Instagram
I really enjoy using Instagram and already had a personal
account before thinking to use this app as a librarian. I created a new
Instagram account strictly for library business. I think it is a great way to
reach students because many of them are already using Instagram. It can be used
for promotions of special events in the library, and teachers can also use it
for assignments. Below I highlighted some of the pros and cons of using
Instagram in the classroom.
PROS
·
Instagram is easy and quick to use.
·
It can be used for every single content area. Rather
than looking at pictures in a textbook, teachers can post relevant images,
graphs, or charts on instagram. Quotes can also be posted. The possibilities of
images are endless.
·
Nearly all high school age students already have
Instagram accounts and can easily navigate the app.
CONS
·
Teachers may accidentally infringe on copyright
and fair use guidelines when posting pictures.
·
Pictures can have a short caption, but this is
not the best app to use if they require a lengthy explanation.
·
Younger students may not have an account already
set up which can be an issue, depending on how Instagram is being used (i.e.
having students post vs the teacher posting)
·
Students who already use Instagram outside of
school need a lot of discipline to stay focused when using this in the
classroom
Possible uses of Instagram:
pictures as writing prompts, displaying art pieces, pictures of meals
prepared in food science class, classroom scavenger hunt, photos of books that
students are currently reading, promoting student council/school events
Flipagram
This app is really cool! You can use it to create slideshows
with photos or videos from your library, or you can take new photos and videos
through the app. After you add videos and photos to your collection, you can
reorder them and edit. The transition between photos can be slow for a
traditional slideshow or can be sped up to make a stop-motion animation video.
This would be a great tool for promoting events & programs, or showing
photos from events and programs that have already happened. Students could
definitely use this for projects in almost any subject.
PROS
·
Can use pictures and videos already in phone
library
·
Can adjust the speed of the picture transitions,
pictures can be drawn on, music can be added, and filters can be used.
·
Finished product can be posted for followers,
but can also be saved to camera role, facebook, sent in a text, or posted on
twitter.
·
This app has some music that can be used, or
users can upload songs from their own library.
CONS
·
This app is run from smartphones, so students
may get distracted if using their own personal device. This is also a negative
if students do not own a smartphone.
Possible uses of
Flipagram: creating animation for any subject matter, photo collage videos
of school events & sporting events, creating a picture story of literature
or fan fiction, creating a video instead of a powerpoint or prezi presentation
Screencast-o-matic
I used this program to upload a tutorial on making an
infographic. I love the ease at which I could upload my screencast directly to
YouTube. I think this is the best way to save my video files because they are
stored online and will always be there, under my account. It was really easy to
stop and resume recording using Screencast-O-Matic as well as rewind and record
over accidents that I had. This is a great tool, especially for teachers
assigning a project that involved a computer program or website that has not
been used before.
PROS
·
This program is very simple and user friendly.
·
The program is easy to stop and restart, and it
is also easy to rewind and re-record over mistakes.
·
The exporting of videos to download or to
YouTube is incredibly fast and easy!
CONS
·
I could not record anything with this program
without installing it onto my computer. I know many school districts do not
allow downloads on computers, which could make using this a challenge.
Possible uses of
Screencast-o-matic: making tutorial videos of computer software, apps,
website, navigation of library catalogs or databases, also a great tool for
flipped classrooms.
I think your idea of using screencasts as a flipped classroom is great way to devote more time in class to collaboration and creating.
ReplyDeleteI like how you listed the pros and cons of each program. I agree with you on children need to be disciplined and focused when using Instagram for school purposes.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Dalen
I also like how you posted the pro and cons of each program. I had a hard time with screencast. one reason my school does not allow any dowmloads and it is very frustrating. We have to get permission and make a request so it can be dowmloaded. We have to follow many steps just to get it on all of the computers.
ReplyDeleteDamiana Guerrero
Anytime technology is involved, students are easily able to get off task or to use it inappropriately. This is something I always struggle with when introducing new technology or allowing use of personal devices. We won't be able to prevent everything, but we just have to make sure that we instill a sense of responsibility, integrity, and digital citizenship into our students.
ReplyDeleteI love that you made your screencast over making an infographic. Great job connecting multiple resources from our class! Excellent blog post-- can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteI liked using Flipagram. I made a motivating clip for our students for the STAAR test on it. I love that it is so easy and quick to make a cute product. I liked all of your suggestions on how it can be used at school.
ReplyDelete