Cartoons and Comics

I never thought of myself as an artist or even a comic book creator! However, this entry is opening a colorful feature to digital expression.

Here is what I did!

By ambenavidez | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

I first used, ToonDoo.  I liked the site, but it took forever for me to sign up due to email complications. And finally when I did, the complications ensued. I had to figure out how to create a comic strip, by messing around with the tabs and its features. I learned first hand what the site could do and had to figure out how to locate the embed feature to share my toon with you all.

Although, my comic adventures continue with Pixton.



Pixton, was easier to use and navigate. But, more to choose from. I got caught up in my comic when I realized I went over the standard four box comic. I was busy with my storyline. I had fun! Besides needing to confirm my email address before I could access the embed button, I had no real problems. So far, Pixton is in the lead.

On to the last comic app, MakeBeliefsComix.

I liked that I did not have to register to use the site, but not being able to embed my comic was a major setback. I could only use THREE boxes to tell my story. I hated it! The boxes did not allow for much to be done in the box. Even, the dialogue boxes were small and hard to read. This is the worst comic app in my mind because everything was scarce. I, the minimalist, had a problem with its selection and layout. I wanted more!

However, Tellagami helped ease the pain of disappointment. It is easy to use. You are given a speaking or written option for your character. It is able to be use in various situations and environments because it is so versatile.





I like this app because my ESL students will benefit from it. It is like having someone speaking on your behalf. They share your thoughts and what you know. It also will benefit shy students that need a little help speaking in class. I liked it.

These comic apps would help students express their thoughts and ideas from passages, excerpts, and novels easily. It makes the assignment less threatening and still assesess what the student knows because they have to create the comic strip from the bottom up. There is still assessment still being conducted, but, in a way a student can shine. I cannot wait to try this in class.

Online Book Communities

I love books, but I never thought I could share my love for them through online book communities.  The suggested online book communities are: Goodreads, LibraryThing, Shelfari, Booklikes, and Biblionasium. I hope my shelves help people fall in love with reading, just like me.
 Fingers crossed!

Goodreads is a site that is user-friendly, a time saver, and manageable. I didn't have to figure out this site like I had to with others. Identifying  what I read, currently reading, or to read is fairly easily. I didn't have to go in one -by-one personally to change the category.  It is my favorite so far. I like easily manageable sites!

LibraryThing is a site that is well-organized and has everything you need on your homepage.  It has  add books, your bookshelf , and recommendations for you on your homepage. There is no hide and seek going on with this site. Everything is easily found by tabs and a thorough homepage.

Shelfari was the most complicated site I have come across so far because I had to go and edit every book on my shelf to mark  it as "READ!" I had to go through many steps to set up my profile. I am not even done because I wouldn't share friends and facts about the books I read. I only reached 65%.  Here is what I did on this site.

 

Booklikes is NOW the toughest sites I had to join to share my books. First, it couldn't load and  refresh took forever to update my profile.  It also took more time to actually have a decent  blog, but when it came to create my shelf I hit a dead end. I couldn't figure out how to add books to my shelf. So it is bare. Epic fail!!! After an hour, I FINALLY FIGURED IT OUT!!!!!

As for Bibionasium, it showed me an option for my ESOL students. It has been difficult to find children books to use in class to help them acquire language and vocabulary while learning the structure of English.  I cannot build 25 books to use with my students because I don't want to overwhelm them with the number and how much they have to read. I want to build it within in time because I want to use this app in class. It is a bright and user friendly app that can help me reach my students to the max.

 

 

 

To close this entry, I choose Biblionasium and Goodreads because they are easy to use and would not take a lot of class time to use and show students. I didn't have to roam the website to figure it out, so I know students would not get frustrated using these two sites.

 I personally will keep up with Goodreads because it everything I like: it is easy, pleasing  to the eyes, and organized. No complaints over this site, so I choose it.

Podcasts

Oh, Man! This week is full of surprises. I found out that recording is hard and I sound different.  It took me several tries to get a recording that I am somewhat pleased with.  In my podcast, I try to get my students to read Divergent by Veronica Roth. I hope I am successful because it is an awesome read.

The app I used first was Soundcloud and here is the final product. It was easy to use too.



Let's see if the other are as easy as the first.

Audioboo was more difficult because I didn't know if I was recording or not. I tried to  preview my recording and nothing happened. I tried and tried, and here is what I was able to create.

listen to ‘Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth ’ on Audioboo

From the all three, PodOmatic was my least favorite because I had to go through five steps to publish my podcast.  I want easy, not difficult or time consuming apps.  However, this is my podcast using it.
 

In my opinion, I like Soundcloud the best.

Webbing and Mindmapping

Mindmapping is a new strategy I never heard of that can benefit students in the long run. 

To demonstrate this method I will be using Spicynodes, Popplet, and Wisemapping to display what the article, " Mind Mapping as a Teaching Resource," written by Sarah Edwards and Nick Cooper, had to say.

This article is an advocate for student learning based on what they know and not what can be memorized and chosen on a multiple choice test.

I start my technological journey with Spicynodes.  Let's see how it goes.

It is not starting off well because I cannot figure out how to get my main topic in the middle and not off to the right side.  Despite, the frustration it took time to create a mind map using this application.


What I don't like about Spicynodes is that I cannot see everything I put in at once. I have to click on one topic for its details to appear. It didn't distinguish the different elements in color as the article said either.

Overall, it was okay, but it is not in running to be one of my favorites.

*********************

On to the next, Popplet.

As soon I entered the website color manifested. I liked it already. I love color and it's easy on the eyes.

The format was easier to handle and use. However, it does not have spell check. I had to be careful with my fingers. EEHHHH! 

Although, it is my favorite so far.

**************************

AHHH, the problems begin with Wisemapping. First, I entered Wisewebbing instead of the actual name.  And  when I entered the real website I have no idea where to start. I clicked on  "new" and a black screen appears with nothing. I clicked on "new" again and nothing happened. I had to  use Safari to get  going.

As I am using the application,  I realized it is more complex than the others. You have more control over your map because you can go in-depth and create it how ever you like, but I believe simple is better. It is a less of a headache.

This format took the longest in everything. I like what it does, but the question is....

Do I want to spend two hours doing this?

The answer is no. I believe it is  not user friendly. I had to watch the YOUTUBE video to figure it out.

That alone was frustrating.

The one I prefer is the second one, Popplet. It is colorful and user-friendly. That means it can be student friendly. Things can get done a lot faster on that application than on the others.

Edwards, S. & Cooper, N.  Mind Mapping as a Teaching Resource. (2010).  The Clinical Teacher. Blackwell Publishing. 7:236-239.

Videos and QR Codes in the Library

 

This week it is about me leaving my comfort zone... using unfamiliar technology. 

ANIMOTO and BOOKS

First, I am working backwards because I could not wait to design my first book trailer. I had to design a book trailer for one of my favorite books.

The book or in this case books, that I chose was: The Unlikely Pair, Turn the Page, and Personal Attention.  However Carla Krae, the author, made it into a trilogy.  THIS made me very impatient, but it was worth it.

This is my QR code for my Book Trailer! Check out if you  haven't. Scan and watch, enjoy!

 

If you cannot wait for it to load, here is my book trailer!

 

 

 

QR CODES in the LIBRARY

 

As I am charting unexplored territory, QR codes have been around for a while and now are very popular now. I am behind on the times and now libraries use QR codes to send out messages and other information is this format.  I didn't know that! ARGH!  However, it is time for me to research  how it is applied toward libraries and their services.

 

In this blog, Musings about Librarianship, provides information about how QR cods are used in libraries.

 



http://musingsaboutlibrarianship.blogspot.com/2010/02/qr-codes-for-libraries-some-thoughts.html#.Uk5RX5rn_mQ

Aaron Tay, the author, states that they use QR codes to have a virtual presence in the technological world. It is faster and easier to do things because of these codes.

If you need more information, this presentation also can help you.
 

Successfully Using QR Codes in Libraries from Cheryl Burnette

For example, libraries use codes for the following:

1. Blogs
2. Catalogs (Library and others)
3. Webpages (Educational, as well as others)
4. Posters
5. Checking out/ Books
6. Videos

These  either come in URL format, text, email, and/or other formats the user prefers. This allows users to save/use important information quickly.

After researching how libraries use QR codes has inspired me to use them the same way because it is already effective.  In my school library right now, it is difficult for our librarian to help everybody and there is not enough computers to research possible book choices that students are wanting to look up.

Creating codes to help move traffic in my future library will utilize my aides and myself because it optimize our time, knowledge, and relationships we build with patrons. Having QR codes on books will help our students, having a code that links our book catalog will aid student searches for books, and helping them actually researching for class or not can help our students become well-rounded readers, researchers, and life-long learners.

YOUTUBE and the LIBRARY

Adding to this adventure was choosing two videos from several YOUTUBE channels which are listed below.

* https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNHSLibrary/videos



The reason why I chose these two videos from this channel was how the librarian modeled the research that had to be done by students. She didn't leave the students to fend from themselves while wondering the library aimlessly. She equipped them with what they needed promptly and thoroughly.

I believe the students will like the Social Issues Research because it can be applied to today while the poetry assignment that acquired  more research. 

*https://www.youtube.com/user/theunquietlibrary/videos




What I like about this channel was how the librarian target essential topics that students need to know to use media properly and legally. She provides several videos on Creative Commons that explain what it is and how to use it. She also celebrates student work done.

From my selection, I believe the students will choose the Creative Commons presentation because it provides effective and thorough information that will help students use media correctly. They can alo always revisit it, if they forgot how to use it. If not, there is the class mini-lesson she created for Ms. Salas. But, the other is targeted for everyone!

*https://www.youtube.com/user/pikesvillehslibrary/videos




I loved this channel because it focused on what the students are doing. Especially, with their vocabulary development. I liked seeing how they were applying their new found knowledge and word to truly ingrain the word to their personal vocabulary bank.

If I was a student I will choose the PaperSlide Story because it shows the process of the assignment and provides student feedback that is encouraging.

* https://www.youtube.com/user/bbmsmedia/videos




I admire this librarian and LOVED this channel. This librarian captures students hearts by using their interest to return books and  get them working.

He also provides personal recommendations based on strong leading ladies in several books he read and uses technology to get students thinking about their future using Go! Animate.

Besides the constant and enjoyable reminders to return overdue books, I believe a student will choose Go! Animate as a helpful and enjoyable video.

 

END RESULTS FOR YOUTUBE CHANNELS

 

Overall, I  believe from all these videos  the most helpful is the Creative Common Presentation because that is vital to any research especially if it is mostly media.

Although,  I believe students will like the Overdue Books Reminders best because it captures their attention and  gets them to remember to their books in.

As My Adventure Ends...

I noticed  the importance of keeping with the times and not hiding under a rock. I need to embrace the websites, apps, and other technological things that surface to keep up with my student/patrons. I need to be able to teach them through what they know and make it fun. It will capture their attention and be able to develop skills that will never fade. I am a work in process that cannot wait for her next adventure with technology.