Web 2.0 Tools for Secondary Science

Web 2.0 Tools for Secondary Science

Web 2.0 tools are websites and apps that encourage and facilitate the creation of and collaboration on content.  Blogs, wikis, forums, social media and video sharing sites are all examples of Web 2.0 tools. These tools can be dynamic and fun additions to the classroom and allow students to connect with other students, educators and experts around the world. They can also increase accessibility in the classroom and can be useful tools for students with different learning styles than those that are usually addressed in conventional education.  Some potential challenges of Web 2.0 tools are confidentiality, privacy and security issues, accessibility to technology, and transparency.

TED (found at www.ted.com) is a Web 2.0 tool that allows students to connect worldwide with professionals and experts in many different fields. Many of us are already familiar with TED Talks and TEDx Talks, which are videos of talks given by experts in formal TED forums around the globe and independently organized TED forums, respectively. There are also forums and comment sections, as well as TED Books (short books on a wide range of topics), TEDed (content and lesson planning for educators), TED Studies (specifically curated content for life long learners), and an ideas blog to get users started on a new journey of discovery. The goal of TED.com is to promote an environment where discussion and debate is encouraged and appreciated, and inspiration is the main goal.

TED.com accounts are open to users over 13 years of age and do request some basic information to sign up. TED does monitor the site and forums to ensure that content promoting a certain product, person, or worldview that is disrespectful of others is removed. A full list of terms of use can be found on the Ted.com website.

Users under the age of 13 can still watch content, but they will not be able to create an account and post in comments and discussion forums.

One of my favourite TED Talks is about the wonders of the deep ocean by Robert Ballard, which discusses the treatment of the deep ocean in formal education and the wonders that we have just started to discover. Please find the link below! https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_ballard_on_exploring_the_oceans

Quizlet (found at www.quizlet.com) is a Web 2.0 tool and app available through the Apple Apps store that allows users to generate customized flashcard study sets on any topic. You can also build quizzes, games and worksheets!

The flashcards can be customized with student specific definitions and terms, and you can add photos to the flashcards as well. In addition, the apps allows students to use this program outside of the classroom environments and on the go.

Quizlet offers a number of services including a free service for students, and a .99/ year service for teachers that gets rid of ads in the student view, offers voice recording, image uploading and a way to track class progress on different components. 

Quizlet requires users to be at least 13 years of age in order to use the service OR offers a limited feature set for children under 13 which removes some of the social aspects. The under 13 account requires parental permission and a parent's email address. Quizlet is certified with a TRUSTe Children's Seal which strives to promote transparency in digital environments. The TRUSTe requirements can be found here.

 A video of Student Tool Apps by Google Developers, including technology like Quizlet (4:26) can be found here on Youtube

Mindomo (found at www.mindomo.com) is a Web 2.0 tool that can used to create mind maps. Mind maps can be very useful tools for students who do not enjoy writing large quantities of text, those who learn better visually and kinsthetically, and those who would like a way to present things differently. Mindomo is a great tool as it is highly accessible, with mobile (Android and iOS), Windows and Apple based platforms.  There is also a desktop downloadable version.

Mindomo offers a free membership with a limit of 3 mindmaps. Paid services range in price from /year for a basic membership to 5/year for a school and vary in features like number of mind maps included, number of users, storage space and export/import formats. Membership is limited to those of legal age (13+).