Madame L

the life and times of an elementary school librarian

[missmadamelibrarian]

Module 5 - Can I Integrate Mobile Technology into My Professional Setting?

I absolutely believe that integrating mobile technology into my professional setting is completely possible. I also believe it’s extremely necessary in my line of work to integrate mobile technology in a way that the students can get excited about an application or product and use it without really realizing that they are “learning”. There were many applications discussed and explored in this class that were extremely beneficial for me. I have since ordered equipment for and/or downloaded many applications and have started contemplating how to go about incorporating them into current lessons and making new lessons involving them. 

I have learned quite a lot in ED 610 and am sad that it is ending so soon. Dr. McCullough and my ED 610 classmates have given a lot of great suggestions and resources for integration in multiple environments. 

I’m not really sure that there is any other topic that I would suggest adding to this class. I feel that all of the Modules ranged enough in uses that they fit for any educator! 

I will miss taking these classes, but I am happy to say that this is my last week of graduate school. I will graduate on the first Saturday of May. 

May the 4th be with you all!  

[missmadamelibrarian]

Module 4

"Are There Educational Apps For My Learners?"

As far as experience goes in this topic, I have to say my experience actually using mobile tools with learners has been a tad limited (unfortunately). The district I am in seems to believe that my being in each of my buildings 1 and 1/2 days a week is enough to teach and also use mobile tools with my students. I have used some Google applications with them, as well as the OSMO program for the iPad (to do a bit of coding), Lego Mindstorms, and some reading applications. Other than that, I didn’t see any way that I could incorporate other mobile technologies into my library classroom. After exploration this week, I think I have a few ideas on how to incorporate things into the library setting! 

My thoughts about learners using mobile devices in the classroom vary. I believe that it is a great thing for learners to be able to use technologies of all different sorts. However, I don’t believe it should be the sole method of teaching those learners. You can’t sit a child in front of a computer and expect them to learn just because they have technology. While I am fully aware of children’s enquiring minds and how “ok” they are with exploring technology, it seems that some teachers think that they don’t have to teach if the students have the technology - and that just isn’t the case. I love technology, don’t get me wrong, and think it is an excellent aide to teaching but it shouldn’t be the sole focus in every class or all the time. 

[missmadamelibrarian]

Module 3

"Can I use mobile devices to be more productive?"

I tried but I honestly can’t think of any mobile productivity tools that I used prior to this module. While exploring the lists given by Dr. McCullough for the week, I found that there was only one that I had on my phone (Google Drive) and I’ve never thought about it helping me with productivity. 

As far as increasing my productivity, I have to say that I am hopeful because of this module. There are so many items on the list that I feel will help me on the path towards productivity. Items like Evernote Scannable, Forest, YouMail, Dragon Dictation, Paper by 53, and Symbaloo really stood out to me. Over the next few weeks, I plan to use them to see how much of a difference it makes in my overall productivity. 

Several of the items given for exploration also seem incredibly useful in the educational setting. For example, Symbaloo would be an excellent website to use for the school setting because it gives a place for teachers to show their students which websites are approved for use in their classroom. It would also make them easier to access than having to give the students a different URL every time you wanted to introduce a new website. Kahoot! would be useful for giving quick but formal assessments. Google Drive would be helpful in it’s sharing abilities. A teacher could easily create a shared drive for their students with all of the necessary paperwork for assignments in their class. 

Overall, I found this module to be extremely helpful and can’t wait to become more productive. 

[missmadamelibrarian]

Module #2 - Can I use mobile images and present them on a mobile device?

*The answer is yes. Yes, I can. 

At the beginning of this class, I was very sure that it would be something I could learn a bit from. I thought I had a lot of experience in these areas. Turns out, I have little to no experience in the things we are learning (which could be a good thing!) I really have only ever used SnapChat or the pre-provided camera app on my iPhone. I downloaded the VSCO app and am working on figuring out the specifics, but so far I am loving it- and it’s FREE! 

I have used some of the image-sharing websites like DeviantArt, Flikr, and Instagram but must confess that I haven’t really used them for sharing my own photography. I use them a lot just for looking at other people’s photography. Moving forward, I think I may use Instagram and Pinterest more often to post my own works. 

Before this class, I had only ever used Prezi twice (once for a McCullough class). I had no idea that there were so many options out there. I have spent three years teaching using Google Slides (because it was convenient with our Chromebooks). Now that I have options, I definitely want to look into using Educreations and Haiku Deck in my professional life. 

I feel that not only could I benefit from using these items in the educational setting but my students would benefit as well. It gives them variety and sense of “voice and choice” which is something we are striving for at TASD. That and it gives me another use for our iPads in every library. The students are more comfortable with technology than we realize and need opportunities to use it. 

[missmadamelibrarian]

Who Am I?

Grew up in a tiny town in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Seven brothers and sisters. Four nieces, one nephew, and another niece or nephew on the way! Godmother to an adorable little girl named Zora. Love kayaking, rappelling, and *of course* reading! 

Graduated from Clarion University with a Bachelor’s degree in Library Science with an Education concentration. Started working at TASD in 2016 (only two years after graduating). Teach over 1000 students in four libraries (three elementary and one early childhood learning center). LOVE my job. Started back at Clarion in 2017 to get my master’s in Library Science. Graduating this May. *fingers crossed*

I have a good amount of experience with mobile devices (mostly Apple products) as I have an iPhone and the school system has put me in charge of iPads across the board. I don’t have a lot of experience with how to use Apps in the classroom though and am excited for new ideas to use and share with my students/colleagues. 

I chose this class because I am in charge of educational technology at the elementary level here at TASD. Also, I had Dr. McCullough in my Undergrad (ED 417) and during the beginning of my Grad School experience for ED 620. I figured that one of his courses would be the best use of my time for my last elective course at Clarion.