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I have chosen to represent my reflection for this class using Padlet. I initially thought about making another google Slides for my reflection, but I feel like using Padlet is a greater representation of my growth in this class in general. I naturally gravitate towards using Google Slides because that is what I have used in the past and it is what I am used to. In this class, and in other classes this semester, I have learned what the platform of Padlet is and how to use it, and have come to appreciate the flexible nature and ability to create conversation that Padlet has. I thought it would therefore be a better representation of my growth and discovery into the different online platforms that can be used to share ideas in a class.

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I think that the biggest change I have undergone this semester taking this class was coming to the realization that using digital resources, whether they be online tools, social media, internet platforms or whatever, does not have to be binding. I think that I generally shied away from trying new resources because I was afraid that they would not work or that the students would not understand how to use them, but that was such a 'all or nothing' way to view using these resources. Instead, I have learned that there is just about an infinite number of potential resources, and I do not have to stick with one that I have chosen if it is not working. I have the ability to discuss it with my students and take a step back if it's not working.
I think overall, this realization has changed my confidence with using online tools in the classroom. This, and finding such great tools through the collaborative work we have done in this class. As a result, I feel more confidant to reach out of the box and try something new with online tools, and I am excited to do so.

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It is important for students to develop general literacy skills as they progress through their learning, however it is also essential that students begin to develop and strengthen literacy specific to certain elements of their learning. For example, in order to successfully progress through science learning, students need to develop a scientific literacy.
This research article specifically addresses the way that social media can assist students in developing their scientific literacy, however the same principles can be applied to other subjects as needed. During this study, students participated in collaborative work using Twitter, memes, and other internet resources such as wikipages to process information and develop their scientific literacy as they shared information. This online format forced them to be aware of their online etiquette, as well as strengthening their interpersonal skills as they worked together and collaborated over their work.
Along this same line of thought, there are many social media platforms that can be used to share ideas and build students literacy and ability to work together. This specific instance was formatted to fit the scientific nature of the class, however can be adjusted for other needs.

Riser, D. K., Clarke, S. D., & Stallworth, A. N. (2020). Scientific Memes: Using the Language of Social Media to Improve Scientific Literacy and Communication in Lifespan Development. Psychology Learning & Teaching, 19(3), 275–289. https://doi.org/10.1177/1475725720929277

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During the time that I have spent learning about digital resources in this class I have come to understand some key tips to use when introducing digital resources to students so that the resource can be used the most efficiently, and effectively.

1. Provide a time to first teach the students how to use the digital resource, don't just assign them work to do with them and hope they figure it out.

2. Make sure that the digital resource can be accessed on the level of the student, and does not require skills far above what they can feasibly do.

3. Digital resources should be used as an assistive tool in the classroom, not as a fun game or to "waste time".

4. There are a variety of resources out there, don't be afraid to branch out to new resources that you may be unfamiliar with just because you have not used them as much. Get to know them and use them.

5. Listen to your students. If they hate using a particular digital resource, don't continue to make them use it because you think it is a good tool. Use tools that they like, and will support them academically as well as emotionally.

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Here is the link to my Linktree containing resources for social media and literacy

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Resources for digital media and literacy

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During my research this semester into the use of social media in the classroom I came across some reading that made the connection between students learning and social media, specifically making the connection between the social media platform TikTok and students ability to build literacy skills (James, 2020). This article supported the connection with research summarized by Alice-Ann Darrow on the use of music and students ability to build literacy. She made the connection that "parallel skills in music and reading include phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, sight word identification, orthographic awareness, cueing systems awareness,
and fluency" (Darrow, 2008, p. 32).
I think this concept is an interesting one, and I think it presents a thought provoking look into the use of social media in the classroom and the actual benefits it may present, or at the very least different elements of social media. Before this class, I would have quickly brushed off the thought of social media in the classroom, however after the research that we have looked through this semester i think that my opinion of the use has changed, and now I am much more open to looking into the use of social media elements as classroom resources.

"TikTok Makes Kids into Better Readers"
James, G. (2020, August 7). TikTok Makes Kids into Better Readers, According to Science. Inc.com. https://www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/tiktok-makes-kids-into-better-readers-according-to-science.html

"Music and Literacy"
Darrow, A.-A. (2008). Music and Literacy. General Music Today, 21(2), 32-34.https://doi.org /10.1177/1048371308316411

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The collaborative elements of this class have introduced be to a range of new resources that I would like to use in my classroom. I am a creature of habit, and it is difficult to break me out of what I am used to however I am willing to try after he many discussions we have had in this class about their benefits. Some of these new resources that I would like to use include:

Loom- I had previously attempted to use Zoom when recording presentations however I always felt like the tool was a bit choppy and difficult to work for that format. In this class I used Loom for the first time, and found that it worked so much better to allow me to record a presentation while interacting with the background elements, such as the powerpoint I was following along with. I think this will be a great resource for me as the teacher to use, and also for students who have difficulties presenting in front of a class and need other options.

Padlet- Padlet offers a great resource for collaboration among students. As an elementary school teacher, i am constantly looking for ways to build students abilities to collaborate with each other and take constructive feedback. I think that the format of Padlet will serve as a great tool for students to give and receive feedback, as well as work constructively with each other.

Linktree- I feel this resource would be beneficial to older students who may be working through modules, or may need to be provided with a large amount of research. Using a Linktree will help me to stay organized, and help the students to follow along with the different resources they have been given.

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Social Media Accompanying Reading Together

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Social Media Accompanying Reading Together

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One of the social media platforms this article researched using in class was Twitter. Here, parents were presented with tools to engage their student in reading over the free and commonly understood platform of Twitter. Over all, the idea behind this research was to look at the efficacy of resenting extra help to students in this way, and I think that the non-traditional use of social media can prove to be an essential pathway of communication between families and the school, if done correctly. It is engaging, easy to use, free, and most every one already knows how to use these social media platforms, which is another benefit to their use.

Olszewski, A., & Cullen-Conway, M. (2021). Social media accompanying reading together: A SMART approach to promote literacy engagement. Reading & Writing Quarterly: Overcoming Learning Difficulties, 37(5), 479–494. https://doi.org/10.1080/10573569.2021.1902442