Blogs and Blog Readers

Blogs and Blog Readers

It is very interesting how technology has changed so much in just a few years since I graduated from the university. Technology has evolved so rapidly, now it is common for people to communicate through blogs. After exploring several blogs readers, I really like Bloglovin because the sign in process was extremely simple. I was able to sign up using my yahoo email with no issues. One of the main reasons I chose Bloglovin, was due to the fact that images were presented as the categories of blogs to choose from. This simplifies the program for the user allowing the selection process to be made easier. I also liked the ability to follow numerous blogs simply by choosing to follow categories like art and style. I also explored other blog readers like Feedly. I didn’t choose Feedly because it wouldn’t let me sign up with my yahoo email account. It limits the user to only being able to sign up if you have an existing Google, or Facebook account. I am not comfortable with some programs asking for access to certain email accounts so I was unable to complete the registration process. I tried to access Bloglines and I was unable to access the website because I kept receiving an error message (the webpage is unavailable). I then looked into NewsBlur and I really enjoyed the fact that NewsBlur allows the user to try out the program before signing up. However, once I signed up I was unsure about what to do next. I was turned off by the set-up of the categories because it appeared to be a lot of information and I found myself getting confused. I believe providing some images along with the categories will help the user in making their choice of blogs to follow a lot easier. I then tried out DiggReader but was unable to sign up because it wouldn’t let me sign up with my yahoo email account. It limits the user to only being able to sign up if you have an existing Google, Facebook, or Twitter account. I am not comfortable with some programs asking for access to certain email accounts so I was unable to complete the registration process. I then tried out NewsVibe but was unable to locate this program. I tried several links and I was taken to various reviews about NewsVibe, but I was unable to find the program itself. I have been using a blog (Blogger) since I began my studies at SHSU and I never knew there were so many programs for blogging available. I will continue to use Bloglovin because I really enjoyed the program.

1.       WeAreTeachers

http://weareteachers.tumblr.com

 

This blog offers inspirational quotes and excellent ideas that can be shared with campus teachers in an attempt to collaborate with them to achieve student success. I really liked this blog because I know how important collaboration between the classroom teacher and the librarian can be. I love the Batman picture with about him returning books to the library. These types of pictures can serve as a friendly reminder for students. Overall, this blog has some excellent resources for both the teacher and librarian.

 

2.       heybookteacher

http://heybookteacher.tumblr.com

 

This blog is hilarious. Some humor can get you going and that is the main reason I chose to follow this blog. Now as a librarian, I am constantly on the go and I believe that having a laugh from time to time is a great way to relieve stress. I chose this blog because the quote “When someone says students don’t need librarians because they have Google” is too funny. There are some who believe computers should take over what a librarian does, and they are terribly wrong. Google can’t walk up to a library shelf a pull out a book for a student. Again, a little humor can be good for everyone.

 

3.       Themugglelibrarian

http://themugglelibrarian.tumblr.com/

 

This blog keeps it real. I love honesty. There have been some drastic budget cuts that have been made that impact funding in the library. Overall, this has had a negative impact on children and their reading scores because library resources are being cut due to lack of funds. I chose to follow this blog because it includes inspirational quotes on the importance of librarians. I also chose to follow this blog because of all of the information available in reference to importance of having a librarian in libraries.

 

4.       The LibRAWrian

http://librawrian.tumblr.com/

 

This blog has excellent display ideas for an elementary school library. I absolutely love the Redbox movie rental theme to incorporate it into the library for book rentals. I really enjoy seeing the different ideas available in different libraries. I followed this blog because it offers great decorative ideas for the library.

 

5.       The American Library Association

http://americanlibraryassoc.tumblr.com/

 

I chose to follow this blog because I can get all the latest news and updates from ALA. I believe it is important for a librarian to stay abreast with the rapid changes taking place with technology and in the library. This blog offers information about any meetings being held by ALA and also any important changes that can impact librarians.

 

 

 

 

 

Infographics

I tried easel.ly, piktochart, and infogr.am infographics creators. I 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. Easel.ly and Infogr.am didn’t catch my attention like piktochart did. Easel.ly offered a variety of templates for infographics, but didn’t offer a variety of formats like piktochart does. Infogr.am didn’t catch my attention because of the limited number of free templates available.

Here is an example of an infographic I made using the information from the Pew Internet and Modern Life Research Center using  Piktochart:

https://magic.piktochart.com/output/7929128-parents-and-social-media               

Duggan, M.,  Lenhart, A.,  Lampe, C., Ellison, Nicole B. ( July 16, 2015). Parents and Social Media.  Pew Research Center. Retrieved from: http://www.pewinternet.org/files/2015/07/Parents-and-Social-Media-FIN-DRAFT-071515.pdf

Number of pages=37

After reading “Parents and Social Media”, I was surprised to learn that mothers are more likely than father’s to seek or give advice on social media. According to the article, “Mothers are heavily engaged on social media, both giving and receiving a high level of support via their networks” (p.2). I had never taken the time to analyze actual statistics about how much of an impact social networks like Facebook have on our society. With technology being made so accessible, it is evident that society has become very dependent on social media for advice and other means. I know I am guilty of checking my Facebook account frequently just like the article says, “Mothers on Facebook are more likely to check the platform several times a day compare to fathers, 56% vs. 43%” (p.6). I often think about what it used to be like not having Facebook, and how people would use other means to communicate. I believe technology is evolving at such a rapid rate,  I often wonder whether this is a positive or negative thing. With technology evolving so quickly, society has become extremely dependent on it.

 

Twitter

Kathy Schrock-  Sketch noting in Education. @kathyschrock

I was recently introduced to sketch noting in the Spring 15 semester with Dr. Bell. I feel this is an excellent way to express ideas through images. I know I practiced sketch noting with my 5^th grade students when we were discussing the story “Hidden Worlds” from our Texas Treasures reading basal. The students truly enjoyed being able to express their ideas through art instead of simply writing notes.

Here is a link to twitter:

https://twitter.com/kathyschrock/status/634042066406907904?s=02

Here is a link to the article:

http://t.co/a4zJunrvMV

 

Linda Braun- @lbraun2000

I never would have imagined that such an awesome program is available for children to be able to interact with 3-D technology. 3Ders.org featured an 8 year old who designed a smart watch that is programmed to make games and even calculate values like PI. I believe this is an excellent resource that can serve as encouragement to open the door to future architects and engineers for children.

Here is a link to twitter:

https://twitter.com/lbraun2000/status/639117226826575873?s=02

 

Tony Vincent- @tonyvincent

Periscope for Teachers

This is an excellent tool to have access to in order to get the latest information in a short amount of time. The great thing is that it is very simple to use. Teachers love Periscope because they are able to access videos for professional development straight from home. This can be super convenient for educators and other professionals as well. Perhaps in the future, teachers will be able to use Periscope to give virtual lessons to students at home without them having to actually be on campus.

Here is a link to twitter:

https://twitter.com/tonyvincent/status/638641252934807552?s=02

 

Buffy J. Hamilton- @buffyjhamilton

I couldn’t have put it any better. Life is too short to fuss over things that are out of our control. There are often times that some of the difficult things we grow through in life help to build up a stronger individual.

Here is a link to twitter:

https://twitter.com/buffyjhamilton/status/639563905216282624?s=02

 

The Daring Librarian- @GwynethJones – Sticky Fingers-Library Makerspace Beginnings.

I recently attended an in-service on how to use makerspace in my campus’ library. I really love the sticky fingers idea because I know it is something I would be able to try with my students. I believe all children will enjoy working with the different materials in the makerspace. I know these types of experiences are memorable for children and can actually help them express their ideas through their creations.

Here is a link to twitter:

https://twitter.com/SJBetteridge/status/635582384964919297?s=02

Jim Lerman- @jimlerman  Voice Typing come to Google

There are some graphic organizers on Google Docs that are going to be easier to work with because voice typing will now be made available. It is important for all studen5ts to have the latest technology available in order to be successful in their education.

Here is a link to twitter:

https://twitter.com/jimlerman/status/639492118713643008?s=02