Web 2.0 Tools for K-12 Classrooms

Web 2.0 Tools for K-12 Classrooms

Prezi is a web 2.0 tool that allows users to create online presentations in a fun, engaging manner without the use of multiple slides.  Users use a “zoomable canvas” where you put your information and ideas. Users can use Prezi for individual presentations, stories or use it to collaborate and share with others.  

Prezi also offers “Prezi for Education” which offers students and teachers free upgrades.

Educators can easily use this tool in education to create multiple means of representation.  Lectures can be dull and boring for students but Prezi can allow teachers to present content in an engaging manner. It can include images, videos, songs, shapes and so forth. With Prezi, lectures become interactive and exciting.

Educators can also use Prezi for multiple means of expression. Prezi can be used as a way for teachers to assess students on their knowledge and understanding. Teachers can assign a final presentation at the end of a unit where the students use Prezi. Students can use this tool to express creativity in a way that best fits their learning style.

Our classrooms are filled with barriers and Prezi can help eliminate some of those. For example, some children have delays in reading and writing. With Prezi, students can present their knowledge and understanding through an oral presentation, eliminating the need for a written component. For children who have visual impairments, Prezi allows educators to ensure large text sizes throughout presentations.

According to the terms and conditions of Prezi, minors under the age of 13 cannot create an account. Children under the age of 13 can use Prezi if a guardian gives them permission, but that guardian is taking all responsibility for that child’s actions within the program.

VoiceThread is a web 2.0 tool that allows users to upload videos, pictures and documents and create commentary for their work. Students can provide commentary through audio from a microphone, text, video from a webcam, audio from a pre-recorded audio file or audio from a telephone. Students can also provide comments on other VoiceThreads of other individuals worldwide. VoiceThread allows users to be creative and engaged in their learning.

VoiceThread also offers an education VoiceThread component that is a secure and accountable environment that is built specifically for k-12 students and educators.

Educators can integrate VoiceThread into their classrooms for final presentations. VoiceThread offers many options as to how the students can present knowledge, incorporating individual interests and learning styles. Educators can also use VoiceThread in Language Art classes for reflections. Students can reflect on experiences, books, and ideas through a VoiceThread instead of traditional pen and paper. VoiceThread in the classroom.

VoiceThread can remove many barriers in the classroom, creating an environment where each student can learn and grow in their knowledge and understanding. VoiceThread allows students to chose their choice of commentary. Choice of commentary relieves the barriers of speech delays and reading and writing delays. Those with reading and writing delays can use the audio options for commentary. Those with speech delays can use the text option. This allows for teachers to assess based on knowledge of content not on other underlying barriers. Students can reach a higher level of success with this program.

Individuals must be at least 13 years old to register or use VoiceThread according to the terms and conditions of the program. Children under the age of 13 must get their parents to create an account and therefore the parents are responsible for the transactions occurring in that account.

Animoto is a web 2.0 tool that is designed to allow students to create online videos.  Students can create videos using video clips, music, text, and pictures. All videos can be personalized and made on any internet browser, an iPhone or an Android, making it convenient and easy.  Animoto also offers Animoto for education for students and teacher to make use of.

Educators can use Animoto for teacher instructions and lectures. can be used in the classroom for presentations. Traditonal lecture styles of teacher can be dull and boring for students leading to loss of focus and students mentally exiting your class. Animoto can help teachers create videos for engaging instructional purposes. Animoto has so many purposes and ways to become integrated and used in a classroom throughout multiple subjects and outcomes. For example students can use Animoto in a Language Arts class in order to create a book trailer instead of a book report.  

Students are able to use Animoto to express and share knowledge in a unique, creative, engaging manner. Those students who struggle with writing can use videos to express their understanding without the barrier of a written assignment. A classroom may have students who have a hearing delay. Traditional lectures are not ideal for those student because lectures are relying on listening skills. Animoto can give those students with a hearing impairement a visual component of learning, removing that auditory barrier.

Students must be 13 years of age to create an account with Animoto according to their terms and conditions.  A teacher may create an account for a student under the age of 13 but only for use in a classroom setting and no personal information about the child is provided.