Thursday, September 24, 2015

ANYONE BLOGGING??????



Wondering what a blog is.....look no further!  Well, actually yes!  Read the following below....


Even though I thought I had enough knowledge about technology, everyday I am being amazed by how much more I must continue learning!  Though I had heard about blogging, I realize the depth of my knowledge was not enough.

 To elaborate, as I do with most things that are foreign to me, I am hesitant about trying new things.  For instance, BLOGGING???  What is that?  How is that different to EVERYTHING else out there?  

 It is quite interesting.  As I began exploring multiple blogs, I found a bountiful assortment of wise and creative bloggers that share knowledge, ideas and discussions on relevant topics that can have an influence on people.  Take for instance the following: 

 1. http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com 
This blog provides an excellent source for book reviews that target our youth readers.  Moreover, you are able to see an assortment of books that are categorized by genre; therefore, making it easier to find a desired book.  As a future librarian, reference tools for books can always be handy!  

 2. http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com
Contrary to the previous blog, GreatKidsBooks provide a reference tool that triggers our younger/elementary population; however, goes all the way up to age 14.  Ever wondering what could be a good book to read to your first grade classes?  Ideas can surely be found here!  This site is not only beneficial to teachers, but can also be utilized by parents.  Great way to keep parents informed! 

 3. http://mediaspecialistsguide.blogspot.com/
Among my favorites, A Media Specialist Guide (To the Internet).  How vital is technology to our current or future profession.  Not only does technology affect the educational field, but many others as well.  Technology is difficult, questions and ideas can be found on this blog.  It's a quick go-to-tool that allows essential elements of technology to be addressed and easily implemented in our classrooms and lessons.  

 4. http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com
As future librarians, it is vital that we continue exercising our brains with the latest information that  can affect our philosophies and method of instructing our students/classes. The Blue Skunk blog provides numerous topics and articles that are researched and/or written to change our views, in hopes we continue growing and effectively providing the best support to our students. 

 5. http://www.thedaringlibrarian.com
Finally, The Daring Librarian.  Filled with enthusiasm and wonderful ideas, this blog transmits an automatic positive message.  As you scroll through her blog, you realize how vital being a librarian is.  Moreover, it encompasses the values that are important to possess.  Once on this blog, and you will continue searching for more!  
Now, if you are wondering, "How does she keep all those blogs in one place, organized and easy to find....?"  There are numerous sites to help you with this.  After exploring multiple sites to assist me (Bloglovin’, Feedly, Bloglines, NewsBlur, Digg Reader, and Newsvibe), I discovered Bloglovin' was very quick to learn and easy to navigate.  Bloglovin provides the ability to find multiple blogs and save them in one place.  Another awesome feature I loved about Bloglovin' was the ability to not only find blogs, but ADD a blog if you were not able to find it through the site.  Great tool for any blogger. 
Blogging is definitely a great tool to use.  As librarians, you can create a blog to promote books, events and encourage all students to visit the library.  Blogging keeps everyone connected and able to be accessed with greater frequency.  In a world where technology has gained popularity, blogging allows an ongoing relevance with today's students!  

 Lastly, I invite you to visit my Tumblr page!  Have no fear, Tumblr has very similar characteristics to Pinterest!  Librarians, along with many other people can utilize Tumblr to post pictures, tweets, videos, and many other things.  In addition, you can pin ideas or simply have a location to upload "likes" on specific topics/themes.  As librarians, it's a great tool to keep your library showcased and encourage students to see the value of the library as a place like no other!  I have uploaded several images that show great ideas for librarians!  Take a few minutes to visit other Tumblr users, you will not regret it!  As I continue uploading many more great ideas, I encourage all of you to create your own Tumblr page. It's a challenge, but nonetheless, a great opportunity to continue growth!  
http://futuristicallycoolwonderland.tumblr.com



Till the next time....Julie Trevino! 



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Friday, September 18, 2015

Mining PEW: Piktochart

Reading, writing and research in the digital age!



Data can be overwhelming, but when placed onto an infographic, things can become A LOT easier to comprehend.  Numbers speak loud and percentages presented by multiple research can be calling out a imminent change!  


In just a few years, we have seen how technology has gained momentum all around us.  Regardless if it is at home, work, restaurants or even through news reports, technology has influenced how society functions to efficiently transmit a message or task.  In schools, ongoing data and research has proven how effective using technology can be to the success of a child.  My question to you is then, "Why are we still in doubt?"  If research, which is the most valuable tool a teacher can acquire, shows the significant impact that using technology can have, then why are we not taking action.  Students are moving forward with the trend, and if we fail to reflect and accept change into our daily teaching practices, what can we predict will happen to our students.  (HINT) Our teaching practices can become dull, cumbersome, and tiring! 

We cannot change what is OR has happened.  As times continue to evolve, take a few minutes before you plan your next lesson, and ask yourself, "Am I teaching this skill with the best form of engagement and relevance?"  Paper and pencil is not the answer and even a simple video or audio playing can be redundant and overly used.  Don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone.  If you feel you are not knowledgeable enough to teach with technology, it's ok....students love the opportunity to teach, while learning at the same time.  Explore new boundaries, make mistakes and then learn from them.  Transfer the knowledge that will make today's students into tomorrow's leaders! 

Below you will find a summary of how much technology surrounds our students outside of school!  
Keep in mind....The goal as teachers is to target key concepts and life long skills through the means that is most captivating (like it or not, that is technology). 





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Friday, September 4, 2015

To Tweet or Not To Tweet.....That Continues Being the Question!



Just a few years ago, knowing or asking what Twitter was, would have been an awkward and hesitant response of, "I don't know?"  Today, even a 5 year old would be able to provide a sufficient response.  For those of you who yet need to learn what it is.....it is a social media that allows you to communicate with people from all over the world!  ALL OVER THE WORLD!!!!!  That is a powerful tool.  

Growing up, I was under the assumption I was tech savvy.  In comparison to my parents that were limited in technology, I figured I was well prepared for the technology world.  Nevertheless, as time progressed, I realized more and more I was falling behind.  As I got older, I realized things were changing drastically.....and might I mention, never going back to how insignificant the impact on technology was.  Facebook, Twitter and Youtube were gaining momentum.  To be honest, I was very hesitant to change.  I figured texting was enough to continue communication with others.  As I look back to my old perception of technology, I have grown to realize how wrong I was and I often chuckle at the thought how naive my notion was.  

To all those who think the way I used to, it is my mission to make you think otherwise.  Twitter, for instance, is an excellent source of communicating thoughts, knowledge and ideas to an array of subjects and issues!  If you don't like to write much, you are in luck.  Twitter limits the amount of words you message; therefore, communication is quick and straight to the point.  Knowledge is POWER!  What I absolutely love about Twitter is how many people you can meet that have an amazing background experience in a specialized field.  

Let's take a look at Kathy Schrock.
What I appreciate about Kathy Schrock is her continued effort to promote technology.  Often too many of us are hesitant about incorporating technology into the classroom.  Among my favorite tweets, Kathy takes us to multiple sites that "serve as the entry point to resources, ideas, tips, and tricks." Technology does not have to be dull or basic.  There are many ways of imbedding technology to increase success in the classroom.
Moving on to Linda W. Braun.
Miss Linda has ongoing promotion to higher learning.  As times continue to evolve and centralize around key subject areas, Linda Braun is an active leader to making children of today become our future leaders of tomorrow.  As you navigate through her twitter account, you will find multiple conversations and tweets acknowledging how we can grow as educators.
A very enthusiastic and active twitter leader.....Tony Vincent.
Tony Vincent finds innovative and active ways to engage students in an creative classroom.
Leaders and advocates!  Twitter is an amazing place to find amazing people.  Passion is relayed through a person's words and message.  For Buffy Hamilton, that is exactly what she does......
Just a few more worthy people to speak about (among the many).  As I continue mentioning AWESOME people in the Twitter world, it's a great time to reflect on what kind of people you would like to "follow."  Personality is conveyed through numerous members, personalities that are contagious to us all!
An absolute joy to follow!
A wonderful and ecstatic person that loves their job!  Gwyneth Jones shows us through her messages how to think outside the box and not be afraid of exploring new boundaries.  Explorations that leads to greater success!  Who wouldn't want this?????
Last by not least......Jim Lerman.  A person whose wisdom encourages us all to take an expenditure to the new worlds of technology.



In conclusion, I leave in hopes that you have become open minded and accepting of this wonderful tool.  Twitter is not a bad thing!  But unfortunately, it will not matter how much I say or comment.  Discovery is just a click a way.  Give it a try and you will not regret it!!!!!!!!!!






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Friday, August 28, 2015

TECHNOLOGY.....Good or Bad??????



In a world where technology is dominating daily usage, careers have taken the same path.  As I recall, when I first began teaching, newsletters were the only form of communication.  Slowly, but SURELY, technology made its way.  Soon we bagan having blackboards that would allow communication with all parents and students.  And eventually, students received, the much anticipated, iPads.  Education took a shift.  Change is GOOD!!!!

Teachers now have the ability to post information and create links where children's educational wonders are just a click away.  Answers are immediate and engagement is ongoing.  The truth is, without technology, information wouldn't be as relevant.  TECHNOLOGY IS MAGICAL!!!!!!!

 This leads me to my next discussion, how does technology become vital for a librarian????  As educators, regardless of the career, success in a child's education rises with the incorporation of technology! Though many of us (including myself) have been skeptical about joining Facebook or Twitter, it's only the first step that is the hardest.  After joining you begin realizing what a great thing it is!

Let's take a dive into Facebook.
After exploring numerous sites, I couldn't believe how amazing each school/librarian had incorporated Facebook to promote reading.  Unfortunately, it's a sadden truth to realize students are gradually loosing interest in books.  However, when you promote reading through Facebook the response is exciting.  Librarians can post book trailers, video clips, or books that are showing a rising trend among students at their school and/or age level.  Students are often unaware of what books are gaining popularity, but the second you post it onto a social media, the response takes an elevation.  Furthermore, other great ideas librarians have incorporated onto Facebook, is the usage and posting of student photos.  When you see the interaction that a library can bring, more students begin seeking the same experiences.  Librarians can add future events such as a book club meetings, or activities conducted by staff.  Schools should be a place where fun happens, while learning remains active!  But be aware, with everything that is great, there will also be disadvantages.  Most definitely, with social media there will be risks and setbacks that will make any person feel unease. What if someone post inappropriate language or photos?  Who will have access to the webpage?  Will parents be supportive?  Will my administrators approve of social media in the school?  My best advice......be informed and educated about the topic.  When you understand all the perspectives, you can find the solutions and response to the issue.  Work together and find a common goal.

In conclusion, social media can create opportunities for learning.  Times are changing, and if we refuse to move with it, WE will be the ones falling between the gaps!  As educators it is detrimental that we remain open minded and reflective about our teaching practices.  Are we providing the best education, in the best mode of transmission?????

GIVE SOCIAL MEDIA A THUMBS UP......YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!!!!!!!

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