3Tool_Demonstrations

Web 2.0 Tools - Useful for Classroom Integration of Technology
 July 2010

**Places to Find Tools**
**Free Technology for Teachers - WHO**[| http://www.freetech4teachers.com/] - John Bunker 6/21/10 Description: Richard Byrne, the blog's author, is a high school, google-certified teacher. He shares at least one cool new tool every day. [] @http://hubpages.com/hub/Education20 @http://www.feedmyapp.com/web_20_education_applications_sites @http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/edtools.html @http://sites.google.com/site/educationalweb20tools/ @http://www.judybrown.com/tools.html @http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/fil/pages/listweb20s.html @http://web20teach.blogspot.com/
 * Other sites:**

This is a unique presentation format that resembles a poster and allows zooming in on words, images or phrases in a pre-set order. It allows for brainstorming then grouping and ordering. Framing, text size and adding images and links helps to build meaning. Requires Safari browser Tutorials @http://prezi.com/learn/ Application: This will help student present ideas using a format that lends itself to helping them organize their thinking. Example Prezi @http://prezi.com/ql1dccevodgs/edit/
 * Prezi** - @http://Prezi.com Alison Saylor June 6/12/2010

This is another tool for having real-time, synched files across multiple computers and locations. It works with ALL types of files across operating systems, not just documents. Tutorial: Text - [] Video Tour - [] Application: Using Dropbox, students won't have to worry about carrying around thumb drives, risking losing them, and they won't have to worry about different versions of projects they're working on both at home and at school. Additionally, Dropbox files can be shared among users, making file swapping and collaboration super easy.
 * DropBox** []**-** Corey Lynn 6/16/10

This website will allow you to develop color schemes which are visually cohesive for your website, power point presentations and your own personal knowledge. This is critical, basic visual literacy skills. You can choose your basic hue (color) and choose schemes based on those hues which will be visually appealling when applied. They can be exported to HTML, Plain text and other formats. Can also be modified for color blindness disabilities. Tutorial: **Screen Shot Tour** Link is really long, its a personal blog which walks you through it. Application: Make your presentations better, websites clearer, impress Brent and Alison with your portfolio.
 * Color Scheme Designer** @http://colorschemedesigner.com/ -Amy Miller 6/19/10

This is a great picture manipulation website. It is free and really easy to use since you don't have layers, you can just click the tabs to get different options to crop, swirl, change colors, etc. Great for beginners or students. However, this only manipulation so you have to start with uploading an image. Tutorial: [] Application: Students can formulate and test hypothoses on creating original images. They can create images for presentations or for a variety of assignments. I am currently using for a Pop Art unit for kids to create those dramatic color schemes to famous images.
 * FotoFlexer** [|**http://fotoflexer.com/**] **-** Amy Miller 6/15/10

This is a mind mapping Web 2.0 Tool that allows the user to have a unique and easy way to map thoughts. I allows for changes in colors for text and vectors. It is easy to edit and easy to customize, and collaborate with other students Tutorials: media type="custom" key="6381671"
 * MindMeister** - [] - Jessie Shipman - 6/14/2010

Application: This is a great way to have students organize their thoughts for a project or have them collaborate to organize all of their thoughts together. Evaluation: I have not yet used this with students, but as a user of it myself I find it extremely helpful to add ideas in exactly the way that the brain works. It works the best for non-linear thinkers. It has lots of customizable features like adding images, coloring links and fonts, and coloring blocks of information. The only downside is that you can only store 3 maps at a time without buying the premium package.

Description: It's a shared workspace wiki type environment that allows colleagues to collaborate and share products while allowing each user to have their own individual workspace. Evaluation: I have found PBWorks to be a fantastic way for students to organize and share information especially when they need to work in groups on an extended project. The frontpage is completely customizable and it is completely free for teachers and students. It has plenty of storage space and it already comes with a framework built into the site so that you don't have to makeup the organization and structure of the site. It is very easy to use and easy to manage.
 * PBWorks -** http://www.pbworks.com - Jessie Shipman - 6/15/2010

This is online and mostly free comic creation site. This site allows for a lot of customization of individual characters, colors and background. Pixton is the most versatile and flexible free comic site I have yet to work with. There is also a 14 day free trial for 30 students if desired. Basic package for individuals is free. The website has an introductory video on the home page. WiZiQ lets you teach and learn live in state-of-the-art virtual classroom, create learning comunities, and share educational content with other members. WiZiQ virtual classroom is equipped with live audio-video communication, chat, content sharing, and session recording capabilities. WiZiQ is a platform for anyone and everyone who wants to teach or learn live, online. With a virtual classroom, educational content and a session scheduler, WiZiQ works best for anyones online teaching and learning needs Tutorial: [] Applications: Comic books are great for application and creation by students and non linguistic representations. Comics are excellent story telling or re telling tools if you are working with plot, theme, lots of Language Arts or Visual Arts applications.
 * Pixton** **www.pixton.com*** Amy Miller 6/15/10

This website allows for some basic digital storytelling by recording your voice over an image or a series of images. The great thing about voicethread is you can also have a discussion and leave comments verbally or typed on someone elses voicethread. They are embeddable or exportable. Tutorials: [] Applications: This voicethread is great for students to have a critique and discussion about their artwork using technology. Voicethreads could also replace student power point type presentations to use images they would use images from their projects and orally report instead of typing. Good accomodation for writing needs. Description: Weebly is a tools that allows you to create a website or blog. You can be up and running with a website in a matter of minutes with Weebly. It is very easy! Evaluation: I h ** ighly recommend Weebly. They have a great service and it truly is very easy. All of the designs are clean and professional-looking. You don't need any experience with HTML or lots of tech skills. There are a lot of features including embeding files and video, contact forms, and a very simple drag and drop editor. This website is very user-friendly. []
 * Voicethread** www.ed.voicethread.comAmy Miller 6/16/2010
 * Weebly** - www.weebly.com Dylan Dyer June 15, 2010

PiratePad http://piratepad.net/ ** Dylan Dyer - June 15, 2010 Description: PiratePad (formerly EtherPad) is a real time document (pad) collaboration service. Evaluation: I think that this tool can be very useful in the classroom and very quick and easy to use. The site gives you a link to every pad you create. That link is then shared or posted for others to use. I think it is a great tool for having students brainstorm or use for collaborative/group work projects, etc.

Description: Common Craft videos explain different subjects in simple terms with simple graphics. Application: This site has created videos to explain many different subjects including technology ideas. RSS, Wikis, Twitter, World Wide Web, just to name a few. Students can benefit from a simple and quick overview of a program. I think it would be useful in staff meetings and as a parent resource. Evaluation: I really enjoy the videos and think they are created in a very entertaining format. All ages would enjoy and appreciate!
 * Common Craft** http://www.commoncraft.com/ - Alyson Reynolds - June 16, 2010

**Cosmic Creator** [] Nicole Deaver June 16, 2010 Description: Cosmic Creator is a quick an easy online cosmic strip creator. Students can create one to six strip comics. Evaluation: Cosmic creator is very self explanatory. Students can get onto the website and simply type in a title to their cartoon and start. Students do not need an e-mail address or log-in information in order to create a quick cartoon. A negative to this is that students are not able to save their work so they would have to print it off to show it. I will use this in my classroom as a quick check for understanding.

Description: Diigo is a social networking site. Application: I use Diigo to collaborate with teammates. We have access to each other's bookmarks. I can compile lists and send to individual or groups of teachers to support planners/curriculum. Diigo also allows you to highlight and place sticky notes on web pages. I have previewed websites for primary grades and highlighted information ahead of time. I have had students highlight nonfiction conventions as we read an article. Many, many uses. I am sure secondary could go crazy with students and sticky notes! Evaluation: I use Diigo all the time. What a cool collaborative tool! There are groups made up of people from all over the world. You can join groups with similar interests/backgrounds and share great resources that no one has time to find all on their own. I can only imagine how secondary students could use the site to collaborate from home!
 * Diigo** http://www.diigo.com/ - Alyson Reynolds - June 16, 2010

[]** - John Bunker - June 16, 2010 Description: Delicious is a social bookmarking program which can be used to share your bookmarks with others. Evaluation: I use Delicious constantly to tag and save great resources I find from all over the web. Not only does this allow me to share my resources with other teachers, but students are able to find educational games and other useful resources. Students can also set up their own Delicious accounts to track research for projects (allowing me to actually go back and check their research).  Description: Diptity is a website that allows users to create interactive timelines that can be kept private and public. One interesting aspect of this tool is that media can be entered for each timeline entry. This can include images, video and text. Dipity timelines can also be linked and automatically kept up to date with popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter. Applications: The most obvious use for this would be to use it as a chronological tool in a subject like History. This would allow students to organize information while allowing for creativity by inserting relevant images and media. Diptity could also be used with other subjects such as English, Math and Science to portray any type of information that needs to be ordered. Evaluation: Diptity is a well designed tool that is already interconnected to many other popular online tools. The potential educational uses of this tool are endless and can provide students with an engaging, online tool for any subject area.
 * Delicious
 * Dipity** [|www.dipity.com] - Chris Zimber - 6/15/10

Description: This is a site that allows you to create animated videos very easy. You pick the scenario and characters that you want, and then type in the dialog. You can also insert gestures and expressions for the character(s), set different camera angles, include various sound effects, etc. There’s also a downloadable program called ‘State’ which has more features (e.g., make them walk and run). Tutorials: I have not found any, but you don't really need them. There are tutorials for usig the State progam. Example: A video I made about cell phones - [] Application: Teacher can introduce a topic, argument, issue, etc. via a video for a great change of pace. Students can make presentations, act out a dramatic piece, etc.
 * Xtranormal** – [] - Bruce Barker - 6/15/2010

Description: Apple has done really great research and has identified 6 facets of 21st century classrooms that meet the needs of 21st century learners. This is a broad version, but there is some great data that shows the need for technology and how technology improves the whole student.
 * ACOT2 Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow, Today** [] Jessie Shipman 6/16/2010

Description: Skype is a free video conferencing program. You can also instant message and share screens. Application: This tool can be used with students in much the same way you have traditional book buddies. My students were paired with a Skype Buddy at another school. Each week the students would share their published writing with their buddy and get structured feedback. We have also interviewed each other and shared other curriculum activities with each other. I typically scaffold the Skype activity by having the entire class Skype with the other class first. Skype can facilitate cooperative learning, non-linguistic representation and questioning.
 * Skype:** [] - Dawn Lang - 6/15/2010

**Skyfire:** [] - Steve N. Hinojos - 6/15/2010 Description: Browser for mobile windows, android, etc. (Flash enabled browser)

**Create-a-Graph**-http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx- Katharine Tucker-Peterson 6/15/2010 Description: This free website is an easy tool that creates different kinds of graphs with lots of options as to how each graph looks. For example, students can create pie charts to visually show the work they’ve completed in Math class. Applications: This is an easy tool that students can use to show their work visually. This tool can also assist teachers in compiling data and being able to see it visually rather than just numbers. Teachers can use this tool to differentiate for their students who work better if they are able to see their data. It could also be used just to teach students how to create a graph correctly; for example, x-axis vs. y-axis. Evaluation: Though this is a simple tool it can be very useful. The only problem is saving and keeping the graphs that are made. Copy and Paste works, but I found I had to make graphs multiple times in order to get them right. This can be a limitation or used to the student's advantage promoting practice and rigor in students. Reviewed on: 6/16/2010

Short Description - Using Elluminate's V-Room feature allows teachers to schedule live study sessions with students. Teachers act as moderators, inviting students to participate in the chat room. Participants are able to use the "whiteboard" feature to draw or write, add pictures or symbols, and contribute files. They can also instant message each other or use video. There are also options to download presentations and create quizzes. Evaluation - I've used this with my students for an extra tutoring session during which students can pose questions or review assignments, and it's worked very well. I have hosted math help sessions in the mornings and afternoons and told students what time the chat session starts, so they can log in and join the session. Then, using all the tools including chat, whiteboard, and video, we have worked through problems, and the kids are eager to use this tool to get extra support.
 * Elluminate** http://www.elluminate.com/ - Laura Wood 6/16/10

Description: Google's Wonder Wheel is a keyword search tool that acts like a mind map. The keyword appears in the center of a wheel. Related search terms show up on the spokes of the wheel. You can "drill down" in a search by continuing to choose and click on related terms. Applications: Students might use the Wonder Wheel to drill down or expand searches. It can help students find synonyms for keywords or even help with generating a topic. Evaluation: I have not yet used this tool with students. I am excited to offer this tool to help in searches. I particularly like the non-linguistic representation of a search.
 * Google Wonder Wheel** www.google.com search sample - Alyson Reynolds - 6/15/2010

Description: WiZiQ lets you teach and learn live in state-of-the-art virtual classroom, create learning comunities, and share educational content with other members. WiZiQ virtual classroom is equipped with live audio-video communication, chat, content sharing, and session recording capabilities. WiZiQ is a platform for anyone and everyone who wants to teach or learn live, online. With a virtual classroom, educational content and a session scheduler, WiZiQ works best for anyones online teaching and learning needs Tutorial: [][| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yty0cPzlcU]
 * WiZiQ:** [] - Weaam Almuzain - 6/16/2010

Description: Orangoo is an online spell checker. It works by pasting text into site, a click and voila! It can also spell check in different languages but capitalization and punctuation are not recognized. The site can also spell check an entire website, but the process is a plug in the URL, your email, and wait for an email with the corresponding spelling review. The spell check format is reminiscent of Word. Evaluation: At first I thought, great, so maybe now students will spell check and edit. But after some reflective practice, I decided that an online spellchecker isn't really all that practical. Using Orangoo adds steps to the spell checking process. It is useful in spell checking an entire website, but I question whether doing so is important/relevant. It seems like spelling, capitalization and punctuation are unfortunately losing their importance.
 * Orangoo** @http://orangoo.com/spellcheck/ - Mike Karabinusd - 6/16/2010

Like Chris Zimber's twiducate is modeled after Twitter, Present.ly is modeled after Facebook. It has all the functionality of Facebook (real-time updates, ability to share links and files, inviting users, etc.) but it allows a safe, limited environment so you can be sure the content is 100% secure. The cool thing about Present.ly is you can customize the look to your own branding, unifying a classroom identity. Tutorial: Guided Tour - [] Video Tour - [] Application: Using Present.ly would be beneficial for homework notifications/reminders, questions students have during out-of-school time, sharing links/resource files, etc. in a format that kids ALREADY know how to do with ease. Their already-existing skill with Facebook would translate to easy adoption of this tool. Also, parents and students can feel safe and secure knowing that the only access to this 'classroom Facebook' is given by the teacher through invite only, and there are no social pressures akin to the whole 'you have zero friends' thing of Facebook.
 * Present.ly** [] **-** Corey Lynn 6/21/10

**Raylit** – [] – Katharine Tucker Peterson - 6/16/2010 Description: This site has hundreds of fun, educational online games. It also provides short quizzes and video demonstrations and descriptions for a myriad of topics. Classes or individual students can also create their own presentations using Raylit.com. Applications: This website can be used for general instruction of an entire class. It can also be used as a reward for students who complete their work early. It allows for differentiation in the classroom because it is visual and interactive. Instructors can use it to supplement their lessons and include a diverse group of students. Evaluation: As a sub, sometimes the lesson plans that are left for me are so basic that I end up with too much empty time on my hands, especially in 90 minutes classes. This tool will be very helpful to me and other teachers because it can be used to fill time in class without going off the main topic the regular classroom teacher left. Instead of asking students to “find a book and read” I can direct them to this website and they can supplement their learning on their own, plus students always want a reason to use the internet.

Description: Read aloud any text in your computer.
 * Natural Reader**  [] - Steve N. Hinojos - 6/17/2010

Description : iPods can be used for many resources, but when it comes to reading fluency, it is an excellent tool to help set objectives and provide feedback.
 * iPods and Reading Fluency** - Dawn Lang - 6/18/2010

Description: This is a site where users can create a Voki (avatar) character. Users can then record their own voice, type text and choose different voices to speak that text, or use their cell phone to record a message. There is limit to what your character can say, so it helps teach brevity and focus. Responses are then tagged to that voki and you can watch them basically anywhere. Evaluation: I used this site often. Students LOVE it at first. Plan on a full class period (50 minutes) for their first time to create a character. They will like to play **[|Voki]**
 * Voki** [| http://www.voki.com/] - Mike Karabinus - 6/18/2010

Description: Edu 2.0 is a free CMS resource. Teachers are able to create a school and manage a variety of classes. Within the site you are able to create test, discussions and create many other interactive learning activities for students. Application: I have created two separate schools within the website where I am able to manage my course content. I co-teach one class with four other teacher and we are all able to log on to the site and contribute our information. Demo Video: http://www.edu20.org/tour/demo
 * EDU 2.0** @http://www.edu20.org/ - Nicole Deaver - 6/17/2010

Description: Twiducate is modeled after the popular social networking site Twitter. The site allows students and teachers to interact using quick posts or "tweets." Unlike Twitter, which is a public site, Twiducate is designed with secutiry in mind and is kept private. There is an option to make posts public but the information posted and class interactions are kept private. In addition to text, teachers can also post bookmarks and important dates for students. Different classes can be created and the teacher can assign individual user names and passwords. Applications: This would be good tool for an online class discussion in any subject area. It can be set up quickly and is very simple to use. Discussions can be saved by the teacher and evaluated at a later time. Evaluation: Twiducate is yet another tool that can facilitate a class wide online discussion. It is geared to the classroom and has features in place that will ensure a safe environment for all age levels. Although a relatively simple discussion tool, the similarities to the more popular Twitter could be motivating factor and encourage students to participate.
 * Twiducate** [|www.twiducate.com] - Chris Zimber - 6/20/10

Description: Well in reality, this is more of a website than a tool....but on this website there are great learning tools for young students that are starting to read. This site is intened for early elementary school students--Kindergarden, 1st & 2nd grades, and ELA or Special Ed. kids perhaps. On this website there are four main tools for readers. The reading activities are arranged by levels: ABC's. Learn to Read--combining sounds, It's Fun to Read, & then finally I am reading. The emphasis is on phonics. The pages have short stories with images and when you click on images or the words they are read aloud and pronounced by the webpage. Applications: This page would be great for very young readers at a computer reading station but you definately would need headphones to avoid disturbing others. I think this would be really helpful for ELA learners as well because this page will help leaners with sounds, letters, and it has great images. Evaluation: This is a good site for teachers that teach young elementary kids.
 * Starfall.com** [|www.starfall.com] - Pablo Benitez - 6-19-2010

Jeopardy PP Template - [] (& there are others) - Bruce Barker - 6/21/2010 Description: This is a Powerpoint file in which you can add in your own categories, ‘answers’ and ‘questions’ to create a digital Jeopardy game, complete with daily doubles and the music. It includes macros, so when you start it up, be sure to "enable content" when it warns you about the macros. It also may take a while to load, so be patient. Once it’s loaded, it’s not too slow. Example: (preview for year 1 H.S. geom) Application: I normally use them as a (fun) pre-assessment/review when starting a new content area. I also use it as a team-building activity. My rules: Each 4-person team is a contestant, and they make up team names. All groups work together to answer each question, since if one gets it wrong, I bop through the other teams until someone answers it (or I determine it’s hopeless).

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Description: You can create FREE polls and text questions that are answered either by cell or the web. Answers are shared live and polls are embed-able. Kids love it!
 * Cell and Internet Polls** [] - Mike Karabinus - 6/24/10

Organization for students: Notely is a web application designed for students by students. Understanding the key needs of students Notely aims to get students organised keeping all their data available on the go. Organizational tools: From meetings and appointments to writing notes in class Notely has you covered all the way. Getting your data into Notely is a breeze. The Word-like toolbar makes formatting notes as easy as pie.
 * Notely** : [|**www.notely.com**] - Weaam Almuzain - 6/24/2010
 * Description** : New Students, New Tools. Studies show that today's students are far more digitally switched on; learning best when they are actively engaged by the learning process. Notely makes note-taking a breeze by helping students organise information in a cycle. Students can capture, organise, and share notes in a way that increases interactivity, learning and retention.

Description: Coveritlive allows you to create a live conversation and embed that conversation into a website. The administrator has control over when the session begins and ends, and every comment submitted by participants goes through the administrator who then can write a private comment to that participant, submit their comment into the discussion for all participants to view, or ignore the comment. Evaluation: This site works very well when students are watching a video or listening to a presentation. They also get instant feedback from the teacher, or moderator, and because the teacher is filtering through comments, the participants see only a list of approved comments. This has helped my students instantly type their thoughts and process their learning in the moment. Very "assessment as learning." It also helps them revise & edit their work, so they can articulate their thoughts clearly. Tutorial: @http://www.coveritlive.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=155
 * Coveritlive** http://www.coveritlive.com/ - Laura Wood 6/16/10

Description: This site is another comic creator site; however, it includes options to create characters, draw, upload photos, or download images from the web and edit them. You can create comics or create a whole book of your saved comics. Students can create an account if they want to save their work, or they can use it on an as-needed basis without saving their work. Applications/Evaluation: I've used this site primarily in reading and writing, and the kids are very excited about it. I've used the "traitor" option as a visualization, character trait, and inferring activity. Students have to design a character from our read aloud book or a book we're reading in literature circles. They have to use their visualizations and clues from the text to draw conclusions about what the characters look like. There are options for various lengths, so this works well as a summarizing tool too.
 * ToonDoo** www.toondoo.com - Laura Wood 6/20/2010

Description: This site, for a home license fee of $30, offers subscribers access to online dissection tools. The most popular animal to dissect is the frog but they also have an owl pelletm a squid, a fetal pig and a few more to choose from. Applications/Evaluation: I can see this used in computer labs for science classes. I think the software is great but it does have some flaws...the voice is too robotic and the language too academic. The company that makes this is working on a version for younger kids Froguts Junior. I hope this version addresses the shortcomings of the older version. I have used this before and I think it is a lot of fun.
 * Froguts** [] - Pablo Benitez - 6-25-10