Final Reflection on LSSL 5391
When I began this course, I considered myself relatively tech-comfortable,
as a user. But being asked to create with digital tools was a different story.
I didn’t realize how vulnerable I would feel putting my voice, ideas, and
personality into formats I’d never used before. Looking back now, I’m proud not
just of what I made, but of how far I’ve come.
The most exciting part? Podcasting was a clear favorite. It pushed me creatively, but it also
connected to real library applications. Recording with Podbean alongside my
partner showed me how accessible podcasting could be for schools. We were able
to work remotely, add music and sound effects, and craft something fun yet
informative. I could easily see this being used for student book talks, author
studies, or even parent resources.
I also loved using Canva to design newsletters, infographics, and visual
messages. It helped me see how essential branding and clear communication are
for library visibility. These tools sparked ideas I’ll carry into my future
library, monthly reading challenges, digital signage, and even themed social
media posts.
The hardest part? One assignment that challenged me was the “Teach Someone” technique. I
originally misunderstood the directions and created a video using TumbleBooks,
which, while a vetted educational resource, didn’t align with the assignment’s
goal of demonstrating how to teach someone to find information on a real-world
topic. After receiving feedback, I corrected the assignment by guiding
students, parents, and teachers through the process of finding a safe and
accurate slime recipe online. This required me to evaluate sources carefully
and demonstrate how to identify trustworthy information, a skill that’s crucial
for digital literacy. In the end, redoing the assignment taught me more than
just how to follow directions; it reminded me that school librarians are
responsible for teaching others how to navigate the internet with care and
confidence.
Most beneficial for students? Digital storytelling tools in general, whether through podcasting, comic
creation, or short videos, stand out the most. They allow students to process
and present information in powerful, multimodal ways. These tools don't just
support curriculum, they support expression, agency, and engagement.
As I reflect, I keep returning to the “Food for Thought” passage we were
given. Jen Hatmaker’s words remind me that introducing tech in a library
shouldn’t be about showing off what I know. It should be about meeting
my students and teachers where they are. Listening first. Adapting.
Supporting. Walking beside, not in front. That’s what makes this work
meaningful.
This course didn’t just teach me how to use new tools, it taught me to be
a more empathetic, intentional, and creative educator. I’m grateful for the
encouragement, the challenges, and the opportunity to grow not just as a tech
user, but as a digital leader.
To wrap up my reflection, I used one last tool: Pic-Lit, a
platform that combines images with words to tell a visual story. I chose an
image that symbolized growth and created a short poem that captured my personal
journey from consumer to creator. It was a simple tool, but a powerful one, it
reminded me that even a few well-chosen words can carry deep meaning when
paired with the right visual. Creating the Pic-Lit helped me distill everything
I’ve learned this semester into something emotional, creative, and shareable. I
can see how this tool would be highly beneficial for students as well. It
supports visual literacy, builds vocabulary, encourages poetic thinking, and
allows even reluctant writers to express themselves creatively. Pic-Lit is the
kind of low-barrier, high-engagement tool that fits perfectly in a school
library program focused on voice, choice, and connection.
Your reflection beautifully captures the journey from tech-comfortable user to confident digital creator, highlighting the transformative power of hands-on experience with tools like podcasting and Canva. Your realization about the crucial role of librarians in teaching digital literacy and the importance of meeting learners where they are truly resonates with the core values of effective school librarianship. Well Done!
ReplyDeleteMonica, I really enjoyed reading your reflection. Seems as though you and I had a very similar experience. I loved your outlook of, "This course didn’t just teach me how to use new tools, it taught me to be a more empathetic, intentional, and creative educator. I’m grateful for the encouragement, the challenges, and the opportunity to grow not just as a tech user, but as a digital leader." Showing that its more than a simple course, but something so much more.
ReplyDeleteMonica, your reflection was well-said and thoughtful! I agree that it was not easy to put my own ideas and voice into formats I hadn't previously used before, but I'm so happy I did because now I have a new understanding of all of these tools I can use in the library and to share with students and teachers. I love the way you use Pic-Lit to reflect upon your journey through this course! I will definitely try to incorporate this tool into my classroom resources. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThis was lovely! Thanks for a great semester!
ReplyDelete