Before starting this semester I was hesitant because technology and I tend to disagree. Something always goes wrong.
Although, this one semester made me see there is more out there and I need to step out of the box I created. I was never the type to go look for applications I can use. I expected for them to find me.
Despite, my reservations I had to stop and continue. I couldn't be afraid anymore. So I tried and tried until something happened and if you read my blogs, you already know that.
I probably disliked a couple of applications that I didn't like because of conplications or were too complicated. They were: Screenr, Audioboo, Spicynodes, Wisewebbing, Wunderlust,and Pikochart.
Just looking at this list shows me, how much I learned. WOW!
Organizers: I have been trying to get organized for years and it never happens. I get better, but the problem never gets fully solved. I am an organized mess because once I clean, I cannot find anything. However, not to alarm you I have improved immensely.
Using sites like Remember the Milk allows me to improve. I loved that app compared to those listed.
Infographics: I never thought I was able to take a part data to create an infographic that makes the words on the page make sense. I am not one for research because I am still learning. However, being able to transform something in a visual aid helps me. I am a visual learner.
Blogs : I always wanted to write a book and just keeping up a blog showed me the time and dedication it takes to develop one. Seeing other blogs and the diversity the blog world has is amazing. There is no right or wrong answer. I truly liked and enjoyed being part and seeing great work beign done out there in libraries all over the world.
Youtube, Animoto, and QR Codes: I have to say this one assignment was probably my favorite because I was able to see Youtube in a different way, create a book trailer, and connect to something right way with just a scan. It was awesome.
Webbing and Mindmapping: I loved Popplet. I loved to see my thought process as I am doing something because I will never forget.
Cartoons and Comics: I liked being an artist without really drawing because I can barely draw a stick figure. These applications allowed me to send a message through art and several pictures without the hassle.
Online Book Communities: Being a Reading teacher I am always looking for books to read and refer to my students. Using applications like Goodreads, Librarythings, Shelfari, and Booklikes will help tremendously because it will cut the guessing and research in half. I am already using them more frequently now. This assignment made my life easier.
Playing with Words: I loved using words to convey a message, share my thoughts, and create art along the way. I am planning to use this assignment with my writing class as soon as we are done reading our first novel this year: Stone Fox.
Screencasts: The sound of my voice, speaking while doing something on the computer, and not having a script equals my experience using screencasts. I really never heard my voice before until I was using the applications. I had to try and do it several times before I had a decent take. It takes practice and I am willing to because these applications can make everything easier, especially if I am required to keep a teacher webpage. I can just show what needs to be done once and replay the video. Plus, students can never get behind because it is on there and they can refer to it if need be.
Information Curation: I am still learning how to look for authentic resources and this assignment showed me how I can store information that is valuable in trustworthy applications to found later. I don't have to shave those articles on my desktop or anywhere else. Just there.
Instagram and Vine: I signed up for Instagram years ago and I would only used it to look for pictures that inspired me. I never thought I would be adding my photos on there. I honestly thought my life was not exciting enough to take pictures and share them. However, trying to get a good video of how I spend my Thanksgiving was fun because I actually got to play a game I never played and hangout with my sister-in-law.
I used to love taking pictures and just using Instagram showed me how much I missed shooting a camera and capturing worthwhile moments. It is funny how something just sneaks up on you.
This semester has shown me a lot of things I have lost over time. Hobbies and passions that got lost during life's hustle. Things that just happen and by the time I noticed I was wondering , "Where did the time go."
That is how I am feeling, grateful, as I reflect on this semester because I truly enjoyed getting back to things I used to do: Taking pictures, writing, and just using my hands to create something great and most of all doing it for books. All of my interests in one. How awesome is that!
I think just getting my students to do a Playing with Words, use Screen-O-Matic, Vine, and create a comic will help immensely because they are able to practice their language and artistic skills. That in turn will allow students to be independent learners and learn skills that will benefit them in future. Plus, enjoy my class!
I am not saying that everything during the semester was perfect because it was not. I struggled through several applications and assignments. However, learning to use technology to the fullest in these formats helped me grow as an educator and future librarian.
Thank you, Dr. Perry.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Online Privacy
Being a teacher I see students always using some type of electronic device such as a cell phone or tablet and I wonder, "What are they doing that has them so engrossed, that they cannot put it down."
I even received a memo from my school district to show and talk to my first period class about internet safety which I found ironic because this topic has been on my mind all week since I read the following presentation and article on the subject.
Whatever they post online mirrors their experience using these sites.
This article was thorough. It covered many of the areas that are of high concern like advertisers, privacy settings, various social networks, and what teenagers' prefer. By reading this, it let me see which applications I can implement in my classroom effectively.
I really enjoyed this article/presentation because it revealed the teenager perspective of social networking and showed me not to judge a book by its cover. Not one is the same.
Lenhart, A. & Madden, M. (2013). 9 Things You Need To Know About Teens, Technology, & Online Privacy . Retrieved November 29, 2013 from, http://www.pewinternet.org/Presentations/2013/Nov/9-Things-About-Teens-Technology-Online-Privacy.aspx.
Lenhart, A. & Madden, M. (2013). Teens, Social Media, and Privacy. Retrieved November 29, 2013 from,
http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Teens-Social-Media-And-Privacy/Summary-of-Findings.aspx.
Presentation: 12 slides
Article: 107 pages
I even received a memo from my school district to show and talk to my first period class about internet safety which I found ironic because this topic has been on my mind all week since I read the following presentation and article on the subject.
Teens, Social Media and Privacy: Reputation management, third party access & exposure to advertising from Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project and an article titled Teens, Social Media, and Privacy written by Mary Madden and Amanda Lenhart.
In these two studies they stated how teens use the internet and protect themselves in multiple ways. However, what I found intriguing was that I found myself questioning my students about the social networks they use and how they manage them. And guess what, the research held true. This is what the both the presentation and article had to say.(Oh, I also noticed that the presentation was created by both authors. What a coincidence! )
The difference between the presentation and article is that Lenhart and Madden broke down the presentation into 9 things teens do online. Which are:
1. Teens' internet use is becoming increasingly mobile.
2. Teens are diversifying their social media portfolios.
3. Teens (like adults) are sharing more info about themselves.
4. Privacy norms vary by platform.
5. Network size + composition matter in important ways.
6. For teens, managing their "social privacy" online is paramount.
7. Advertisers + other third-parties are not top of mind for teens.
8. Parents of online teens express a wide range of concerns.
9. Teens are turning to peers and parents for advice.
.
When I started reading the article my curiosity got the better of me. I started to question my students about their social network preferences.
This is what I found out :
1. The upperclassmen preferred Facebook.
2. The underclassmen like Instagram more.
3. Both liked Twitter.
Despite my research, the article went more in-depth about the topic: Teens, Social Media, and Privacy.
Lenhart and Madden writes about what teenagers share online, how they manage their privacy settings, social networks, experiences, and about their online presence.
This is what they share online:
However, interest in Facebook is slowly dissipating. Why?
1. Too many adults are now a part of the site
2. Many people are getting annoyed by shared details
3. DRAMA
Twitter and Instagram are BETTER! WHY?
1. Better express themselves
2. Free from social expectations/constraints
In high school it is about the façade, the reputation one has. Teenagers' social lives are everything.
So this occurs:
- 59% deleted or edited something they posted
- 53% deleted comments from others
- 45% removed their names from photos
- 31% deleted or deactivated an entire profile
- 19% posted updates, comments, photos, or videos that they later regretted sharing
Even some teenagers write in code, post false information, and joke.
Here are some reasons why some are careful about their online presence.
Whatever they post online mirrors their experience using these sites.
I really enjoyed this article/presentation because it revealed the teenager perspective of social networking and showed me not to judge a book by its cover. Not one is the same.
Lenhart, A. & Madden, M. (2013). 9 Things You Need To Know About Teens, Technology, & Online Privacy . Retrieved November 29, 2013 from, http://www.pewinternet.org/Presentations/2013/Nov/9-Things-About-Teens-Technology-Online-Privacy.aspx.
Lenhart, A. & Madden, M. (2013). Teens, Social Media, and Privacy. Retrieved November 29, 2013 from,
http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Teens-Social-Media-And-Privacy/Summary-of-Findings.aspx.
Presentation: 12 slides
Article: 107 pages
The Changing Library
We all have seen the subtle differences libraries have been conducting so they can stay current due to changing technology and how patrons are using libraries today.
In "Books, libraries, and the changing digital landscape" presented by Kathryn Zickuhr demonstrates and reveals how it is being done.
In "Books, libraries, and the changing digital landscape" presented by Kathryn Zickuhr demonstrates and reveals how it is being done.
Reading, writing, and research in the digital age from Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project
In this study, Zickuhr shows how different age groups use the library through personal devices and library services.
She states that e-readers are taking center stage as print books are not as popular. In the presentation it shows that printed books went down 5% as E-books went up by 7% in 2012.
Although, it is not because books are not COOL, but because they are used for different things.
I, personally believe this because I read both print and e-books. I choose what type based on the reason why I am reading. If I am reading a book that I started in book form and especially if it is a part of a series, I stick to it. I read e-books for pleasure.
However, others do it too. Look at the bar graphs. It all, just depends.
However, libraries are still libraries and their services are expanding as technology is. But, if you look at the graphs you can see that they are still known for- borrowing books, roaming the stacks, and a quiet atmosphere . You can never take that away from libraries.
They are even creating communities for children and teens that are thriving. They are also carring a wide variety of movies that attract patrons, as well as, the all importan internet services that allow patrons to use for multiple reasons. These are the reasons why libraries and librarians are essential they bring many people together.
People are seeking for places of enrichment that can benefit their families and the library does that. I know in the summer when the library was my second home I saw the McAllen Public Library thrive with events and people. I saw the smile faces and families as they entered and left the library. The library is a magical place for people to learn and gather.
It is also being demanded by patrons, they want more of these events, print and e-books, and an actual relationship with the librarians. It can only get better.
Just look at the slide :) .
The library is evolving and it is just the beginning.
Patrons want more access to librarian because they are seeking answers and librarians are the answer. We as librarians have the responsibility to educate and inform others that are seeking. 4
I love this presentation because it brings the information to the forefront and shows that the library is a chameleon and it adapts.
Zickuhr, K. (2013). Books, librarians, and the changing digital landscape. Retrieved November 29, 2013, http://www.pewinternet.org/Presentations/2013/Nov/Books-libraries-and-the-changing-digital-landscape.aspx.
The presentation had 43 slides.
In this study, Zickuhr shows how different age groups use the library through personal devices and library services.
She states that e-readers are taking center stage as print books are not as popular. In the presentation it shows that printed books went down 5% as E-books went up by 7% in 2012.
Although, it is not because books are not COOL, but because they are used for different things.
I, personally believe this because I read both print and e-books. I choose what type based on the reason why I am reading. If I am reading a book that I started in book form and especially if it is a part of a series, I stick to it. I read e-books for pleasure.
However, others do it too. Look at the bar graphs. It all, just depends.
However, libraries are still libraries and their services are expanding as technology is. But, if you look at the graphs you can see that they are still known for- borrowing books, roaming the stacks, and a quiet atmosphere . You can never take that away from libraries.
They are even creating communities for children and teens that are thriving. They are also carring a wide variety of movies that attract patrons, as well as, the all importan internet services that allow patrons to use for multiple reasons. These are the reasons why libraries and librarians are essential they bring many people together.
People are seeking for places of enrichment that can benefit their families and the library does that. I know in the summer when the library was my second home I saw the McAllen Public Library thrive with events and people. I saw the smile faces and families as they entered and left the library. The library is a magical place for people to learn and gather.
It is also being demanded by patrons, they want more of these events, print and e-books, and an actual relationship with the librarians. It can only get better.
Just look at the slide :) .
The library is evolving and it is just the beginning.
Patrons want more access to librarian because they are seeking answers and librarians are the answer. We as librarians have the responsibility to educate and inform others that are seeking. 4
I love this presentation because it brings the information to the forefront and shows that the library is a chameleon and it adapts.
Zickuhr, K. (2013). Books, librarians, and the changing digital landscape. Retrieved November 29, 2013, http://www.pewinternet.org/Presentations/2013/Nov/Books-libraries-and-the-changing-digital-landscape.aspx.
The presentation had 43 slides.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Instagram and Vine on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving was not what I hoped it because I got sick with a severe cold, but it was still fun.
I love the holidays because of what they stand for- family. I hardly have time just to hang out and catch up, but here is how my Thanksgiving day turned out.
First, we hand breakfast at my in-laws, but forgot to take pictures of our time together. Just note I dropped my orange juice on the table and killed the party. OOPS!
Then, I went to my parent's house ... I couldn't breathe and continued coughing. I didn't want to show that gruesome event. It was horrible.
I had to come home to rest before going to my husband's family luncheon.
It took longer to recuperate and my husband and I were LATE!!!! We arrived and everyone was almost done eating. We hung back until it was time for dessert for them to serve ourselves lunch.
I was going to share a picture of my husband and I, but Instagram is not cooperating. It says content not found. If you want to see my Thanksgiving adventure follow me @ aleimarie.
However, after that I needed rest before Black Friday so we went home for an hour or two before going back to my husband mom's house.
When we did arrive his mother and her sisters were on their way to Wal-Mart already we were glad that did not go earlier because we went to Best Buy and Target with hardly no effort at all. She was still there when my husband, sister-in-law, and I were done with our shopping.
Here is Best Buy last night when we were there. And again,Instagram is not wanting to share the actual picture and the same message shows up. Follow me on Instagram to see the pictures. Although, when we got back to my in-law's house, the fun began.
It took me awhile to figure out how Vine worked and this was the end product. The reason why I liked this one video because it looks like a scary movie.
My Thanksgiving was fun even if I was sick. My husband and our family made it one of the best. I enjoyed the time with family that is now scarce because of our busy lives. But, it is moments like these that make it worthwhile.
Using such apps in the classroom is something that can help bring a class together and be able to create a family environment per period.
Instagram is app many students use to express their thoughts and opinions. Using this app can help students feel more comfortable expressing themselves more. This can help them get in deep discussions over the material being covered and practice their English and public speaking.
While Vine is able to show comprehension through what they are able to put together in six seconds. They need to know what they want to do before filming because it will more than on try to get what they want on film, perfect.
Hope your holidays were great and relaxing.
I love the holidays because of what they stand for- family. I hardly have time just to hang out and catch up, but here is how my Thanksgiving day turned out.
First, we hand breakfast at my in-laws, but forgot to take pictures of our time together. Just note I dropped my orange juice on the table and killed the party. OOPS!
Then, I went to my parent's house ... I couldn't breathe and continued coughing. I didn't want to show that gruesome event. It was horrible.
I had to come home to rest before going to my husband's family luncheon.
It took longer to recuperate and my husband and I were LATE!!!! We arrived and everyone was almost done eating. We hung back until it was time for dessert for them to serve ourselves lunch.
I was going to share a picture of my husband and I, but Instagram is not cooperating. It says content not found. If you want to see my Thanksgiving adventure follow me @ aleimarie.
However, after that I needed rest before Black Friday so we went home for an hour or two before going back to my husband mom's house.
When we did arrive his mother and her sisters were on their way to Wal-Mart already we were glad that did not go earlier because we went to Best Buy and Target with hardly no effort at all. She was still there when my husband, sister-in-law, and I were done with our shopping.
Here is Best Buy last night when we were there. And again,Instagram is not wanting to share the actual picture and the same message shows up. Follow me on Instagram to see the pictures. Although, when we got back to my in-law's house, the fun began.
It took me awhile to figure out how Vine worked and this was the end product. The reason why I liked this one video because it looks like a scary movie.
My Thanksgiving was fun even if I was sick. My husband and our family made it one of the best. I enjoyed the time with family that is now scarce because of our busy lives. But, it is moments like these that make it worthwhile.
Using such apps in the classroom is something that can help bring a class together and be able to create a family environment per period.
Instagram is app many students use to express their thoughts and opinions. Using this app can help students feel more comfortable expressing themselves more. This can help them get in deep discussions over the material being covered and practice their English and public speaking.
While Vine is able to show comprehension through what they are able to put together in six seconds. They need to know what they want to do before filming because it will more than on try to get what they want on film, perfect.
Hope your holidays were great and relaxing.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Information Curation
Ahh! Trying to find away to keep up with the news and what is upcoming without reading an actual newspaper. The applications that help with this are: Scoop.it, Paper.li, and Prismatic. I know there might be more than those three applications that help users locate articles are particular topic easily and no added hassle.
Scoop.it is a user friendly application that is easily accessible through other social sites like Twitter or Facebook. I used my Facebook account to use Scoop.it. This application has vibrant colors and uses its layout to draw the user's eyes to the information presented through their topic choice. I used Reading in Schools as my topic and Scoop.it found many articles that I liked. I added several to my page. I had no difficulties with the page because it was self explanatory and stores the articles effortlessly.
Here is what my Scoop.it page looks like so far.
Paper.li. How I dislike thee.
I logged in just like I did with Scoop.it, through my Facebook, but I didn't like how everything in the end looked. I went through the steps creating my page with my chosen sources and title easily, but it was when I got to see my page in its entirety.
Here is the final product of my page.
I choose well known newspapers that are creditable sources like: The New York Times and CNN. I guess I had higher expectations with this site. I wanted hard hitting articles that inspired me to better and want to be apart of something as soon as I got onto my Staying Current page. I guess, not.
This site is just like a logging system of articles from various sources with a lot of advertisement . Paper.li is an organized site, but everything is one the same page based on categories like Politics and Entertainment. To me, it's layout is crammed. It will take more time for me to get used to this site, but it is a site worth using.
As for Prismatic, it is not user friendly. I didn't know what I was doing. I logged it by creating profile, but once I got to page everything was thrown together only is only identified through a topic that is teal colored. There is no organization other than that. They have interesting articles that will capture readers' eyes easily, but as a user I would like tabs and more organization. I would like it to have more of a personalized feature that what is has.
Here is how my page looks like.
Overall, I prefer Scoop.it because it is user friendly, organized, eye-catching, and personable compared to the others. Just like me Scoop.it is just simple.
Scoop.it is a user friendly application that is easily accessible through other social sites like Twitter or Facebook. I used my Facebook account to use Scoop.it. This application has vibrant colors and uses its layout to draw the user's eyes to the information presented through their topic choice. I used Reading in Schools as my topic and Scoop.it found many articles that I liked. I added several to my page. I had no difficulties with the page because it was self explanatory and stores the articles effortlessly.
Here is what my Scoop.it page looks like so far.
Paper.li. How I dislike thee.
I logged in just like I did with Scoop.it, through my Facebook, but I didn't like how everything in the end looked. I went through the steps creating my page with my chosen sources and title easily, but it was when I got to see my page in its entirety.
Here is the final product of my page.
I choose well known newspapers that are creditable sources like: The New York Times and CNN. I guess I had higher expectations with this site. I wanted hard hitting articles that inspired me to better and want to be apart of something as soon as I got onto my Staying Current page. I guess, not.
This site is just like a logging system of articles from various sources with a lot of advertisement . Paper.li is an organized site, but everything is one the same page based on categories like Politics and Entertainment. To me, it's layout is crammed. It will take more time for me to get used to this site, but it is a site worth using.
As for Prismatic, it is not user friendly. I didn't know what I was doing. I logged it by creating profile, but once I got to page everything was thrown together only is only identified through a topic that is teal colored. There is no organization other than that. They have interesting articles that will capture readers' eyes easily, but as a user I would like tabs and more organization. I would like it to have more of a personalized feature that what is has.
Here is how my page looks like.
Overall, I prefer Scoop.it because it is user friendly, organized, eye-catching, and personable compared to the others. Just like me Scoop.it is just simple.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Screencasts
Using screencasts to help individuals is not as easy as it looks, at least for me. I am a perfectionist and me being me, my screencasts took forever to get done. I got frustrated and grew tired of constantly restarting to get a better take. So, the following clips and information are the final products. EEK!
I started with Screen-O-Matic. It was easy to use because you registered and got your own account which saved your takes from previous times. I had to do several takes to learn how to show my viewers step-by-step instructions to do something effectively while talking. That was proven difficult, but finally I got the hang of it. It was easy to use and straight forward. It is self-explanatory.
This is my clip from Screen-O-Matic.
However, Screenr is proven difficult. You don't get to register and personalize it like you could with Screen-O-Matic. I couldn't retrieve my embedded link for the clip I did. All I could see was the preview of my link. I tried to login through Google to get the link I needed to post here. However, it didn't work. I tried to login using Hotmail. I find myself not trusting this site. I don't see myself using this app passed this experience. I just don't like that it wants all of our information just to get the video published and still it still fails to work properly. It didn't want to publish my clip. So I had to go through creative measure to complete my assigned tasks. I hate sites like this. They are just plain DIFFICULT!!!!
Although, Explain A Website, was not as simple as Screen-O-Matic. I didn't have to waste time trying to figure out how to use it though. I like that it ran on a internet page without me having to do it.
But, I struggled with the play back because it did not capture everything I was showing and how to embed it to my blog. So I couldn't display what I did. Epic Fail!!!
Overall, I prefer the Screen-O-Matic because it was the easiest to use. It didn't require to do nothing, but use the program after I registered. While the other two, needed something. Screenr was the most difficult app I had to deal with ever. Just trying to get login to publish my video was laborious. I had to figure it out. I was in front of my computer for hours trying to get it to work. As for the Explain a Website, I had to wait for it to export for me to get anything out of my kiddos.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Playing with Words
Words. How English teachers love words. I became extremely giddy to complete task. I hope these sites that will create my word portraits are easy and navigable without to much hassle.
First up, Wordle.
I did like it, but what I didn't like took OVER.
Like:
1. Created the cloud for me
2. Used my words from my statement
Dislikes:
1. I couldn't choose the words that were the focus
2. Had limited choices.
3. No power about what words make it on to the cluster
4. You couldn't move words around, but use the provided button under the cluster
On to the next, Tagxedo.
Contiuning, Tangul.
This is my favorite because it had more options and more of creative input than the others. I, personally liked this because I was the one in charge on how I wanted my cloud to look. I chose the words that went in or out of the cloud. I choose the colors I wanted. I didn't have to settle of a particular color palette. I also had to register and sign in. My creation was saved on my account. I didn't have to save it to my computer only. This is the ONE for me.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reading is my way to relax and October was the month were all of the books I was waiting for were released. The one book I finished this past weekend was "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan.
Here is my first Quipio.
Then, my second.
I am just warming up. I didn't know that I had a lot to say about various things. Here are my examples from ReciteThis.
I choose Quipio because it was easier for me to use because I have an account and I was able to transfer my quotes easier. My quotes were in my photos area and ready to send.
While, Recite This was easier to use, but was limited on templates to use and I could only share my design in four different ways and Blogger wasn't an option. So I had to take a picture of my work and send it to myself to upload to my blog. Too many unnecessary steps. Simple the better.
Using these applicatons can allow students to freely express themselves thoughtfully without any added pressure. If a student read a book and choose one quote from that book that meant something to them and designed one of these images. We will know as teachers what the student thought of the book. It could even be used as prompts to get students writing. Getting students to use technology is not the problem, it is getting them to think for themselves that is. Using these application in class in more can help prompt them to do so. Students will be doing the work, not the teacher.
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