Thursday, December 5, 2013

My Semester Reflection

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.

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.



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.


 
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

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.


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.