Final Reflection: Digital Technology for School Librarians

 Final Reflection: Digital Technology for School Librarians

 

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        This semester has been filled with new learning experiences. I have enjoyed all the different projects we have created from the infographics, comics, book trailers, podcasts, etc. At the beginning of the semester I was quite nervous with all the technology applications that were being presented. However, as the semester was progressing, I began getting more comfortable with the idea of trying different technology applications. It allowed me to have multiple trial and error in most activities, but in the end it was satisfying knowing that I was successful in learning the new technology and creating the task presented.

        From looking at the different projects completed throughout the semester there were a few that I found to be the most exciting. The activities that were the most exciting to me were the infographics, booktrailers, and podcasts. The infographics was a new term for me this semester. In education we know about condensed information shared through posters; however, I did not know the proper term for them. I am glad to learn that they are known as inforgraphics. I find these to be quite exciting to create because they can be created across different materials. It is a great way to share information in a quick and appealing way which tends to helps learners remember information. The next project I found to be exciting were the book trailers. This was my first opportunity creating a book trailer, and I must admit that it was enjoyable. It was great having the opportunity to select a favorite book and promote it in a short unique way. The book trailers are a great way to help introduce individuals to new books in creative ways which could help spark their interest to reading. Lastly, the other project I found to be exciting were the podcasts. In creating podcasts it is a creative and fun way to have a discussion. With the many different ways to create podcasts, the creativity is endless. They are great ways to hold book discussions or other relevant topics that are important to individuals. Overall, these were the projects worked on that I found to be the most exciting.

        In reflecting on the projects created throughout the semester, there were some projects that I found to be quite difficult or challenging. The projects that I found to be quite challenging were the simulation game, comics/cartoons, and the floor plan. The simulation game definitely had quite a bit of bumps when completing. I would have to say that it took my about five times to fully understand the concept and how it worked. After multiple trail and errors, the simulation game helped show how the tactics worked in education when wanting to adopt new policies. After completing each session it came down to communication is always the key in order to reach success. The second project that I found to be a struggle were the comics/cartoons. Although they were fun to make it was difficult to come up with different skits to use. Along with coming up with ideas, I would have to say that even applying all the different graphics and features were a challenge to learn. With more practice, I do think they could get eaiser but the coming up of ideas could always be a challenge. Then, the other project I found to challenging was the floor plan. I found this to be quite challenging because even though the specific guidelines are followed how would you know the layout was correct. There is still a lot to learn when it comes to creating a floor plan, and I hope to gather more knowledge of this in the semesters to come. In the end, these were the three projects I found to be the most difficult to complete.

        With all the projects worked on I would have to say that there were some that could be very beneficial to students. The projects that I found to be quite beneficial for them would include the QR codes, podcasts, and infographics. I find the QR codes to be useful to the students because they can use them to access more information than what is presented to them. The QR codes are a great technology tool to use in the classroom and out as it can be shared with many. It helps provide extra support to reach success. Podcasts are seen to be beneficial for students because it helps enhance certain senses. The main sense it helps enhance is their listening skills which helps create auditory learners. Podcasts can be used to teach students new things or even reinforce certain skills. Lastly, I found infographics to be very beneficial to them as they are eye catching information. These can be used to help students understand the information being learned in fun and creative ways. Overall, these activities are seen to be a beneficial use for students to enhance their learning.  

        As the semester reaches the end, I agree that all material learned was very beneficial. We went from learning new technology applications to completing trainings, and  creating podcasts which helped enhance our own learning. It was a semester filled with challenges and adventures that made us more knowledgeable. Overall, I found our blogs one of the best uses in the class as it allowed us to see everyone's projects and view the different creativity that was used with the same applications. I am looking forward to continuing the program and seeing where these new technology applications learned could be implemented.