Web 2.0 Tools

Web 2.0 Tools

Popplet is a Web 2.0 tool that allows students to visually present information in a mindmap format. The tool is especially good for those students who have trouble organizing their ideas visually as they are able to move around the text and "popples".

The tool can be directly downloaded from the app store onto an iPad, but can also be accessed online. There are several interesting features of the online version, it allows users to rewind and see the progression of the map and also manipulate the spacing between the different boxes of text. In the full versions you're able to add collaborators and share on Facebook and Twitter. The Popplet can also be exported as a .pdf, or .jpg.

The app is designed for users over the age of 13, but it suggested that students under the age of 13 can use the app with help and support from a parent, guardian or teacher.

Pros:

• High level of engagement for students
• Easy to use and to create
• Great for capturing ideas

Cons:

• Paid subscription past the one free popplet
• Requires the support of a parent, guardian or teacher
• Fairly basic with only one main use, to present text visually

Visit Popplet here.

Booktrack is a program designed to add movie-style soundtracks to written literature. In Division 1, teachers could implement the software to improve read-alouds with the addition of music and sound effects.

The improved books can be used by individual students and also be part of group learning exercises. 

Teachers can also create a virtual classroom where they can assign readings or share their own creations.

This site can be really useful for easily distracted learners as it enhances the overall read aloud and makes the text more interesting to listen to. 

The site cannot be used for those under 13 years of age, therefore a parent or guardian would have to help if a student wanted to create their own independent work. 

Pros:

• Makes literature more interesting and engaging for students
• Some free content 
• Students do not have to register to read content

Cons:

• Does not read the text to the student
• Doesn't provide the option of creating own narration or sound effects
• Registration required for creating a classroom

Visit Booktrack Classroom here.

Quizlet is a study tool designed to help students study many different types of material. The website states that people have created more than 40 million study sets in a diverse set of subjects.

Quizlet allows users to create their own sets of study cards in several different modes:

• Flash Cards: Similar to paper flash cards, students are shown a card for each term and the card is flipped over with the definition.
• Learn: Students are shown a definition and must type in the answer and then shown the correct response.
• Speller: The term is read aloud and students must spell the word.
• Scatter: Requests that students match appropriate terms with definitions as quickly as possible.
• Space Race: A game where definitions scroll across the screen and students are required to type the correct. response before it reaches the end of the screen. They are given lives and level ups similar to a real game.
• Gravity: Similar to "Space Race" gravity has definitions scrolling across the screen and asks students to type the correct term.

Quizlet is available online on the website and also has an app for the Apple iPhone. 

It is beneficial for diverse learners in that it allows them to memorize information in a variety of different ways not simply using the old flash card method. It can be useful for students who are visual or auditory learners. 

Pros:

• Free and accessible to all
• Audio technology, which enables users to record their own voice or hear the voice of a native speaker in over 18 languages
• For Division 1, teachers can create sets of cards for all different subject areas and create different ones for each student 

Cons:

• Have to sign-up
• High teacher involvement, when creating the different study sets
• Best used for study purpose

Visit Quizlet here. 

Quizizz is a Web 2.0 which gamifies quizzes to make them more enjoyable and interesting for students to play.

Teachers sign-up and create a free account and then create a new quiz. Students can then sign-up themselves and use the service to answer the quiz, a leader ranking board is created and students have the opportunity to compete with each other to get on top of the leader board. 

Teachers are able to set limits on the questions anywhere between 30 second and 5 minutes per questions and students earn points based on the speed and accuracy of the response. The system is similar to Kahoot.

It is beneficial tool in that it is a quick and easy way to determine how well content has been taught to students. For those schools that have readily accessible computers for their students, teachers can immediately test on whether knowledge has been retained.

For learners who are afraid of answering questions in class this is a great way of testing their learning. It is also beneficial for those students who enjoy competition, in that there is a leader ranking board.

Pros:

• Free and easy to use
• Multiplayer
• Works on all devices

Cons:

• Not great for students who don't like competition
• Not great for those students who get test anxiety
• Requires students to have good reading comprehension

Visit Quizizz here. 

All the Web 2.0 tools reviewed in this book are designed to be used with the help of a parent/guardian or teacher. 

Popplet: A tool to visually present information in a mindmap format. Students are able to write the information down and then rearrange it in a visual format.

Booktrack Classroom: A tool designed to add movie-style soundtracks to written content. Perfect for those students who are easily distracted as it makes the text more interesting to read. 

Quizlet: A tool that allows users to create several different types of study cards. Beneficial for diverse learners in that it allows information to be learned both visually and auditorly.

Quizizz: A tool which gamifies quizzes. It could be beneficial for those learners who are afraid of answering questions in class and those who enjoy competition.