Web 2.0

Web 2.0 Education 

Applications in a K-12 Classroom 

VoiceThread 

Click here to see the VoiceThread Web 2.0 http://voicethread.com/

VoiceThread is an application that allows you to use different types of media to create an interactive slideshow. You can use pictures, videos, documents or embed other presentations. You can also record video/audio that allows you to describe each slide in more detail. It also allows you to provide text description as well as draw directly on the slide to circle or highlight areas of interest. 

This application can be used in education for various reasons such as an instructional tool, online tutoring, virtual class spaces, or a space for students to complete projects/assignments. As a teacher, VoiceThread can be used to expand the type of learning for every content. Some examples are as follows: 

1) Science -- If you are learning about the lifecycle of a butterfly, for example, you can use VoiceThread to show the steps by incorporating pictures, using the auditory feature to comment, and applying the drawing feature to highlight your main points and areas of focus. Instead of using just a simple diagram, you can use a collaboration of these features and appeal to all different types of learners. 

2) Math -- Teachers could upload images of math problems for the students to solve. The students could be asked to use the doodle tool to solve the problems and use the audio to record their thoughts as they work through the problem-solving process. This would allow the teacher to not only see the answer that the students have given, but allows them to hear the student’s thought process and have an insight into how they approaching the question, and also be able to find their mistakes, if any. 

VoiceThread has the ability to accommodate and appeal to all types of learners and by doing so, can reduce the barriers for certain leaners.

• Voicethread can increase active learning in students who have learning disabilities, ADHD, and emotional behavioural disorders. 
   
• This tool allows students who have trouble with penmanship and writing skills, to express their thoughts through the audio feature or through the text description.
   
• For those students who are visual learners, VoiceThread can appeal to them and help them understand the material. It can have pictures and actions, instead of just a teacher talking
   
• For students who have difficulties with speech, they could use VoiceThread for a project and be able to use the text feature along with visual attributes, to be able to share their ideas without struggling with speech.

According to the Terms of Service, you must be 13 years or older to register and use VoiceThread. If you are under that required age, you must use an account created by a parent or guardian, and must have their permission to do so. 

Number Navigator

Here is the number navigator http://www.oatsoft.org/Software/NumberNavigator

This program assists those with fine motor troubles to set out neat columns for arithmetic, multiplication or division problems. It keeps mathematical equations structured and allows students to have organized and clear math without the need for a spreadsheet. 

Number Navigator would be an excellent tool when teaching mathematics to young students who have not quite mastered their “pencil-holding” skills. Math is difficult to begin with for some students, but keeping it organized makes it a little easier. Number Navigator provides the columns and numbers neatly spread out so the students can have a clear visual representation of the numbers they are working with. Number Navigator really helps develop and focus on the “what” of learning with the Recognition Network. This tool can be used online, which could focus mainly making sure the students are doing the correct math and can also be printed which would focus on math but would also add slight practice of their fine motor skills.

As mentioned before, Number Navigator is a great alternative to those students who have difficulty writing or do not have the ability to write at all. Some students may have great mathematical skills, but are restricted and not able to demonstrate their learning and skills if it has to be written down. Students who are slower learners need lots of examples and practices. Number Navigator allows you to provide multiple examples of mathematical equations to your students.

There is no required age to use Number Navigator. 

This Web 2.0 allows teachers to take their students on virtual field trips anywhere in the world! It covers material such as history, foreign countries, fine art, earth science, language arts, and animals. Whether it's a teacher-guided group field trip in class or individual student projects, the wide array of virtual tours can add an exciting dimension to the classroom. By using virtual fieldtrips, it allows students to connect to the outside world, and realize the relationship between what they are learning in class and how it will help them in the future.

A Teacher’s Ultimate Destination for Virtual Field Trips http://www.onlineeducation.net/resources/virtual-field-trips

The various virtual Field Trips can be used in almost every subject area. Students can explore the various exhibits on individual computers, in a computer lab setting, or life size with an interactive whiteboard or a projector during class time. It creates a visual, auditory, and sometimes even hands-on (by playing around with the virtual tour and doing further exploration) experience for the learners.

Virtual Field Trips provide an opportunity to learn about places that are not within reasonable field trip distance. For example, learning about a different country. Students may find it more interesting and be more engaged during a virtual tour as compared to reading about it in a book. Virtual Field Trips implement maximum involvement and enthusiasm. 

Virtual Field Trips can reduce the barriers to students who have stern disabilities (such as being in a wheel chair, or severe autism). They may not be able to ride the bus and go on real field trips with their class. Computer-based stimulations of a field trip allow the student to vicariously experience the environment of the intended location.

This tool can also benefit students who are visual learners and need multiple examples or repetitions. If you go on a field trip, often times things are said once and it may seemed rush to those who are slower learners. With a virtual field trip, the teacher can pause, discuss it with the class, and replay things over.

There is no requirement of age.