Using Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom.
By Ian Potts
ANNOUNCIFY is a Web 2.0 tool that allows text on a website to be converted to speech. Announcify can be downloaded as a Google Chrome extension.
In a general educational sense, Announcify could be handy if students could use a break from reading.
From a UDL perspective, Announcify could Be very handy for students with reading difficulty. One feauture that is particularily useful is that the program blurs out all paragraphs not being read. This feature could help "block out noise" for students who have difficulty concentrating.
As no age limit is specified for this tool, it would be appropriate for all students (given they are listening to appropriate material).
SOCK PUPPETS is a Web 2.0 tool that is available for free download from the iTunes store. Sock Puppets allows students to collaborate together to create lip synced videos starring sock puppets, which they can then share with friends and classmates alike.
From a mainstream educational perspective, this tool could be a fun way for students to collaborate together in telling stories.
From a UDL viewpoint, the tool could be useful for students on the autism spectrum who have difficulty communicating face-to-face.
Itunes has rated this app appropriate for children 4 and above.
BUBBL.US is a web 2.0 tool that allows students to make visual brainstorming maps. They can either do this alone, or collaborate with other students.
For a typical student, this tool provides a great way for students to organize thoughts and ideas
From a UDL perspective, this tool could be very handy for students who struggle in non-visual thinking/learning contexts.
According to the terms of service, there is no age restriction for using bubbl.us.