The two tweet chats I participated in were both very different experiences. The first was #web20tools which had a small group of participants. I really enjoyed this chat. After twenty minutes of tweeting I learned about several new tech tools to incorporate into my lessons. One tool shared called flipboard I later shared with some of my colleagues the next morning. The other aspect I liked about this chat was being able to tweet with some of my 543 classmates. Since the group was smaller I was able to follow the conversation better.
The second tweet chat I participated in was #moedchat. This tweet chat was very active with a lot of contributors. The discussion covered Augmented Reality, which is a topic with which I am vaguely familiar. As a tweet chat novice I found it difficult to follow. One of the aspects I thought was unique about this chat is the members had a code for questioning and answering. Members contributed wonderful resources and comments.
Both chats offered participants a place to remotely meet with people all over the country. What I enjoyed about both chats is learning from other educators. I did have trouble using tweet chat and I am still not sure what I was doing wrong. I followed the hashtag on twitter and tweet deck. I think the best way to improve my experience would be to continue joining in tweet chats. I think it just takes a while to get used to the fast paced conversation. I plan on following the contributors from both chats. Overall, I have already recommended tweet chat to several of my work colleagues. What a great tool to stay up to date on the latest technology and teaching strategies.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Reflection the root of progress and change!
Being in education, I have done a lot of reflection. As much as self reflection can be a little daunting, I feel we can't move forward with change unless we reflect upon the past. Starting a new position as a librarian this year I found myself analyzing daily lessons, procedures, and technology integration. In some cases completely changing a lesson for the next class until I have it right. When I get stuck I fall back upon my personal learning network to find new ideas. After completing my school year reflection today I felt really proud of my accomplishments but also have a list of goals for next year. I think reflection keeps you fresh and driven to learn and set new goals for yourself. I have been worried about completing my masters program this year and wondering how will I stay current on new technologies and strategies. Through the creation of my personal learning network with Feely, Diigo, and Twitter I have current ideas with just a click.
I think the one visual that accentuates my growth in personal learning networks is my twitter page. I had a twitter account prior to this class with two followers and one tweet. Though this course I have realized what a great tool twitter is in staying current with technology, education changes, and library updates. Yesterday, I participated in my first tweet chat and learned about several new tools I could incorporate in the classroom in under an hours time. Just amazing! I have found for me Twitter is a great tool to organize all the subjects I am interested in contained in one place.
I think the one visual that accentuates my growth in personal learning networks is my twitter page. I had a twitter account prior to this class with two followers and one tweet. Though this course I have realized what a great tool twitter is in staying current with technology, education changes, and library updates. Yesterday, I participated in my first tweet chat and learned about several new tools I could incorporate in the classroom in under an hours time. Just amazing! I have found for me Twitter is a great tool to organize all the subjects I am interested in contained in one place.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Social Networking is changing the Library
Being an old person, I remember when the internet was born. Over time I have witnessed and participated in connecting with people all over the world. Our current students have never known a world without technology. Social networking is an important component for student success. How does social networking affect the library? The answer may surprise you. I feel with all the responsibility teachers have with classroom curriculum and instruction they don't have the time to delve into social networking. As the media specialist, I have the opportunity to help students navigate through this technology world. I've noticed that elementary students are just starting to dabble in social networks. More and more social network formats are gearing to our younger students. Many online or console games are linking students to each other through games. My school is going to Google Apps next year which will also change the way they collaborate with one another. One of my favorite social media tools for students is Edmodo. Edmodo is a great format to teach students how to communicate with each other online. This year I established some new lessons instructing students on how to be responsible digital citizens. I think these lessons go well with instructing students on pros and cons of social networks.
For myself, I don't utilize social networks as often as some. Not that I don't believe in the benefit of connecting with others. As an educator, I am more cautious of my digital footprint. Don't get me wrong I really enjoy connecting and learning from others on my educational social networks, but I am not an intense user of some of the more popular social networks out there.
For myself, I don't utilize social networks as often as some. Not that I don't believe in the benefit of connecting with others. As an educator, I am more cautious of my digital footprint. Don't get me wrong I really enjoy connecting and learning from others on my educational social networks, but I am not an intense user of some of the more popular social networks out there.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Networked Library?
While reading chapter 3, I kept thinking to myself: "How can I use these tools in the library media center?" I firmly believe that I would rather students utilize these social tools in a controlled space where I can teach them how to use them appropriately. I think the example of Clarence's classroom network is one we should all think about with our own classroom networks. I believe one of the goals of the library is connecting patrons with resources. One way to accomplish this is using tools like Skype or Google hangouts to connect with research experts. Wouldn't it be awesome for a student to interview an expert on a topic instead of just reading an article. How much more impacting would that make the learning experience. My second goal is creating an environment of love of reading. I have taken part in a variety of author visits and nothing impacts a student reader more then establishing a connection. Especially when they realize it takes a lot of revisions to publish a book.
Being a new librarian I have slowly tried to integrate some new technology tools this year. I am currently working with third and fourth grade using Google Docs for collaborative research. I have modeled using Edmodo for fifth grade book clubs. I was able to connect my school to another in my district so students could share their thoughts about books with each other. The students have been really excited utilizing all these new tools. It has been a bumpy road but I have some great ideas on how to make it better next year. Live and learn, right?
Chapter 3 makes an important point that we as educators need to utilize these tools and in order to be successful we need to share with our colleagues how awesome these tools can be in the classroom. I agree with the authors of PLN, we need to "model safe and effective techniques for connecting and learning with others".
Being a new librarian I have slowly tried to integrate some new technology tools this year. I am currently working with third and fourth grade using Google Docs for collaborative research. I have modeled using Edmodo for fifth grade book clubs. I was able to connect my school to another in my district so students could share their thoughts about books with each other. The students have been really excited utilizing all these new tools. It has been a bumpy road but I have some great ideas on how to make it better next year. Live and learn, right?
Chapter 3 makes an important point that we as educators need to utilize these tools and in order to be successful we need to share with our colleagues how awesome these tools can be in the classroom. I agree with the authors of PLN, we need to "model safe and effective techniques for connecting and learning with others".
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Twitter has been a great tool for my position as a media specialist. I have been able to expand my PLN to other progressive media specialists across the country. Some of my fellow librarians actually meet monthly on twitter to discuss trends, technology, and library services. The other benefit of twitter for me is keeping track of new book releases. I receive tweets from the top eight book publishers announcing new releases which helps me stay current on what readers are talking about.
I had never heard about the tweet deck before this class. I thought it was a great way to organize all the people you follow, especially if you are not a daily user of Twitter. I thought all the features were really interesting. I can't wait to create my own twitter deck.
I like how Twitter as a company listens to user feedback and tries to improve services. If you ever have the opportunity, Charlie Rose did an interview with the CEO of Twitter about where the company sees themselves going forward.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I really feel it is my responsibility as a media specialist to not just introduce students to new technology tools but also take the time to explain proper use of these tools. When discussing Twitter with a fourth grade class earlier this week the students mentioned how some users get into trouble posting things that may offend others. It is was a great opportunity to discuss digital citizenship too. Twitter is a wonderful tool for making connections with people but proceed with a little caution.
I had never heard about the tweet deck before this class. I thought it was a great way to organize all the people you follow, especially if you are not a daily user of Twitter. I thought all the features were really interesting. I can't wait to create my own twitter deck.
I like how Twitter as a company listens to user feedback and tries to improve services. If you ever have the opportunity, Charlie Rose did an interview with the CEO of Twitter about where the company sees themselves going forward.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I really feel it is my responsibility as a media specialist to not just introduce students to new technology tools but also take the time to explain proper use of these tools. When discussing Twitter with a fourth grade class earlier this week the students mentioned how some users get into trouble posting things that may offend others. It is was a great opportunity to discuss digital citizenship too. Twitter is a wonderful tool for making connections with people but proceed with a little caution.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
The question some educators have is how does the digital shift apply to me and my classroom? As a library media specialist and MET student my personal learning network starts with my fellow library colleagues. Each one of us love to share different technologies and brainstorm ways to incorporate them into our lessons or share them with teachers. As mentioned in chapter one by Pam Moran "right now things are changing at light speed." The great benefit of being connected via social media is we have the ability to keep track of what is going on around us. Mention twitter to educators, administrators, or library media specialists and you will find dedicated educators sharing how they use a variety of technology with students.
The authors of our text discuss the shift from paper to digital and especially it's impact on books and documents. I was once asked, "Aren't you making your job obsolete building a eBook collection? For me books are just a small part of my responsibilities. Someone has to teach students how to utilize all the new technology. Teach students the benefit of reading an eBook and directly interacting with text by utilizing all the features of eMedia. School Library Journal published the result of a 2013 survey questioning participants' technology devices, digital collections, and future response to demand.
The authors mentioned that with increasing access to materials, students can find the answers they seek without schools. It made me think of Khan Academy; that philosophy of individualized instruction and learning at your own pace. I think eventually teachers will become facilitators and students will be more in charge of their own learning.
The authors of our text discuss the shift from paper to digital and especially it's impact on books and documents. I was once asked, "Aren't you making your job obsolete building a eBook collection? For me books are just a small part of my responsibilities. Someone has to teach students how to utilize all the new technology. Teach students the benefit of reading an eBook and directly interacting with text by utilizing all the features of eMedia. School Library Journal published the result of a 2013 survey questioning participants' technology devices, digital collections, and future response to demand.
The authors mentioned that with increasing access to materials, students can find the answers they seek without schools. It made me think of Khan Academy; that philosophy of individualized instruction and learning at your own pace. I think eventually teachers will become facilitators and students will be more in charge of their own learning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)