Web 2.0 tools for the classroom or home
1.
Flowgram:
You can combine web pages, images, slideshows and other
documents…then narrate to create a tour or tutorial. You can even add highlights
and notes.
2. Bookr:
This is a very
simple way to create a storybook using flickr photos. You simply search Flickr
by user or tag and place your pictures into pages and type your story (or
captions) with each photo. It would be a great way to explain a concept or
publish and online book.
3. Edublogs.TV:
This is
another hosting site for videos. You can upload your own or pull them from
YouTube. Like SchoolTube and TeacherTube, this site is dedicated to creating a
repository of videos for educational use.
4. Digital Vaults:
You have to
visit this site to appreciate it. It is a visual representation of the National
Archives in a very cool, interrelated, interactive way. I can’t even begin to
explain how cool this site is - and how much kids will love exploring it!
5. Moblying:
As you can see from the
window below…Moblying is a slideshow creator. It is a lot like other slideshow
or photoshow creators. I was able to upload a few photos, add a transition
effect, change themes…and customize it! When
done, I could email it, save it as an URL, or embed it into my blog!
6. Graspr:
Another video site…this
one archives tutorials. You can upload your video tutorials, create your own or
just use those that are there.
7. Zunal:
If you like WebQuests, you
will want to check out Zunal. It lets you build your WebQuest right on the site.
You can also browse and use existing WebQuests. The site even gives you a
step-by-step tutorial on planning and building a WebQuest.
8. Wix:
This is really a fun site to
create a web page! It has great sound effects, easy images, and a built-in
tutorial as you go. You can start from a template or blank page…you might get
lost in the creativity of the site though.
9. MeBeam:
Man, this is a fun site!
You can video-conference with multiple people…as long as they have video
capabilities. I learned that I have to set my internal video to USB, and then it
worked!
10. Book Glutton:
This site lets you
read books online with other people. You can upload your work or search the site
for books to read. You can read with a group or on your own. If you go to the
site, be sure to watch the video that thoroughly explains how the site works.
You need to watch this.
11. CommunityWalk:
I really
like this easy to use map creator. You can put pins in the map by address, lat
& long or just by clicking. You can then add narrative and photos to your
pin. Of course you can tag and share!
12. Definr:
Simple is sometimes better.
This site is a very fast dictionary. It even has word prediction for those that
have difficulty with spelling.
13. CircaVie:
Social studies teachers will love this! It's an online timeline
creator. You can place text, pictures, video into a timeline. GREAT for history
classes. You can also search and use existing timelines.
14. Digital
History:
Another style of timeline. It shows the political,
social/economic, or cultural events of the world though map pins. Hover over a
pin and you get a description of the event. Click on it and you get a wealth of
information.
15. PBWiki and
WikiSpaces:
Easy wiki creators for collaboration. Both have simple
editing tools and user-friendly interfaces. Not really new, but many may not know about them.
16. TV Shows and Classic Movies
Want to watch John Travolta do the Ba-ba-ba Ba-ba-barino song and
dance? Then you have come to the right place at hulu.com. This
site has selected full session TV episodes as well as classic movies.
Go ahead and get nostolgic or use a classic example ot make a point in
class.
NEWS
Will wireless microphones endanger us?
D2L wins lawsuit
Desire to Learn, the course management system that took on big boy Blackboard, has won the lawsuit pending against it. Blackboard had claimed patent violations. This news is big in the world of on line learning as it opens up the competition a bit and could drive pricing down.Microsoft adds education tools
Microsoft has added several cool options for teachers: 1. A Creative Commons add in for Office 2007 that allows authors to embed licenses directly into an Office document (Go to Office Button>Options>Add-ins). Word 2007 has a math add in that allows users to plot functions, solve equations and graph inequalities. Again, use the Add-in feature under Options. More services are added if your institution is using SharePoint Server.
Postyourtest.com --is this the new wave?
A new free online service that allows students to post their teacher and professor's tests online has raised a few eyebrows in the educational world. If this isnt' proof enough that the system is broken, then what will it take? the old model will not work with information sharing so rampant, but then what is the answer? Teachers will need to reinvent how they give grades when tests are posted for all to see ahead of time.