Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom

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Table of Contents

Bubble.us                                                                                    3

ChartGo                                                                                      5

Exploratree                                                                                 7

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Bubbl.us is a Web 2.0 tool that allows users to create mind-maps either on their own or collaborating with others. Users can access bubbl.us on any technological device with access to internet.

Bubbl.us in the Classroom

Bubble.us is designed to allow students to build on one central idea, creating key ideas that feed off of the main concept. It allows students to creatively brainstorm diagrams online. Users can color code important ideas, and have a variety of ways that certain ideas can be marked as more important than others. Bubbl.us is a great way to organize thoughts and ideas into one big map where it can all be kept together in one place.


Students who have difficultly expressing their ideas on paper or organizing thoughts into a neat manner could use this tool to creatively express their thoughts and ideas through bubbl.us. Critical thinking skills are cultivated when mind mapping is used to analyze the different elements of a new or complicated subject. Also students could use this tool to build communication skills and develop team collaboration. Mind maps are a good tool for visual and kinesthetic learners.

Bubble.us is licensed for all ages, however parent consent should be used when students are using this tool in the classroom, as well as students are encouraged not to fully identify themselves by giving out full names, adresses, etc.

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ChartGo is a web 2.0 tool where online graphs and charts can be created easily. Bar graphs, line graphs and pie charts can be developed. With ChartGo students can:

  • choose between creating a bar or line graph or a pie or area chart
  • choose dimensions for your chart or graph
  • label your chart or graph
  • display gridlines
  • customize colors
  • customize fonts, etc.

With ChartGo, students can create online charts and or graphs to represent data as opposed to using pencil and paper. This allows for better organization, and students may find it more interesting to edit and modify a chart through ChartGo.

In the terms and conditions in ChartGo, there is no specific age restrictions to this web tool. It is recommended that students are under adult supervision while using ChartGo, and have parent consent before using this tool.

For more information please refer to the ChartGo terms of use.

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Exlporatree is a free web 2.0 tool where students can access a variety of pre-made active thinking guides. They are able to print them, edit them and make them their own! Exploratree was made to support students projects and research. Thinking guides help to shape, define and focus an idea and also support the planning required to investigate a problem the student may be working on.

Students can: 

  •  fill in a thinking guide and complete your project on the website
  • present their project
  • send their thinking guide to numerous people
  • submit a thinking guide to get feedback comments
  • work in groups on the same thinking guide

Exploratree can help students increase their organization skills. Also students who have weaker writing expression skills could use this tool to convey their ideas and thoughts differently than just writing them on paper. Instead students could build a thinking guide to help them process their thoughts, and also put them in order according to how important those thoughts are.

Exploratree has no specified age in its terms of use however should be supervised when students are using the program. To learn more about Exploratree click here.


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