This post is for Dr. Benton's Educational Technology Class. The objective is to select 10 Web 2.0 tools and state how I would use them in my future classroom.
Adrianna Kolasch
Educational Technology
EDU 4206/4306/4256
November 3, 2014
Web 2.0 Assignment
Presentation tools:
1. Prezi - A tool to use in place of Google Slides or PowerPoint. A much more exciting way to present information instead of the boring slide to slide. It displays information using cool fonts and images and representing information in more of a map then flipping from slide to slide. In my classroom I could see using Prezi to display a lecture in a more interactive way to keep kids involved and attentive during the lesson. I could also see assigning students a group project and they would have to display their work using a Prezi.
Publishing tools:
2. LetterPop - LetterPop is an alternative to sites like Microsoft Publisher. Just like Publisher you can create newsletters and brochures. LetterPop has different templates and fun fonts to offer. As a teacher I could see using this to create weekly newsletters to send home to parents. Also, LetterPop could be used as an assignment for students to use as a tool to display research in a brochure or newsletter form.
Multimedia Posters and Pages:
3. Yola - Yola is a neat alternative to the familiar Google Sites. Its a free website builder. It takes all your ideas and creates a site for you, the god thing is it requires little to know prior site building knowledge. I could use Yola to set up my classroom webpage. I could create assignments on the site and assign it to students for homework. I could also assign the students to create their own webpage because of how simple it is to use.
Collaborative Tools:
4. Just.Paste.It - An easy way to collect research. Just.Paste.It is a place to copy and paste information found on other webpages and organize your thoughts. You can embed videos or add graphics in your notes. I could see using this as a fun way to let students take notes on a lesson that may otherwise be boring. After the lesson they could search the web for video or graphics that coincide with their notes and create a presentation.
Collaborative Spaces:
5. JoinMe - JoinMe is a web tool that allows different people using the same code to all view the same screen. Its sort of like Skype, a way to set up meetings. With JoinMe everyone is on the same page. Students could use JoinMe as a way to do group-work while at home. Also, teachers could pair with a team teacher and two classes could interact over the screen using JoinMe.
Collaborative Notebooks and Graphs:
6. PiratePad - This fun site is an alternative to the Etherpad. It allows students and teachers to interact in real time. Each editor is a different color so there isn't any confusion. This tool could be used for exactly as stated in place of the Etherpad in the classroom. PiratePad is a great way for teachers and students to collaborate.
Transfering Files:
7. DROPitTOme - A web tool that pairs with your Dropbox. It is a more secure way to keep up with files in your in Dropbox. With a secure password you can easily receive those large files that email won't allow you to send. I can see this being a very helpful tool in the classroom, if a parent or coworker needs to send you something that email won't allow this is a great alternative.
Search Engines:
8. FindHow - Google got ya down? No worries FindHow has your back. Sometimes Google or Bing's searches are too broad and FindHow lessens the search process and does just that, finds how to solve the problem you're searching for. This would be good for students to use to specifically find exactly what their looking for. It would also be good for teachers who need a quick answer.
Research Resources:
9. Teachers.tv - This web tool is powered by Suddenlink cable company. It has put what the teacher's want on t.v. You can go to the site and search anything about teaching and watch it for free on t.v. Their are educational videos as well as informational videos for teachers. This would be a great tool for a teacher who had a question and was seeking advise from other teachers, you can simply search your issue and watch the videos.
10. SchoolWAX TV - This site is truly awesome. As teachers it is sometimes hard to find school appropriate and approved videos and graphics to show to students. Well, look no further than SchoolWAX TV, this web tool is pumped full of educational videos and graphics teachers can use in the classroom to keep students engaged and having fun.
