Week 9- Presentations

After watching many presentations this week on the online conference, I realize how many factors go into creating and effective and engaging presentation.  I thought that some of the presentations were well done, but others were almost impossible to get through.  This is unfortunate because the ideas and concepts in the presentations were important and useful.  I found that the delivery alone could affect the presentation. Many of the presenters did not sound enthusiastic.  Because these were all online, and I did not have someone in front of me, it was hard for me to focus on the presentation.  During presentations, a presenter can show their passion and enthusiasm for the topic which makes it more engaging.  I did not find this with some of the presentations.  

In addition, to make an effective presentation, I think that there needs to be a balance of images and color.  There were some presentation that were in black and white.  It made it very difficult to continue watching because it was boring.  In addition, I also think that too many images or sounds can take away from the point of the presentation.  These types of extras should only be added when appropriate and to enhance the ideas in the presentation.

I am glad that I was able to see an array of presentations.  I now have a better idea of how I will start creating my presentation.  I feel it is important to engage the audience by expressing passions about a subject and by using relevant examples that the audience can relate to.

Week 8- Content Collaboration and TPAK

Content collaboration is a great tool to use in the classroom.  As a teacher, I think that using Google Drive is a great way to complete a group project.  This is because the work created on Google Drive is accessible on any device that is Wifi enabled.  I have found myself working on projects from the cell phone, laptop, and iPad in different situations. There are also many other resources one can use to collaborate including blogs and wikis.  However, in a high school situation, I think that teachers need to guide the students.  It may help if each student is assigned a roll.  Eventually with practice, the students may be able to assign their own rolls and work with less guidance from the teacher. 

I also think that the incorporation of technology in a lesson can be very beneficial.  However when doing this, teachers should keep TPAK in mind.  TPACK stands for Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge.  A teacher can incorporate technology into the classroom everyday, but is the technology appropriate for the lesson?  These are things that educators need to think about when using technology.  How will the technology enhance the content being taught and what is the reasoning for using the technology?  In the future I plan on using TPAK strategies to enhance my teaching.  It is important that students also learn effective ways to use technology in a society that is dependent upon it. With effective technological skills, students will be better prepared for the working world

Week 7 -Digital Citizenship

 We are living in a society that has become more and more dependent on technology everyday.  This means that many of the youths in our society will be introduced to and continue to use this technology.  However, there are many risks that come with the Internet.  Many students and children do not understand or take these risks into consideration.  There are many threats to children that include bullying, inappropriate chatting, posting of pictures and text, etc.  A lot of the content that children put on -line will never disappear.  It can sometimes leave a lasting mark on their lives, as the information is easy to access and hard to permanently remove.  As educators, I feel that we have a responsibility to inform children of these risks.  Unfortunately, some children will only get this type of information in a school setting.  Internet use is a reality that school age children will face everyday including the use of blogs, wikis and research databases.  They must learn how to use this tool responsibly.  I think that these skills should be taught and reinforced each school year.  Also, in order to have a computer account, I think that students should have to take and pass a training on Internet safety.  I also think that teachers, administrators and tech departments should all support each other in this type of training as well as supporting the repercussions student might face for violating any school policies related to the Internet.  Digital citizenship is something that must be taught and continually reinforced.

Week 6 - Websites

A webpage is something that can be used to promote a service or program.  I think that a website can be beneficial for a school library media center.  However, it is imperative to create a site that is user friendly and appropriate for different audiences (parents, teachers and students).   I think that it is imperative for a school library media specialist to promote literacy.  They should also promote the technology and programs available in the media center.  By doing this, it makes the library program more credible.  It is important to have clear and distinct links and headings.  The user should be able to locate what they are looking for quickly and efficiently.

I think a great way to promote literacy on a website is by sharing an array of books and authors.  The following link allows the user to create a digital bookshelf.  I think this is great way to get students excited about reading.

http://www.shelfari.com/

This is something I would consider adding to my website. 

I also think it is important for a library media specialist to promote faculty use of the library.  I think that by allowing teachers to sign up in the library and putting this online for others too see, can help with planning and use. 

One other aspect of a website that I think is important to consider is the content.  The creator must be aware of any images he puts on the site that he does not create.  It is important to check what images or content are copyrighted before putting them on a site.

Overall, the content on a website is crucial for its successful use.  The development of a user friendly website for a school library media center can have a positive and beneficial effect on the library.