Mining Pew 2

Mining Pew 2

Horrigan, J. (September 15, 2015). Libraries at the crossroads: The public is interested in new services and thinks libraries are important to the communities. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from: http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/09/15/libraries-at-the-crossroads/

Number of pages read = 52

I really enjoyed reading this article because it helps to emphasize the importance of having a public library. For this assignment, I focused on the public libraries importance in offering technology to the community for all users. According to the article, “78% of those ages 16+ say libraries should definitely offer programs to teach people, including kids and senior citizens, how to use digital tools such as computers, smartphones and apps” (p3). I am a strong believer that a library should be a place to offer people tutorials or hands on training for the new technological devices and programs available today. Before I was able to afford a computer, I would often go to the library to use the computers to do my research assignments for school. I am thankful the public library had this kind of technology available to me because without the library I wouldn’t have had a way to do my assignments. According to the article,  “27% of those who have visited a public library have used its computers, internet connections or Wi-Fi signal to go online in the past 12 months” (p4). I believe if this study had been done about 10 years ago, this percentage of people who visit the library would be much higher.  Despite having a small percentage of people who visit the library to use the technology available, it is still very important to have a public library open to serve everyone. I visit my library often and the computer center is always full of people. The most amazing part is there different kinds of people from adults to young children, and that is why a public library must be available for the community. Another great resource available at public libraries is the access to thousands of E-books. According to the article, “At least 90% of public libraries have e-book lending programs, according to the American Library Association” (p15). I believe allowing the community access to e-books can help the community develop reading comprehension skills that will benefit them in their academics and prepare them for their future. The public library plays a critical role in educating the surrounding community and should be available to everyone.

Mining Pew 1

Mining Pew 1

Anderson, M., Lenhart, A.,  Smith, A. (October 1, 2015). Teens, Technology and Romantic Relationships: From flirting to breaking up, social media and mobile phones are woven into teen’s romantic lives. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from: http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/10/01/teens-technology-and-romantic-relationships/

Number of pages read = 77

Due to the fact that our world revolves so much around technology, it would be expected that relationships have become intertwined in today’s fast pace society. After reading over the article, I was not surprised to find out that , “The digital realm is one part of a broader universe in which teens meet, date, and break-up with romantic partners” (p2). The idea that people actually meet people through the computer is a very common trend now a day. I remember back when people actually had to go out on a few dates before deciding whether or not they would be interested in dating each other. According to the article, “About 8% of all American teens have met a romantic partner online” (p2). In my opinion, that is something different from what used to take place about 10 years ago. I personally discourage my teenage niece from browsing the Internet looking for guys because something you don’t always like what you find. I believe that there are some people who are genuinely interested in a serious relationship, while others are simply looking for someone to mess around with. There are often times when people can display false information to try to get someone attention. I believe it is better to play it safe and avoid communicating with people that are not in their age group. The article states, “59% say social media makes them feel more connected to what is happening in their significant other’s life” (p5). I know that the use of social media has caused several teens to be attached to their device 24/7. The need to keep up with what is happening in society has become very great. In my opinion, I feel our teens are being robbed of the experience of being able to enjoy life without constantly having to check their phones. I remember back when I was growing up we never had to worry about things like social media. I often wonder if is it a good or bad thing that society has become so dependent on technology.

Final Reflection

Final Reflection

I really enjoyed taking a class that allowed me to learn so much about programs that I can use in my library to promote the school library program.  Looking back on this semester, I was able to learn about a few things that I actually needed to know about because my district currently uses them in the library. I enjoyed exploring the different ways social media can be used to help promote the different things that are taking place in the library. Unfortunately my district doesn’t allow us to post any information to Facebook, we have a similar social media outlet called Living Tree in which staff is able to post the different things happening at their campuses. Signing up for a Twitter account was something new for me because I didn’t have one before this class. I enjoyed being able to follow some of the Tech Leaders of today. I truly enjoy reading over their tweets because it gives me an opportunity to explore different ideas that I can incorporate into my library. The journal readings were very helpful because they emphasize the importance of having a school library program that is going to promote learning for all students. The Infographics assignment was fun because it looked like I was creating something that could be placed in a magazine. I really liked piktochart the best because it gave me the ability to select the infographic format I would be interested in using. I also liked the option of taking a tour before actually making an infographic. I believe taking a tour of the program will allow the user to feel more comfortable with using the program. This tool can be used to present important data in a different format. After starting the library program in January, my first class required me to set up a blog. I was a bit hesitant at first because I didn’t know if my ideas would make sense to others. Now, after using a blog for the past few semesters, I see a blog as a way to communicate with others. I enjoyed taking the time to read other librarians blogs because it helps to hear from others who are new to the library science program. Once I got to the youtube, animoto, and QR codes assignments I got very nervous. I was terrified at the idea of having to create any sort of videos. Once I got started on the assignment, I realized I was overthinking things and I was able to complete my videos. I’m excited I created an animoto account because my district supervisor expects for us to use it to promote our library in our monthly newsletter. I’m extremely thankful I learned about QR codes, because at the Fall Media Conference at SPI in October QR codes were used for some of the presentations. I felt excited to know what a QR code was and how to use it because there were a few other people who had no idea what they were. I feel it is important for everyone to know the importance of Information ethics. I feel this assignment helps keep in mind the things that we shouldn’t be doing on the Internet. Now that technology is evolving so quickly, it is important to keep in mind that everything we send out or search on the internet can be traced. All the information included in emails can also be reviewed even after it has been deleted. I believe both children and adults must be wise about how they go about using technology.  I did have the opportunity to create a podcast this past spring 2015 semester so I had no trouble working with Soundcloud for this assignment. I really think using podcasts in the library/classroom is an excellent communication tool because the teacher/librarian will have the ability to convey important information to both students and staff. I had never taken the time to look over an acceptable use policy before this assignment. I knew there were certain restrictions in place preventing users to browse the Internet freely. I really enjoyed the acceptable use policy assignment because I never realized there was such a policy in place, but I’m thankful there is one. After looking through the policy, I understand the importance behind having an acceptable use policy in place. With the rapid changes in technology, we must do everything in our power to teach our children how to be safe online and what are inappropriate/appropriate behaviors on the computer and the Internet. I believe having a policy and enforcing it provides librarians with the opportunity to educate children to be effective users of the Internet. I had a lot of fun with the online book community assignment because it is a fantastic way of keeping track of all the books that have been read, or plan on reading. I believe this is an excellent tool for both adults and students because it also provides reviews for the books which can help adults/students in deciding whether or not they want to read that particular book. Another assignment I was nervous about was cartoons and comics because I had never done anything like that before. After working with the programs, I was able to successfully create a comic strip. I believe this activity would be super exciting for young students to work with to be able to present their ideas through a comic strip. I will be honest, the screencast assignment gave me some trouble because I was unable to download some of the software in order to get a few of the programs to work. I believe screencast are an excellent method to convey important information to both students and adults. I really enjoyed the Instagram assignment because I have had an Instagram account for a while but I never realized it could be used to promote the different things happening in the library. I had never heard of Vine before this assignment but I’m glad I was able to try it out. This is an excellent resource because  the teacher can  introduce a topic (the states of matter) through the use of vine. Students would enjoy learning about information from a video instead of simply listening to the teacher talk. I believe both of these programs are excellent programs to promote students work, promote the library, and a great resource to be able to share information with others. 

I know this class has helped to equip me with various resources that I can use in the library to promote learning. I believe students could benefit the most from the use of podcasts both in the classroom/library. Through the use of a podcast, teachers/librarians can present important information to their students. Since technology is evolving so rapidly, the use of podcasts in the library/classroom would be an effective way to communicate with both students and staff.  I really enjoyed all the tools you helped me discover through this class. I will be using several of the tools in my library.

Instagram and Vine

Instagram and Vine

Instagram

https://instagram.com/p/-R0FP7jE3Toh_ZKFjPm2ncnaFXUBHt8LDGuX40/

I absolutely love using Instagram. I never thought of using it to display students work and to promote things that are happening in the library/classroom. I enjoy how quick and easy Instagram is to use. Once an account has been created the user has the ability to capture images and share them through several social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr). The user also has the ability to link all their existing contacts to their Instagram accounts to being following them. I have had an Instagram account for several years, but I never thought of using it to share some of the great things that are happening in the library and in the classroom. In order to add text to my photos, I used another program called PIC COLLAGE. This program allows the user the ability to add text, stickers, and even frames to your photos to make them stand out. I really enjoyed combining both programs together to share all the great things that are taking place at our campus. I believe users would be able to use Instagram with no trouble once an account has been created. The photos I used for Instagram were taken in my library during Hispanic Heritage Month. I allow teachers to send students to the library to display all of their hard work. I really enjoyed being able to share my students work with others through Instagram.

 

Vine

https://vine.co/v/iuwEzgBixql

I had never heard of a program like Vine before. At first I was a bit confused about putting together a video, but I was able to figure out how to successfully add a video after playing with the program. Signing up for vine was very easy after the program has been downloaded to your phone. When the program opened the very first time it actually scared me because a video just begin playing without me having to click on it. Then I realized the user is given the option to mute the audio, so I did that to avoid any other videos just playing on their own. I feel this program provides users with the ability to display student work as well as share important information with other staff members or students. I enjoy being able to share a book with a group of students using Vine. I believe users would be able to upload videos to Vine easily. The user is also given the option to record directly through the Vine program which I found to be a pretty neat feature because no other programs are required in order to record directly to Vine. I decided to Vine to introduce the book  “The Dot” by Peter Reynolds to my students in PreK-1^st grades and they loved being able to see the book in a different way on the computer.  Overall, I enjoyed learning about how to use this program.

 

I really enjoyed using both programs and I will continue to do so. I feel Instagram is an excellent way to promote all the things that are happening in your library. I have a Top 20 Readers Club and I would like to use Instagram to take pictures and include them on our library webpage to give these students some recognition for all their work. Another way to use Instagram would be to display the different projects students work on throughout the year. Vine can be used to introduce a new book to students by allowing the teacher to record herself reading the book. Another way to use vine is to allow the students to read the book and record them while doing so. The teacher can even introduce a topic (the water cycle) through the use of vine. Students would enjoy learning about information from a video instead of simply listening to the teacher talk. I believe both of these programs are excellent programs to promote students work, promote the library, and a great resource to be able to share information with others. I will continue to use Instagram and Vine to promote all the activities taking place in my library.

 

Screencasts

Screencast

Screencast-o-matic

http://v2.screencast-o-matic.com/watch/coXlbeho4m

The registration process was very easy to sign up for screencast-o-matic. The process of creating a screencast is very easy. The user simply has to press record and the program gives the user the opportunity to record. I really enjoy how the user is able to search for the content to include in the screencast. The user is able to expand or collapse the screenshot to capture the images that will be used in the screencast. This program allows the user to simply point at the areas that are going to be emphasized in the screencast. Then the program automatically highlights the areas with a yellow circle demonstrating the key points of the screencast while recording the user’s voice that explains the screencast. Once the user is satisfied with their screencast, the user then uploads the recording and the user is able to share their screencast with others. I really enjoyed using Screencast-o-matic and I feel this is an excellent resource to use both in the library and the classroom.

Screenr

No registration was necessary for Screenr. After looking around the webpage I noticed there was nothing that needed to be downloaded. I proceeded to click record and I was taken to a page that was detecting my computer’s Java software. Unfortunately, my computer didn’t have an updated version of Java so I was unable to access the program. A message indicating that Screenr would no longer be available after November 11, 2015 also appeared due to the fact that the Java software that is required has become outdated.

 

Jing

http://www.screencast.com/t/Trr4sdQKqWX

 

http://www.screencast.com/t/Gba6fhd0

This program requires the user to download the software to their computer before being able to access it. The great thing about Jing is that it offers the user a tutorial explaining how to create a screencast through Jing. Once I downloaded the program I watched the tutorial and proceeded to the website that I wanted to use in my screencast. I decided I would be explaining how to use our district databases. I took a shot of the homepage and the page that lists all of the databases. That process of creating the screencast was fairly simple. However, I was unclear on how to put it all together. I was looking all over the place trying to figure out how to upload images to Jing when I realized after searching and finally clicking on the Help icon that another download is required. It took me a good 20 minutes to figure out that I needed to download the downloader to upload anything. On my first attempt, I was able to upload my images but I did it in the wrong order. I tried changing the order but was unable to do so. At that point, I decided I would delete everything and start over. Well after finally getting the downloader to launch I was able to upload the images but I was unable to place them both together in one folder. Wow! This was a lot of work! I personally would not recommend using this with children because it is very challenging to actually use. Not to mention all the space that the program takes up on my computer. Overall, I found Jing to be a difficult program to work with and I feel students would have some difficulty creating screencasts.

After exploring the different programs, I really enjoyed using Screencast-o-matic because the program was very easy to use. I was able to begin recording my screencast immediately without having to download a lot of additional things to my computer. The main difference I have noticed with the other programs is the large amounts of items that need to be downloaded in order for the program to work. I was surprised when Screenr wouldn’t work because the Java software on the computer was outdated. A person who is not very computer savvy would have a lot of difficulty trying to download this program and would probably give up once they encounter the Java software problem. The reason I didn’t like Jing is because the user must download the software to their computer before being able to utilize the program. The main difference I noticed was Screencast-o-matic is easier to use and doesn’t require a lot of additional items to be downloaded in order for the program to work. The other programs require the user to download software to the computer which might create problems for the user if there is not enough storage space to actually save the program to the computer’s hard drive. Overall, I really enjoyed using Screencast-o-matic because the program is very easy to use. The user is able to create an account and start recording screencasts immediately. I feel this is an excellent resource that can be used to share important information with others both in the library and in the classroom.

Cartoons and Comics

Cartoons and Comics

ToonDoo:

http://www.toondoo.com/cartoon/9400912

ToonDoo offers the user the ability to sign up for ToonDoo’s free account or ToonDoo spaces which provides the user with all the resources the free option has plus a few more. I really enjoy when users are able to preview the program before using it, and this option was not available for ToonDoo so that is something I disliked. I would have preferred seeing an example before beginning to make a comic strip to get an idea of how to use the program. The sign-up process for ToonDoo was very easy even for young users. Once I figured out where to start, I was able to choose the layout for my comic strip. I begin by choosing a background and then I added characters and some text to my comic strip. I believe the comics were very easy to create after playing with the program for a while. I didn’t have any trouble saving my comic strip. I believe TooDoo offers a variety of resources to successfully create a comic strip. I believe students would enjoy working with ToonDoo because it is another way for them to be able to communicate their thoughts and ideas through a comic strip.

Pixton

https://Pixton.com/ic:qxaguc8m

The sign up process for Pixton was very easy once you verify your email account. I dislike having to verify my email account, I prefer being able to have access to the program immediately after signing up. I really enjoyed how the program offers a variety of setting and characters to choose from.  This made the process of creating a comic strip very easy because I didn’t have to brainstorm what background I would be using, I was able to simply choose one. After choosing a background the user is able to choose a character for the comic strip. I really enjoyed the way a text box automatically appears once a character is added to the comic strip. I believe this is a great feature for the program because the user doesn’t have to look for a text box it automatically appears. I feel the comics on Pixton were very easy to create, but I don’t feel a variety of objects were available to make the comics interesting. Overall, Pixton is a great and easy way to make comic strips. The process of saving the comic strip is extremely easy because the user simply has to click on the green check mark below the comic strip. I believe students would easily be able to use Pixton to make comic strips.

MakeBeliefsComix

This program provides users with a tour of the program. I believe this is a very helpful in explaining to users how exactly to use the program to create a comic strip. Another thing I liked about this program is the user doesn’t even have to sign up. The user can view the tour, and then begin making a comic strip immediately. The user is able to choose a background for the setting from the preselected backgrounds available. Once a background is chosen the user can add characters, text, and even other objects to make the comic more interesting. I believe the comics are easy to make with this program and children would be able to make comic strips to express themselves. However, this program doesn’t have the ability to save the comic strip. The user must print and email a copy of the comic strip in order to save it. This is the only program that allows the user to save the comic strip to a pin drive which can be helpful if a printer is not available. I believe the variety for this program was very limited in comparison to the other programs I visited. Overall, I believe children would be able to make comic strips with this program.

I have always enjoyed reading the comic strips from the newspaper but I had never thought of actually creating one. I enjoyed creating comic strips with the different programs I visited. I would love to have students create an alternate ending to a story and then create a comic to present their alternate ending of the story to the class. I will be using Pixton because I feel the comic strips were very easy to create and save. I will first model how to use Pixton with my students and then I will allow them to create their very own comic strip to share with others in the library.

Online Book Communities

Online Communities

Goodreads

Goodreads is a great website because it offers excellent up to date reviews on a lot of books. Another thing I liked about Goodreads is it already has shelves made for the user making it easier to organize your books. Allowing the user to have the options (read, currently reading, want to read) is a great way to help the user organize their books. I will admit I had a bit of trouble using Goodreads at first because I couldn’t figure out how to add the books to the different shelves. After working with the program a bit, I was able to place each book on its appropriate shelf. The layout of the webpage is very plain but seems to have a lot of information crowded together on one page. I disliked the setup of the homepage because there is a window for pop-up ads and I feel this can be a distraction for some users. I believe a student would be able to navigate around this website easily while placing their books on the appropriate shelves.

 

Library Thing

I had never heard of Library Thing before this assignment. One thing I liked about this program is the sign-up process was very easy.  However there was no tour or explanation available on how to use the website, so this made it a bit confusing at first. I liked the way this website offers the user the ability to place books on several shelves including a wish list and favorites. I believe this can serve as a great way to organize the various books a user might be interested in.  One thing I disliked is the homepage contains a lot of information and I believe this can be a bit overwhelming for a child to navigate through. One disadvantage I found at first was figuring out where to add books to the different shelves because there is so much information on the webpage. Another disadvantage I observed is the user having to click on an icon to see a review. I enjoy programs that offer various reviews automatically once the book title is searched for by the user.

Shelfari

One thing I really liked about Shelfari is it offers the user a tour of the website allowing the user to become familiar with the different things the program has available. I enjoyed how easy it was to navigate around the program. Another thing I really enjoyed about Shelfari is the ability to organize books by read, I’m reading, and plan to read. This allows the user to place their books in the appropriate category. I really enjoy how the program provides an image of all the book covers that the user has added to their shelves.  An added benefit to this program is the simple set up and layout of the homepage. I believe a child would be able to navigate through this program without being overwhelmed by so much information on the homepage and throughout the program. Finally another advantage I found is the detailed description and review available for each book. I believe this information can be helpful to students in allowing them to choose what books they will be interested in. I feel this would be a great website to use with both children and adults.



Booklikes

 

The sign up process for Booklikes was very easy. One thing I liked about this program is how the user can organize their books by read, currently reading, and plan to read. This makes the process of placing books on the correct shelf very easy for the user. Another thing I enjoyed was the simple design and layout of the program. The one disadvantage I observed is the books do not stay on the shelf the user originally placed them on. I feel this can cause some confusion for younger users as to whether or not they have or have not read a particular book.

Biblionasium

The sign-up process for Biblionasium requires the user to verify the account before being able to actually use the program. I prefer being able to have immediate access to something I just signed up for instead of having to go to my email account to then be allowed access to the program. The one thing I noticed was different from the other programs is this program provides the option to sign up as an educator. I disliked this program because I was not able to place my books on separate shelves rather than all together on one shelf. Another thing I disliked was the confusion I felt by not knowing how to create shelves or whether or not they had already been made. I prefer a program that will have shelves that are already labeled to make it easier for younger users.

From the various programs I explored, I personally liked Shelfari and I will continue to use this program personally and with my students. I really enjoyed the tour offered to the user while signing up for the program. This prepares the user for how to use the program and exactly what to expect once the user begins using it. I really enjoy the shelves available to place all of the user’s books. This process is extremely simple for all users from children to adults. This program offers reviews for each book making it easy for the user to be informed about what critics are saying about the materials they are reading. Lastly, I really feel this is a great resource for children because it can teach them how to organize their reading materials. I truly enjoyed Shelfari and I am looking forward to sharing this information with my students.