Battle of the Technologies!!!!!

To Instagram or to to Vine.....?

Let's explore Instagram.  "Instagram allows members users to upload, edit and share photos with other members through the Instagram website, email, and social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook,Tumblr, Foursquare and Flickr."  Therefore, technology is ultimately all connected and relevant towards each other.  Prior to this semester I was skeptical about al these various applications and online exchanges; however, when you are intentional and know exactly how to use it to your ADVANTAGE, it becomes magical.  Students today are not growing up with the same technological advances that we were exposed to.  It is imperative that we keep up with them.  Through Instagram, I was immediately infatuated with the idea of posting updated news of the library.  You can make signs, or posters and then be able to upload them on Instagram by taking a picture.  You can also be creative and take screenshots of online photos that would dive into the scope of the library.  It's a great way to promote the library!  And best of all, it was very easy to use. 

For my Instagram photos I decided to take photos of the covers for the Black Lagoon books, followed by a quote from the book.  Excellent way to entice the reader!    

"To keep the books in alphabetical order, Mrs. Beamster bolts them together."

A photo posted by Julie T. (@t._julie) on Nov 20, 2015 at 7:45am PST

"It's very quiet today. Usually, they say, there's a lot of screaming. Maybe she's in a good mood."

A photo posted by Julie T. (@t._julie) on Nov 20, 2015 at 7:39am PST

Who doesn't love these books?

A photo posted by Julie T. (@t._julie) on Nov 20, 2015 at 7:31am PST

Moving on to Vine.   "Vine is a video-sharing app. But it’s not just any video-sharing app. It’s designed in a way for you to film short, separate instances so they can be linked together for a total of six seconds. Each short video plays in a continuous loop, and are viewable directly in Twitter’s timeline or embedded into a web page."  This application was heard of, but I had never used it before.  Though I like the idea of the tool, I found it more difficult to navigate through the settings of the videos.  For example, I was determined to incorporate music into my video; however, after much persistence, I decided to leave it for another time.  Sadly to say, I was not too happy with my finished product.  I decided to explore the internet for answers, "How to incorporate music into a Vine video."  Apparently, in order to do so I needed to download additional apps that would download and support the music.   I present you with first Vine video.  Hope you enjoy!




Finally, I leave you with a question?  Will you use Instagram and Vine......?  If so, how will you assure that the usage will be maximized to the student's learning (as a librarian)?  

See you next time friends!  

Screencast

Screencast

Have you ever heard of the word screencast?  You might have heard of the name, but do you actually know what it means?  Well, let's think of this.  Have you ever seen an online video with the instructions on how to register for classes, what about instructions on how to login and manipulate online applications, or maybe simply an online video on how to fix your computer that has been bombarded with pop-ups.  If you have answered yes to any of these, then you have been "SCREENCASTED!"  

A screencast is the "digital recording of computer screen output, also known as a video screen capture."  Ultimately, it is a very simple way of recording your movements and navigation through a computer, along with being able to narrate with your computer microphone.  Pretty awesome right???

Let's take a closer look at two great sites that provide this awesome ability!  

First up, is Screencast O-Matic.  I do want to mention before I begin, how both sites provided very easy to use and friendly  navigations.  With Screencast O-Matic, it allows the ability to use the screen, the webcam or both.  Moreover, your video can be up to 15 minutes long.  After your recording, you are provided with multiple ways to save and upload your video, which is one of the reasons why this site was my favorite.

Next, we have Jing.  Jing was also simple to use and follow.  To begin your video, you are prompted to download the program.  It's quick and does not take much time.  Once you have downloaded the application, you will see the icon on your desktop or on the top corner of your screen.  The icon will look very similar to a sun.  When you are recording a video, you do have to be very careful that you stay inside the appropriate area.  Once you extend your recording screen too far, it will shade darker, indicating it will not be recorded, so be careful!  Your video can only be 5 minutes long; therefore, evidently, this is one disadvantage.  Finally, after you have recorded your video, uploading will become very tedious because you are only provided with the option of copying the link.  As for me I found it difficult to embed.  I have provided my link below.  

Screen Cast: How to Create a Google Doc

In conclusion, both sites offer a great resource to use in the classroom or library.  As an educator, explaining things to children can take several repetitions to fully understand and eliminate errors, but with a screencast, you are empowering the learner.  Students can become self directed and take control of their learning pace.  Though both sites are free and simple to use, my favorite would have to be Screencast O-Matic, simply because uploading my video was quick and it provided me with multiple options.  So what are you waiting for, give it a try and let me know which one you will choose???? 

Cartoons and Comics

Watch out because the COMIC TOONS 

are HERE!!!!!

Every wondered how comic strips are made.  Have you ever laughed so hard or had an awe...moment while reading a comic strip.  

Well, now is your chance!  Challenge yourself to create a comic strip of your own.  Speaking from personal experience, they are very neat and beneficial to learn how to do.

I have taken the challenge.....now check out what I have discovered. 

First Up.....MakeBeliefsComix

MakeBeliefsComix: http://www.makebeliefscomix.com 

As my first comic strip, I initially found it difficult to come up with a conversation.  However, after beginning my search and discovering the multiple features available, the clipart soon ignited my ideas.  Even though MakeBeliefsComix was very basic, it was extremely efficient.  Right away I was prompted to create my toon and best of all, it was FREE!  There was no signing up.  Most applications and sites require a login, but not this one.  As I proceeded to create my comic strip, I realized there were not a lot of choices to play around with.  In general, the available options for each category were minimal.  Even so, in opinion, it doesn't matter how much or little a site may offer, what matters is the creativity of the mind!!!  Overall, it was extremely easy to follow and navigate.  As I was done, saving was simply a click away.  Instantly, I had my comic strip image and it was ready to upload as desired.  As a starting tool, students can easily learn about comic toons by using MakeBeliefsComix.  

Moving on to comic strip #2! 

I hope you have enjoyed my introduction to comic strip #2 ToonDoo: http://www.toondoo.com.  ToonDoo requires an initial sign up, but don't let this impede you from exploring further....IT'S ALSO FREE!   A quick set up and you are ready to go.  This site offers lots of options.  From the starting layout, to the multiple backgrounds and images, ToonDoo quickly became a knockout.  On a quick note, I must warn you, it takes a few extra minutes because it is continuously uploading as you progressing through the site and your toon creation.  Once again, don't let this stop you...it is still worth your time.  After creating my toon, the only problem I encountered was finding out how to save it.  Not to worry, I have the solution: You must go back to the homepage, click on Toons, click on my ToonDoos and once you see your comic strip, you download it to your computer.  Not too bad, you just need to play with it.  Overall, it is an excellent site to create comic toons and simple to follow for students.

Last, but not least, comic strip #3!

Pixton: https://www.pixton.com, was a bit more tedious to begin.  I initially created an account, which I was then then prompted to verify my account through the email provided.  Once I verified my account, it specified that the site needed further information about myself, even though I answered all the necessary questions, in order to complete the registration process.  After long exploration and contemplating what to do, I decided to give it a try and login.  I was accepted and allowed to proceed.  At this point, I was already confused.  After exploring the site, I realized it had numerous options to choose from.  However, it seemed more geared towards older students, such as middle school or preferably high school.   First of all, you're asked for the layout, followed by the setting.  There is also an option for beginner or advanced comic strip toon.  As I continued to the characters in my setting, I was disappointed to find out they were limited.  Each setting provided you with only their selection for characters, which deviates from creativity.  Once I was done, and about to click save, I was left with disappointment. I would only be allowed to save the image if I purchased the program.  Therefore, (quick tip) take a screen shot of the desktop and then crop accordingly.  Overall, this site was not as I had hoped for. 

In conclusion, comic strips can serve as multiple purposes: to promote creativity, retell important events and literary elements for reading, explain relevant concepts across multiple subject areas and more importantly, develop technological skills.  Of course, these are only a few examples of why every teacher should incorporate comic strips in the classroom.  As for me, I choose MakeBeliefsComix and possibly ToonDoo.  As as a 4th grade teacher, my choice is geared towards the option that will produce success and confidence in my students.  So which one will you choose.......????