WEB 2.0 TOOLS
By: Alyssah-Jasmine Merani
Google Docs:
Brief description of what the purpose of the tool is/what it does:
Google Docs allows for one to write, edit, collaborate and share what they have created. I believe it to be equivalent to Microsoft Word; but it is used online. Google Docs is an effective way to do work because anything you create is online; and is saved to your Google Drive. There isn't a chance that you can lose what you have created as it autosaves everything.
How can it be used in education?:
Google Docs can be used in education as a way for students to collaborate and work on assignments together, but also to edit one another's work. As well, if students are at school and don't have a computer of their own, they can use Google Docs on a separate (school) computer. They can save the document and share it with themselves, so they can work on it at home, on their own computer or device.
How can this tool remove or reduce barriers for certain learners?:
Google Docs can be an interactive way for students to engage with other classmates. If they are an independent learner, this can help them to become more outgoing, and a collaborative learner.
Required age of users:
It is stated by Google that the required age with creating a Google account is age 13. This google account provides one access to many other functions; not just Google Docs.
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/
Brief description of what the purpose of the tool is/what it does:
Twitter is a way to for people to connect. I believe it to be the best network to connect with people because almost everyone is using Twitter as there are always interesting things to keep up with or "trending". It doesn't serve the purposes of solely netowkring; but also to follow and keep up with news, famous individuals, things going on in the world, friends, etc.
How can it be used in education?:
Twitter can be used in education very effectively. For students, they can use twitter to connect with other students in different schools. Perhaps, if they are studying the same material, they can connect over this through Twitter by collaborating and sharing ideas.
For teachers, Twitter can be used as a Professional Learning Network, as teachers can collaborate and share ideas with one another.
How can this tool remove or reduce barriers for certain learners?:
I think Twitter can be a way for learners who may consider themselves to be shy; to outreach and connect with other learners through a social networking site. For those students who may not be as strong with conciseness through their writing; Twitter can help with this as you are only permitted 140 characters to Tweet what you want. It can be a source in teaching them how to be direct and to the point within their writing.
Required age of users:
In 2009, Twitter got rid of the age factor for creating an account. Today, anyone and everyone can create a twitter. Prior to 2009; however, you used to have to be 13 to create an account with Twitter.
Prezi:
https://prezi.com
Brief description of what the purpose of the tool is/what it does:
With Prezis, we are able to create neat presentations which can showcase ones' learning of a specific topic or unit. Prezis can be created for class prsentations, lectures, or be used as a form of facilitation to a group of peope as they are a great way to keep an audience engaged. The effects within Prezi are very eye-catching and often can grasp the attention of an audience member; more than a PowerPoint at least.
How can it be used in education?:
Teachers/Professors can use Prezis as a source for sharing lecture material or other course material which students may need to obtain for studying purposes. Prezis are created online so they are easily accessible.
Students can create prezis for class presentations or as a way to simply showcase what they have learned. They can collaborate with other students to work on Prezis.
How can this tool remove or reduce barriers for certain learners?:
Sometimes, students excel with animations, presenting and showcasing knowledge; maybe they are creative or more visually inclined learners. Not every child has to be GREAT at writing an essay as they may be stronger in other areas of showcasing their knowledge. Prezis allows students who prefer presenting, to use their creative skills and develop a presentation to showcase their knowledge. As well, students can work on Prezis collaboratively which can help them to expand their knowledge by working with different people in their classroom.
Required age of users:
Those who choose to create Prezis, have to be at least the age of 13.