Empowered by Tools
I must admit, that before this past semester started, I was not too savvy when dealing with digital technology. I did have some experience with some social media, like Facebook and Instagram, but other than that, I felt pretty lost. I had seen other teachers, mainly the younger generation or CATE teachers, using digital technology to a larger extent, but I never felt comfortable enough to ask. I am glad that I have learned how to use digital technology in a way that I would have, otherwise, not done so.
This semester: I was able to learn and use the following types of digital technology:
Blog Readers- which are powerful in that they can hold all of your diverse blogging needs in one place! No more need for notebooks with scribbles to remind you where you can find blogs of interest.
Social Media- Yes! You can use social media to promote literacy, school library programs, and the classroom. Librarians are already using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote their programs and bring awareness to the community. Don't be afraid of social media in schools and use it to bring in all patrons.
Using social media to promote the school library program is essential and a way to get information out to the community. I strongly believe that using it as a means to communicate will benefit the entire school community.
Infographics- can be great to present ideas in an innovative, clean, and organized way.
Videos and QR Codes- Please do yourself a favor and check out how fun and easy creating videos is! You can use them, and QR Codes, to entice students to read books by creating book trailers! These were my favorite tools that I learned to work with. I also feel that students would greatly benefit from my using both platforms. Videos are engaging and can be a quick way to relate to or grasp their attention. QR Codes are just convenient, can provide links to a vast amount of information, and can be fun for all.
Cartoons and Comics- Students, and people of all ages, love cartoons. You can tell stories, promote upcoming events, introduce new techniques, and so much more!
Podcasts- Believe in yourself. What you know is important and people want to hear. Podcasts can be daunting, but they are easy to create and the benefits outweigh any minor inconvenience. Podcasts allow you to get information out to learners who prefer to listen and learn via audio. Initially, creating the podcast was the most difficult for me because I was hesitant in recording myself speaking.
Take a look at this fun book I created using Book Creator to tell a story.
Using digital technology can truly be magical. Don't be afraid of putting yourself out there. I have learned that it is easy to find innovative ways to engage my audience. Teachers need to feel prepared to ask questions, collaborate, and engage all learners. Let digital technology help you.
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