Web 2.0 Tools
For a Grade 5 Language Arts Class
Google Docs
Access it at docs.google.com
Google Docs is a collaborative writing tool. It is similar to Microsoft Word in that you create a document, type up the necessary content, and print it. The way in which you can manipulate the words (bold, underline, italicize, and highlight) are also similar to Microsoft Word. The difference is that the document is online, and can be accessed and edited on any computer, tablet, phone, or laptop by logging into your Google account. Google Docs will also automatically save any changes made to the document, and will keep a record of the changes. In addition, a document can be shared amongst other Google accounts so that they can edit the document.
This tool can be use in education in the same way Microsoft Word is used—to type up a paper—but to get the full use of Google Docs, we need to take advantage of all of its features. A teacher can create documents with questions on a book that the students have read, and share it with small groups of students (assuming the students have Google accounts). These groups can then answer the questions together with the group. The teacher will always be able to see who wrote what in case a student decides to type something inappropriate.
Google Docs can reduce barriers for students who work best with others. If a document is shared with other people, then those people can edit the document at the same time. Google Docs allows students to collaborate and work together on writing assignments, or on sets of question. In addition, Google Docs has basic spellcheck capabilities. If a student struggles at spelling, the document will highlight the mistakes.
If the school is signed up for Google Apps for Education, then there is no age restriction since it`s made for K-12 learning. If not, creating a Gmail account also does not have an age requirement.
Read & Write for Google Chrome
Access it at https://goo.gl/QvuyVZ
Read & Write for Google is a Chrome extension that reads out text on Google Docs or web pages. It can be accessed on PC, Mac, or Chromebook, as long as there is Google Chrome. There is a premium version that is not free, but teachers can get it free by providing information. In addition to reading, Read & Write for Google offers a picture dictionary, talking dictionary, translator, fact finder, highlighters, and vocabulary list builder. The tool also helps in writing by turning words into text as you speak and giving suggestions for the current or next word as you type.
This tool can be used when students have to read a short story on the internet. Instead of reading the short story, and struggling through some of the unknown vocabulary, a student can use this chrome extension and read along with the audio guide. Furthermore, that student can look up the definition and a picture through the tool.
Read & Write for Google is great for any student who struggles with reading and writing, students with learning disabilities, or ESL/ELL students. Since the tool can translate text into other languages, ESL students can get help on words they may not recognize. Secondly, If a student has a difficult time typing out what they want to say, then they can say the words and the tool will turn it into text. Lastly, if a student is struggling with the pronunciation of a word, they can get the tool to say it for them.
According to the Terms of Use, you need a parent or guardian's consent if you are under the age of 13. This makes it acceptable for young elementary students.
Videolicious
This is an app, but you can go to the website at videolicious.com
Videolicious is an iOS app that allows someone to create videos using pictures and/or videos stored on the device (iPad, iPod, iPhone). Then the person can narrate the video if need be, and they can add music. After creating their video, they can share it to YouTube.
This can be used in a Language Arts class as a method of understanding text. A group of students can record themselves with an iPad, recreating a scene from a book (such as Fantastic Mr. Fox) that they're supposed to read. Or a student could take pictures of their group reenacting the scene, and narrate it using the words of the book. They would edit the video on this tool.
Videolicious would reduce barriers for students who are uninterested or bored by typical methods of learning—like reading a book and memorizing it. Making a video gets the students to be active and have fun with an assignment. They could put their own twist on the content by expressing what they think is going on in the book. The main takeaway is that video-making allows student to express themselves in many different ways. It helps them understand what the content is without being told what it is.
I could not find any sort of age restriction in the terms of use for this app. This makes it great for students of all ages.
These three Web 2.0 tools can all be applied to a Grade 5 English Language Arts class. Google Docs allows students to collaborate on a writing assignment; Read & Write for Google helps students who struggle with reading and writing; and Videolicious allows students to be active in their learning.
It is also important to note that these tools aren't perfect. Each of them are useful assuming that the students and teachers are equipped with certain resources from the school. First and foremost; the Google Docs and Read & Write for Google require internet and a compute in order for them to work. Videolicious requires an iOS device. Not all of these are provided by the school. However, if they are then these three tools can go a long way in shaping the students' learning.