The semester is coming to a close and there is a lot of useful information to reflect on. I was able to use web applications that I didn't even know existed, others I had only heard about but not personally used as well as others that proved to better than similar programs I had used before. There were a few that were completely frustrating and will hesitate to ever use again but the exposure to it is still a great learning experience.
Top personal fave:
Pod bean
By far my favorite app to use to create podcasts, especially because you can record directly from your phone. Podbean is definitely better used on a mobile device than on a computer but still quite user friendly.
Most beneficial to students:
Screencast-O-Matic
This web-based app is great when teaching students how to do something on the computer without having to repeat yourself with each student. This is would be extremely helpful when teaching students how to log on to certain websites or access certain online resources. It would be great to create a screen cast to demonstrate how to navigate the school's library website.
Most difficult to use:
Jing
Jing was used to be similar as screencast-o-matic I just could not figure it out. I also did not like the I had to download it onto the computer and not web-based like others.
The important thing is to adapt to your needs. I, for example, am speaking from an elementary focal point when describing apps and tech tools that I like and are beneficial to me. If I become a librarian in a middle school or high school then I would have to change to what fits their needs which are completely different to those of an elementary school student.
I will most certainly keep a log of all the amazing tech tools I was able to explore because I know they will definitely be handy not just currently in the classroom but in our future library as well.
I, too, am a big fan of Podbean. Of all the podcast applications I have investigated so far, I found it the easiest in every way.
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point about choosing ed tech tools best suited for your particular age group. An app that really works well in a high school classroom, may prove to be too advanced for an elementary class. Even within just elementary you are going to have certain apps and programs that are geared toward either your K-2 or your 3-5 crowd. You've got to know the programs as well as what your students are capable of. Nowadays though many of the students often know more about the technology than the teachers!
ReplyDeleteThat is one thing I had to realize too. I have to listen to their needs and not just run to their classrooms and tell them, "This is what I learned! You should try it out!" Great job! Rosalia
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