Social Media has many benefits and can be useful in an educational setting.  

Advantages of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

*Allows educators to connect with students, parents, and the community

*Showcase student work 

*Remind parents of important dates

*Post pictures of daily events at school

Animoto

Possible uses in the classroom or library:

*create book trailers

*introduce characters, authors, historical figures

*present research

*Present evidence of learning

QR Codes

Another great tool for the classroom.  This tool is engaging for students.  Students can scan QR codes for:

*Finding answers/learning stations

*Locate book trailers

*Vote

*Locate research articles

Comics

This platform was my least favorite.  In my opinion, it was difficult to navigate.  If I have a hard time with it, I would feel uncomfortable introducing it to students or teachers; however, they may find it a lot easier to use than I did.  The templates definitely helped, but I was not impressed with the products I made.  

Story Jumper

This product is so easy to use.  I absolutely love it, and it may be my new favorite now.  This is a product that students would love and allows teachers to differentiate students application process.  It also has fun fonts to choose from.

Possible Uses:

*create stories

*summarize a novel

*analzye a character

*depict a scene from history

*Research project template

Overall, it has been a fun and entertaining semester.  I felt overwhelmed at the beginning thinking, "What did I get myself into?"  However, I took it step by step and surprised myself along the way.  I am excited to showcase some of these digital tools to my fellow teachers.  Now it is off to celebrate the end of another semester and relax for a bit.