Final Reflection

I learned so many amazing this semester!  I thought I was internet capable.  Now I truely am!  First, I love infographics!  I have already started writing down ideas on how to implement them into my class.  I think they are very creative and give students a new way to express what they have learned.  Animoto was one of my favorite things about this semester.  It is very easy to use, and very creative. I am also making a list of ways to incorporate animoto into my class.  I really liked using screencast-o-matic.  It has been my favorite app this semester. I also liked making the comics.  I think students will love being able to make their own comics, and incorporate them into presentations.  I have always wanted to add more technology to my class, but really didn't know how.  After this class I am taking so much information with me that my students are going to have technology coming out of their ears.  I have even decided I want to make my own class website.  Some of you probably already have class websites....well, i'm a little slow.  It isn't finished, but you can find what I have completed so far by clicking here or use the convenient QR code.

My entire classroom is going to be QR-ed in August!

Teens Kindness and Cruelty on Social Network Sites (PEW)

Lenhart, A. (2012 June 5) Teens, kindness and cruelty on social network sites. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/files/old-media//Files/Presentations/2012/June/Teens%20Kindness%20Cruelty_NCMEC_WorkingGroup_talk_Lenhart_060512_PDF.pdf

According to the teens and young adults surveyed, cruelty and bullying is not that prevalent on social media sites.  Most say that it only happens once in a while, and when it does happen they just ignore it.  Girls are more likely to be bullied through social media than boys are.  I think that has to do with the attitudes of girls versus that of boys.  I have noticed that boys tend to get over hurt feelings easy and faster, while girls try to hurt each other emotionally.  Most teens get advice from parents and teachers about what is appropriate or inappropriate to put online.  Most teens have privacy settings on their social media set to friends only, this cuts down on bullying over social media.  Percentages were high for parents who have friended their children on social media, check your teens pages everyday, and use parental controls on cellphones and internet use.  The statistic I find interesting is a very high percentage of parents are saying they talk to their teens about social media and what is appropriate and inappropriate.  The percentage then goes down 30% -40% for teens who say their parents talk to them about social media.  

At some schools students are forbidden to have their cellphones, while at others they are welcome to have them.  If an issue comes up between two students they do not have the ability to discuss the problem with their parent or teacher, and make a rash decision to make an inappropriate comment.  I think this attributes to some of the inappropriate postings on social media.  Social networks are generally good places to share pictures and comments with friends. However teens and young adults need to understand what is appropriate for these sites and what isn't.

45/150

Teens and Online Video (PEW)

Lenhart, A. (2012, May 3). Teens and online video.  Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/files/old-media//Files/Reports/2012/PIP_Teens_and_online_video.pdf

This article is about teens and how they use video.  I discussed teens chatting, uploading video, and live streaming.

Applications like Skype, Googletalk, and Ichat are used for online chatting, and are seeing a rise with teens 12-17 years old.  White teens, and teens from higher income homes are more likely to video chat with their friends.  Also teen who are avid users of social networks, texting, and internet are more likely to video chat.  

Only one third of the teens surveyed said they record and upload video. It is pretty even between gender and race on which teens take and upload video.  However, teens who are regular users of the internet, social networks, and texting are more likely to upload video, especially to their social networks.

Only a handful of teens surveyed said they used live streaming.  Of those that did, it was again even between gender and race.  The teens that do take part in live streaming are also avid users of the internet, social networks, and texting.  

What I took from this article is that if you used technology, you probably use ALL technology.  Teens that are using live streaming, video chatting, and uploading their own video, are also the teens always on the internet, using social networks, and texting.  They all seem to go hand in hand.

13/150   

American Teens and Mobility (PEW)

Lenhart, A.  (2012, June 14).  It ain't heavy, it's my smartphone:  American teens and the infiltration of mobility into their computing lives.  Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2012/06/14/it-aint-heavy-its-my-smartphone-american-teens-and-the-infiltration-of-mobility-into-their-computing-lives/

This presentation was very informative from a numbers stand point.  It gave lots of percentages of what networks teens are using, and it even broke down into percentages of the different races and how they used their phones.  The presentation overall was very dry.  However, it did illustrate the massive change that technology has been through over the last 14 years.  It showed that social networks are the priority with teens.  It also showed that most teens are trying to be responsible while using those social networks.  Surprisingly, the survey that was done showed teens at  17 years old being the most responsible with information that is being loaded on to social networks.  From the presentation we learn that teens are all over Facebook.  However, Twitter numbers are drastically rising, and Tumblr is on the rise.  This presentation was given in 2012.  I believe that Facebook has become somewhat stagnant for teens.  I find more teens and preteens asking to be my friend on Twitter and Instagram.  Having just signed-up for Tumblr, I am sure I will get those requests soon. Today more teens are texting and instant messaging, than talking on phones.  Most teens are not even using email anymore, because of the social network boom or society is in.  Again, this presentation was a little dry for me with all the numbers.  However,  I did learn several different things that I found interesting.  Since this presentation was given in 2012, and the surveys had to be completed before that, I think some of the information is a little misleading.  I would like to see these surveys completed again to see how things have changed just in the last few years.  It seems like technology continues to grow at an alarmingly rapid pace.

47/150

10 Things to Know About How Teens Use Technology (PEW)

Purcell, K. (2013, July 10). 10 things to know about how teens use technology. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/files/old-media//Files/Presentations/2013/KPurcell%20ACT%202013_PDF.pdf

This presentation covered 10 things that adults should know about teens and technology trends.  

1) Although Facebook use has slowed among teens, other social networking sites have increased use, especially Twitter.  My opinion is that as parents learn to use and monitor social networks, those networks will be abandoned by teens who will move on to other networks.

2)  Teens today are sharing more personal information about themselves than they have in the past.  Shared information includes pictures of themselves, phone numbers, and school names.

3)  Teens today are aware of online privacy.  Most teens using Facebook have their settings on private.  However, on other social networks, like Twitter, most teens have their settings on public.  Teens from higher income families are aware and concerned about third-party access to their information, but teens from low income families are not.

4)  Today's teens are taking an active role in maintaining a good online reputation.  Most teens, especially girls, have deleted friends or blocked them from their accounts.

5)  Most parents are concerned about their teens online use, and help to keep their reputations clear so their future is not hurt by the social networks.

6)  The education of most teens today includes the use of digital tools.  Interactive whiteboards, e-readers, tablets, and cell phones are all being used in the classroom to met educational goals.  

7)  Although technology has changed the way teens conduct research, it may be for the better.  "Googling" gives teens a vast array of information that can be easily found.  Technology makes research easier for teens to find the information, but it is still up to the teen to decide how to use that information.

8)  Digital tools can benefit students' writing skills.  Although there are concerns about informal language and poor grammar and spelling, digital tools allow students to be more creative and make writing more personal.

9)  Are "Digital Natives" really that unique?  Studies show that they are not.  Teens or "Digital Natives" just have different tools at their disposal than what we had.

10)  There is a digital divide in education and technology.  High and low income schools are not on an even playing ground.  Low income schools do not generally have the technology to implement that a high income school does.  Even then, the discrepancy between high income students and low income students having the technology at home is huge.  

A lot of this information I had already read and been familiar with.  However, I think this is a great presentation.  I would love to show this presentation to the school board in my district.  We are in great need for better technology, and this presentation is an amazing example why.  I work at a very low income Title I school and (even in 4th grade) I can see the divide in education and technology(number 10).  Looking around our district it is amazing to see what the newer schools have, for example Smartboards, Elmos, document cameras, two computer labs.....My school is 58 years old and low income.  We are lucky if the television works for announcements in the morning.  The announcements on CCTV that our school just started last year,while others have been doing them for years.  I think using technology is great, and I think the 10 things mentioned in the article are very important to be aware of, but my heart will always go back to disparities between higher and lower income students.

46/150

The Impact of Digital Tools on Student Writing (PEW)

Purcell, K. , Buchanan, J. , & Friedrich, L.  (2013, July 16).  The Impact of Digital Tools on Student Writing and How Writing is Taught in Schools.  Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/07/16/the-impact-of-digital-tools-on-student-writing-and-how-writing-is-taught-in-schools-2/

In this article 2,462 Advanced Placement and National Writing Project teachers were surveyed about digital tools and their affect on how they teach writing.  These teachers say that social networking sites, cell phones, and texting are shaping the students writing in many ways.  These tools have become helpful for teaching writing in the middle and high schools. AP and NWP teachers say that digital technology benefit students writing in several ways.  Digital technology allows students to share their work with a wide and varied audience, encourage collaboration among students, and encourage creativity and  personal expression. These benefits make the writer greater invested in what they write, which cause them to write better.  However, there are some concerns when using digital tools for writing.  Students using the tools for educational purposes in class instead of "toys", difference in access to digital tools between students, students not knowing what voice they should use in their writing, and students using formal instead of informal language are all concerns when using digital tools for writing.  Although there are many concerns, they concerns are things that have to be taught anyway before students can write.  As a fourth grade teacher, I know that I am willing to use anything to get my students invested in writing.  It is so hard for them to come up with ideas and be creative in their writing.  Even though there are some challenges or concerns, 50% of the AP and NWP teachers say the digital tools have helped their students and made writing easier.  However, 18% say it has made writing harder of the students.  As I stated earlier, I am willing to try or do anything to get my students interested and invested in writing.  I would love to try some of these digital tools in my classroom.  Even if the 18% are right and the writing gets worse, at the very least the students have opened up new avenues for communication and are using digital tools that will help them in the future.

8/150

Library Services in the Digital Age (PEW)

Library Services in the Digital Age.  (2013, January 22). Pew Research Internet Project.  Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/01/22/library-servies-in-the-digital-age/

This article is about ushering libraries into the digital age.  It discussed how people use libraries, library priorities, and what technology patrons would like to see at the library.  2,252 Americans ages 16 and older were surveyed for this article.  Reasons people gave for using the library were browsing for books, borrowing books, researching, borrowing visual media, and attending classes or programs for themselves or their children.  The survey found that people thought library priorities should be coordinating with local schools, offering free literacy programs, having comfortable spaces in the library, and offering more e-books.  Having said all that, 59% of the people surveyed agreed that libraries should move books and printed material out of public locations to make room for tech centers, reading rooms, and cultural events.  When ask what kind of technology should be implemented into the libraries, people surveyed said online services, "petting zoos", app-based access, and "redbox" lending.  73% surveyed said they would use online research services to get answers from librarians.  69% said they would like "petting zoo" access, where they could try out new devices in the library.  63% surveyed said they would like app-based access to materials and programs.  63% said they would like "Redbox" style lending machine.  This way they could check out books, movies, or music from machines throughout the community without having to actually go to the library.  In my opinion, all this technology would be really cool to use, but when it comes down to it, I would miss the library. To me, going to a library, search for your book, and finally find the right one is an experience.  Having a discussion with a librarian about a research topic or new book is something that can not be traded for cool new technology.  Once libraries start becoming less personalized they start becoming obsolete. The Digital Age is awesome, and some great things can happen as our libraries enter the Digital Age, but let's not lose sight of the purpose of libraries.

4/150

Downloading Apps for Children (PEW)

Lenhart, A. (2012, May 15).  Downloading Apps for Children.  Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2012/05/15/downloading-apps-for-children/

I read the article Downloading Apps for Children.  I found some very interesting information in the article.  The article was about what types of apps are being downloaded for children and who is downloading them.  The articles stated that there was not a difference in race, ethnicity, or income in who was downloading the apps.  The differences were in what kind of apps were being downloaded and how they were being used.  Apps for entertainment only were 46% of the downloads, apps for educational purposes were 31% of the downloads, and apps for entertainment and education were 22% of the downloads.  This information did not really surprise me.  Most of the apps out there are for entertainment, so it would be reasonable to conclude that the highest downloads were for entertainment only.  Something that did surprise me was that out of all the educational apps available, 80% were for children aged preschool or elementary.  This surprised me because I really thought the high school age would have the most educational apps, especially because that age is more likely to have phones or tablets to use the apps.  The article also discussed how the apps are being utilized.  Higher income families are more likely to use the downloaded apps WITH their children than lower income families.  The article attributes this to lower income families not knowing what an app really is.  In the school I teach at, the kids that have (and bring to school) the phones and tablets capable of downloading and supporting apps belong to the lower income students.  Overall, I thought this was a very informative article.  I would like to have a little more information on the names of the apps they are considering entertainment versus educational.  Wouldn't some educational apps also be entertainment apps?

2/150

Instagram and Vine

I found Vine pretty easy to use.  I did not like that the video was only a few seconds.  However, I can see it being used in the classroom as a creative writing assignment.  It could also be added to Animoto or Power point and the video segments could be used in a presentation.  It took me a while to embed the videos.  I was not able to embed them straight from Vine.  I used the Vine/Twitter embed code.

https://t.co/TrIRZIIqvY
— Jenny Sindt (@jsindt81) June 24, 2014

https://t.co/bjVtp6sdQS
— Jenny Sindt (@jsindt81) June 24, 2014

Instagram is a social networking site where you can add pictures for you friends to see. Your friends can like and comment on your pictures.  You can also like and comment on your friends pictures.  It is similar to facebook, but with pictures only.  My experience with Instagram was not good.  Setting up the account, adding pictures, and adding friends was easy.  The app itself is very user friendly, however it would not let me embed anything.  I even had a friend come over and look at all the setting.  What I decided to do was link my Instagram to my Twitter. One thing I like about all the programs we have been using is that they can all be used together.  Instagram would be great to use in class.  I would use it on field trips. The students could use Instagram to take pictures during the field trip and use them to make a project when they get back.  Vine and Instagram could be used together in that way.

Kami Garcia TLA 2014 http://t.co/mQ75gnhbns
— Jenny Sindt (@jsindt81) June 24, 2014

Adam Rubin TLA 2014 http://t.co/23Dr4vCqc0
— Jenny Sindt (@jsindt81) June 24, 2014

Screencasts

Today we are talking about screencasts.  I tried to use three different programs.  First, I used Screencast-O-Matic.  I thought it was really easy to use and will definitely use it in the future.  It took me longer to decide what to screencast, then it took me to figure out how to use it.  Second, I tried to use Screenr.  We did not get along!  Screenr kept telling me that I needed a Java download.  Three times I downloaded Java and Screenr still would not work for my computer.  Third, I used Jing.  I really liked it.  I thought it was convenient that the screencasts are saved on your computer.  However, it did take longer to use than the Screencast-o-matic.

Jing Screen cast

I liked screencast-o-matic the best.  It was just so user friendly.  It was also easy to embed into my blog.  

Cartoons and Comics

Toondoo

Toondoo is a comic maker.  It has a huge variety of pictures, backgrounds, and people that can be used to make your comic.  It was very easy to make my comic on Toondoo, However, it was slightly difficult to figre out how to save it.  Offering a tutorial or "how to" section would be appreciated on this site.

Pixton

Pixton is a great comic maker.  It offers a "how to" video, however the comic was so easy to make you did not need it.  Pixton offers several choices in characters and backgrounds.  My favorite part is how you can manipulate the characters.  You can basically build your own person, from the facial expressions to what they are wearing.  Students would love working with Pixton!

Make Beliefs Comics

And then there is Make Beliefs Comics.  We did not get along.  It was very hard and confusing to make my comic here.  Then I find out the comic does not save, so I had to start over.  Finally, it took a very long time trying to embed it on my blog, which as you can see, I could not figure out.  I did not like this website, and I will not use it again, especially when Pixton is so much easier to use.

Click here to see comic



In the future I would love to use Pixton in my classroom and library.  The students would have so much fun making their own comics.  They could write stories and then make comics to go with them. I think it would be interesting for each student to make a different panel and then put them together to make one long comic strip.

Book Communities

Want a way to organize your books? 

 Maybe keep a list of books you've read, or want to read.  An online book community is one way to do that.  Here are four online book communities that you could use.

Shelfari by Amazon

I really like Shelfari.  It was very user friendly.  It did not have direct instructions, but it was very easy to figure out how to use it.  I like the organized display. The user is able to mark books they plan to read, are reading, and have read.  The user can also rate the books on a star scale.  I like that you can see what your books are rated while they are on the shelves.  I like that you can also attach your shelf to your blog.  I will definitely be using Shelfari in the future.

Goodreads

Goodreads was somewhat user friendly.  It took a little more work to figure out how to use than Shelfari.  However, once you figure it out, it is very simple Although the bookshelf is not as attractive as Shelfari, I like how you can see more of your books.  Goodreads also lets you rate the books, and I really like that.  Goodreads will also recommend books to read based on your "to read" shelf.  This site also gives you chances to win giveaways, usually free books, regularly.  I think this site lends itself more to the adult reader, rather than young adult or children.

Library Thing

Library Thing is not near as user friendly as Goodreads or Shelfari.  The user has to find and add books one at a time.  It does not categorize books into read, reading, and want to read.  It is also harder to rate books on this website.  Although it is a good website, I find that it is not worth the trouble when there are two other communities that do the same thing and are much easier to use.

Book Likes

This is another site that I thought was not very user friendly.  Initially is it difficult to get started.  Book Likes really needs a step by step tutorial to get going.  Finding the books you want it fairly easy once you do figure out how to get going.  I do not like how the dashboard comes up when you log in.  After logging in, then you have to look for your shelf.  The other communities automatically log in at your book shelf.  One thing I do like about Book Likes is after you log in a box pops up that says "Book Blog Directory".  You can mark what genres you like and it will take you there. Book Likes would not be good for young readers, and with more user friendly communities out there, I will not use it either.  

Biblionasium

WOW!  WOW! WOW!
I absolutely LOVE this website!  It does take a little more time to put together and work with, but I think it is so worth it.  It is very user friendly.  I love that you can make challenges for you kids, or have them blog or review a book.  Our district stopped paying for Accelerated Reader, and since then I have been looking for something to go in its place.  This website is perfect.  I am already making plans on how I am going to incorporate the website in my fourth grade classroom.

And the winners are...........

Shelfari and Biblionasium!
I had to pick both.  As an adult reader I find Shelfari to be the winner.  It is very user friendly and attractive.  I will definitely continue to use Shelfari in the future.  However, from a teacher and student point of view, Biblionasium wins.  As a student, I would like the look and activities I could do with the website.  As a teacher, I like how I can use it in my classroom.

How Teachers Are Using Technology (PEW)

Buchanan, J., Friedrich, L, Heaps, A., & Purcell, K.  (2013, February 28). How teachers are using technology at home and in their classrooms.  Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/02/28/how-teachers-are-using-technology-at-home-and-in-their-classrooms/

I read an article entitled How Teachers Are Using Technology at Home and in Their Classrooms.  2,462 Advanced Placement and National Writing Project teachers were surveyed and asked how digital technologies have helped them in teaching their middle and high school students.  Most teachers say that the impact of digital tools has made more work for them.  It was noted in the article that the laptops and desktops in many schools have become obsolete.  Now schools are using devices such as, tablets and smartphones.  73% of AP and NWP teachers say they or their students use mobile phones, 45% say they or their students use e-readers, and 43% use tablet computers to complete assignments. While over half of students are getting the education and use of digital tools at school, only 18% have access to digital tools at home.  This is leading to a widening gap in technology education.  Years of experience is also a factor when thinking about digital education.  Younger teachers, with fewer years of experience are more likely to use and teach students how to use digital tools.  Older teachers (55 and up), are “scared” of the technology.  While this article is titled How Teachers Are Using Technology at Home and in Their Classrooms, it did not discuss much about teachers using technology at home.  It mentioned teachers using technology for professional communication, but it relied heavily on technology used at school.

I found this article very interesting.  I found that my district really needs to check-up on technology.  The district I work for has a no tolerance policy on cell phones and tablets in the elementary, middle, and high schools.  Seeing the percentage of AP and NWP teachers that integrate these digital tools, it is a shame that kids in my district aren’t allowed to have them.  The article talks about the technology gap within higher and lower income schools, but I would like to see the technology gap in older and newer schools.  When new schools are built they tend to get the latest technology, but the older schools like mine have NO technology.  We have one class in third, fourth, and fifth grade that have Smartboards.  My school is 58 years old.  In the elementary that opened last year, Smartboards were put in each classroom.

9/150

Podcasts

There are many different tools you can use to make a podcast and many different ways to use one.  You can use tools such as Soundcloud, Audioboo, and Podomatic to make your podcast.  One way that I would love to use podcasts in my library is by reviewing books for the students.  As new books come out I would set up a display with the pictures of the new books and podcasts reviewing the books.  This way student can see what books are "new releases" and "coming soon".  We have waiting lists of books at our school, and this would be a great way for students to know if they want to be on the waiting list for a new book. 

listen to ‘Flame of Olympus Review’ on Audioboo

You could even embed your podcast in a QR code and place them around the library, or send them home so parent can hear the reviews of the books their kids are reading.  This would be a great idea the week before book fair.  The librarian could send home the book fair flier with qr codes that lead to podcasts of each book.

Videos and QR codes in the Library

Youtube allows you to share and watch user created videos.  Below are youtube videos that I found helpful.

NHS Library
The first video would be very helpful to students that were doing research projects.  Students would like the second video because it is entertaining.

The Unquiet Library
There are many very helpful videos from the unquiet library.  In fact it was very difficult choosing just one.  The first video I found, would be very helpful to students in all grade levels.  While many videos on this channel were helpful, not many of them were entertaining.  The second video is the one I believe students would like the best.









Pikesville HS Library
Although many videos were helpful, I really liked this one.  It was really great for students and parents.  Especially, parents of freshmen.  Many question can arise when getting students ready for the next year of school.  This youtube video is a great tool to use.  Students will like the second video because it depicts what they all want to do, but are not allowed to do!









BBMS Media's Channel
I think the first video would be very helpful to students.  We can always use citation review no matter how old we are.  At this channel, I had a problem deciding which I thought the students would like the best.  They had many entertaining and funny overdue videos.  Students will love the second video.  Not only is it a parody of a very popular movie and song, but it is also very funny.










QR Codes
I had a lot of fun making my book trailer.  If you work on a campus where mobile devices are allowed, then you could make book trailers for many books, and the patrons could use them to decide whether to read a book or not.  If your campus does not allow mobile devices, like mine, you could put QR codes on school newsletter.  This way the students could watch the book trailers at home.  You could also do a library lesson on making book trailers.  Below is the QR code that leads to my book trailer.

I completed my book trailer on Matched by Ally Condie.

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Bloglovin!!!

After looking at several different blog readers, I choice bloglovin.com.  Seriously, just read the name!  I love it.  Really, I found it very user friendly.  I also liked the clean look it had.  Some blog have so much "decoration" that it detracts from the information.  I thought that bloglovin had very little distraction.  After joining bloglovin, I tried to find a wide range of blogs that would help me in the future.  Here are the blogs that I liked the best. 

Cool Cat Teacher Blog - Includes the sharing of resources and inspiration for teachers and librarians looking for new ways to embrace technology.  Check out Cool Cat Teacher at coolcatteacher.blogspot.com

Edudemic - Includes tech, edtech news, inspiration and more for teachers and librarians.  You can find edudemic at http://www.edudemic.com/

Cozy Up and Read - Information on early childhood education, children's literature, and working as an elementary librarian.  Look it up at cozyupandread.blogspot.com

Mightly Little Librarian - Views on books, social media, and technology through the eyes of a middle school librarian.  What do you think? http://www.mightylittlelibrarian.com/

The True Adventures of  a High School Librarian -  A high school librarian shares her experiences with work, learning, and growing as a professional.  See what she has to say at nikkidrobertson.com

School Library Journal Blog - A collection of blogs written by librarians, educators, and reading enthusiasts.  You can find the blog at blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/allblog.php


After checking out these helpful blogs, take a look at jennysindt.tumblr.com and tell me what you think!

Infographic

I learned many things from the presentation 9 Things You Need to Know About Teens, Technology, and Online Privacy made by Amanda Lenhart and Mary Madden.  What surprised me the most was the lack of concern by teens and parents.  Although teens are starting to ask advice about social networking management, they have not been deterred in participating.  As a parent, I closely monitor my child's online use.  I was very upset by this presentation when I found that the percentage of parents interest is not very high.  I would like to hear comments on what you think about the lack of concern about teens and technology.

12 of 150 pages

Tech Leaders on Twitter

I am a twitter newbie!  There I've said it.  Today was the first day that I have ever used twitter.  Twitter is a social media website where users can post their thoughts also known as "tweets".  Users can post about what they are doing or link you to other websites and make comments about them.

So I "followed" several tech leaders on twitter to find out how they are using the website, and what they are linking.  Here are the best links I found:

1.  From Linda W Braun, using twitter name @lbraun2000,   I found an amazing article entitled Mentoring Instead of Teaching: A Paradigm Shift.  This article describes how students make more gains when the teacher takes on the role of mentor instead of teacher-only.

2.  From Jim Lerman, using twitter name @jimlerman, I found 20 Excellent Free Tools for Interactive Classroom Collaboration.  This article was just as it sounds.  A list and description of 20 FREE tools that can be used to make your classroom more interactive.

3.  "Maybe if we actually involved kids and teens in the decision making process, summer reading would take on a whole new purpose and meaning"  Buffy Hamilton, using twitter name @buffyjhamilton.  I found this quote and it immediately grabbed me.  I love when we make kids part of the decision making process. We recently did a research project on Greek mythology in my fourth grade class.  The other classes did their research on animals, but my kids wanted to do Greek mythology.  They loved it!  I have never seen a class get so excited about a project before.

4.  "We should be as supportive (if not more!) of new principals as we are new teachers.  How do you train a principal?  Be kind.  Be patient." The Daring Librarian, using twitter name @GwynethJones.  I really liked this quote.  New teachers get mentors from the school and district to help them get started.  What do new principals get? Nothing.  They are thrown into the job and expected to survive on their own.

5.  From Tony Vincent, using twitter name @tonyvincent, I found an ipad app called Schoolkit Math.  It is a really great app that illustrates how to solve math problems, and then lets the students solve their own.  It would be perfect for elementary level kids.

6.  From Kathy Schrock, using twitter name @kathyschrock, I found a link to www.ipads4teaching.net where Kathy gives different apps that can be used on the ipad to teach the different levels of Blooms.

At first I was very confused about how to read the tweets.  After playing around for a while I was able to figure it out.  Twitter is very user friendly.  I was able to find some amazing resources that I will be able to use in the future.

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Libraries on Facebook: good or bad?

Today, Facebook is used almost everywhere.  Facebook is a social media website where users can add pictures, posts, and play games.  After you add friends, they can see your posts and comment on them.  I looked into how elementary, middle, and high school libraries were using Facebook and found some interesting things.

I looked at what they posted and what the comments were like.  Most libraries posted pictures of books soon to come out, or pictures of activities students were doing in the library.  I noticed that many of the library pages were being used more as a school announcement page, rather than a library page.  Several of the pages had large gaps in time.  For example, the last post may have been two days ago, but the post before that was three months ago.  This large gap in time contributed to the number of comments given.  Libraries that kept up to date would receive many more comments by users, rather than libraries with large gaps in time receiving very few.

I believe that a Facebook page for a school library would have great advantages for the students, teachers, and parents.  With almost everyone having a Facebook account these days, it is a great way to make library announcements, and to let everyone know what is going on in the library.  However, the Facebook page could be at a disadvantage also, if not given the attention it needs and kept recent, people will get bored with the library page and not longer care to look at it.

Facebook is a very user-friendly website to work with.  It is pretty self explanatory, and an easy way to get information to people in this technological age.