TECHnically Speaking with Mrs. Solis

For Starters...What Exactly is UDL? UDL stands for Universal Design for Learning and is defined by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) as a "framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all the people based on scientific insights into how humans learn" (Robinson, D. E., 2017). The goal of UDL is to minimize barriers to improve and maximize learning for all diverse learners. UDL is founded on three guiding principles: Engagement , the " WHY " of learning, Action & Expression , the " HOW " of learning, and  Representation , the " WHAT " of learning. The CAST website provides excellent resources that further explain the UDL framework .  Are You Already Using Some of the Guiding Principles in Your Classroom? While UDL may seem like a new concept to you, odds are you are most likely already incorporating some aspect of UDL into your classroom. I personally find that while I am already implementing some aspects of each o...

Can you hear me now? It seems like just about everybody has their own podcast these days. Podcasts are an excellent way for people to share content with large audiences. Take a look at my review of the following podcasting platforms: Anchor Anchor is a Spotify-owned podcast hosting platform that is completely free. You can record, edit, and upload your podcast all in one place. Once you create your free account and login, the site walks you through the steps for creating your very first podcast and offers the following options: record, a library where you have access to previously uploaded audio, music that can be added from Spotify, the ability to add listener voice messages to your podcast, and music and sound effects for transition options. The site seems to be user friendly. Some of the pros are that all the tools for creating your podcast are located in one place, easy monetization opportunities, and perhaps the biggest pro is that it is 100% free! Some cons of the webapp are that...

The creation of comics and cartoons provides an excellent opportunity to empower students to be creators and create their very own stories through pictures and words. Comics can be used in a variety of ways to allow for learning and self expression. There are several apps that are available to aid in the creation of comics and cartoons, below are a few of my creations and reviews of the following apps: Fotojet, Pixton, and MakeBeliefComix. Fotojet Photo Comic Maker Fotojet is a free online photo comic maker that allows you to use your own photos to create comics. This site was very user friendly and creating a comic was so easy and fun! The site allows you the ability to create and use a free plan option or you may purchase one of the following plan options: $6.99/month or $39.99 billed annually. The free plan option does provide access to several template options, access to stock photos or you can upload your own, add text, graphics, and backgrounds. Although, purchasing a plan does p...

📹 Camera's Rolling in 3, 2, 1... Let's All Head to the Library and Get Ourselves a Book Lights, camera, action! Videos in the library, for the library, and made by the library are great resources. The content, topics, and possibilities for video creation in the library are endless! Videos can be used to promote the library and its collection by creating book trailers or booktalks. Videos can also be created to teach students the how to's of conducting research, searching databases, accessing the catalog, the topics are unlimited. Videos can also provide guided tours of the library, promote book clubs, upcoming events such as book fairs, author visits, and so much more. I am beyond excited to create and use videos to help promote my library. I am also looking forward to working with students and staff to help them create their own amazing videos. The following are some examples of library channels located on YouTube that have created some great videos to teach their student...

Just what exactly is an infographic? According to visual journalist, educator, and author, Alberto Cairo, "an infographic is basically visual representation of evidence, a visual representation of information of many different kinds of information" (Malamed, C., 2021). Infographics allow the human brain to extract patterns and make better sense of data through the use of a well created visual. And as Diana Laufenberg, a public school social studies teacher, shares "Infographics work in the classroom because they grab students an allow an entry point to learning--and because they sum up pages and pages, even chapters of information that would take a reader hours to process" (Schulten, K., 2010). Infographics are a great source of gathering data and information through visual storytelling and we should not only provide students with infographics but allow them the opportunity to learn how to create their very own. The following webapps are great sources for creating i...

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you either love them or hate them or maybe you love one and hate the others, but either way social media is here and it can be a very useful tool especially for our library. I personally love Instagram and Facebook best, however I am learning about the power of Twitter. Promoting our library and all that it has to offer is one of the best reasons to take the time to engage in social media if you haven't already.  Let's begin with Facebook Facebook allows users the ability to create pages which can be used to create your very own library page that can then be used to promote your library! After searching through Facebook I came across some middle school library pages and even university library pages. Through your Facebook page you can share up-and-coming workshops or events that you may be hosting, student work or activities that students are engaging in when they are in the library, share new books, authors, and even promote special subject ma...

Read any interesting blogs lately? Follow several different bloggers? An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Feed Reader may be just what you need. After reading Lindsay Liedke's article, 6 Best Free RSS Readers (2023) Edition , I was able to view and choose a feed reader that would work best for me.  Liedke shared the following free feed readers: Feedly , Inoreader , NewsBlur , Feedreader Online , Feeder , and Good News . I initially tried Good News , but just felt overwhelmed by all the news stories that were immediately shared with me based on current trends. Being that this was my first time using an RSS feed reader, I wanted something with a more simplified feel. I also looked into Inoreader , however after clicking on certain articles, I was prompted to upgrade my subscription to see the full article and I got a bit annoyed. Next, was Feedly , and I immediately loved the ease of the website and the app. I was able to search for my interests first and choose the blogs that I wante...