG formats. Easelly offers great templates and flexible features which anyone can learn through visual and textual design, but the site's free version provides limited themes and images. I was discouraged to keep using easelly due to having to upgrade for the template I wanted to use. Overall, this tool can help anyone connect with content in a meaningful way. 

Piktochart offers 3 different pricing plans ranging from free to custom plans. With the free account you are limited on the storage for image uploads, downloads, folders, but you do get unlimited access to templates, images, illustrations, icons, charts and maps. Design quality and inspirational templates are at the top with anyone creating professional looking infographics with just a few clicks. I found this tool to be quite easy and user friendly compared to the other two. I was able to create my infographic immediately without needing tutorials. The only downfall is limited downloads before having to upgrade. 

Infogram offers 5 different pricing plans from basic to enterprise ranging from free to over $150 a month. With the free account, you have access to 37 interactive charts, up to 10 projects and 5 pages per project, publish content online, import data, and object animations. Infogram offers a friendly interface and easy for non-technical people to navigate the wide variety of visualizations, charts, and graphic elements. The downfalls of infogram is having to be online to use the tools, can't create complex visualizations, and limitations on customizing the templates. 

Overall: I chose piktochart because it reminded me a lot like Canva which I use daily for work. I was able to use one of the templates to work with and had my final design done in minutes without needing design experience. The tools and site where very user friendly and I was able to make changes to my template quickly. I found inserting the data to create my bar graphs from my source to be quite easy. The setup of the graph was already there, I just needed to change the information to match mine from the article. 

References

7 surprises about libraries in our surveys. (2014, June 30). Pew Research Center.

            Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/
            
            2014/06/30/7-surprises-about-libraries-in-our-surveys/

Nediger, M., & guide, s. (2021, October 19). What is an Infographic? Examples, Templates, Design Tips. Venngage. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://venngage.com/blog/what-is-an-infographic/