WEB 2.0: 3 GREAT TOOLS TO USE IN THE CLASSROOM
Three examples of web 2.0 tools that allow for greater access and inclusive learning in the classroom
Using the web 2.0 tool PodOmatic one can create, share, and learn from an array of independent podcasts.
In terms of education and in relation to my position as pre-service second languages teacher, I would utilize PodOmatic for language learning. As someone who has been a lifelong language learner both in and out of the classroom, I can say first hand that podcasts are exceptionally useful in acquiring fluency, second only to studying abroad. More often than not, when students learn a second language, regardless of the level they are placed in, their proficiency varies. Podcasts allow students to feel included in the learning process, by giving them access to an area in which they feel they could improve on. Areas included, but are not limited to: grammar, listening, conversation, and writing skills. Furthermore, podcasts are very interactive, and explain concepts with a hands on approach, something that traditional language learning lacks.
As touched upon, students feel more included using this type of web tool, as they are given the opportunity to find an area in which they hope to improve. Language learning is very complex, as some learners find writing and grammar easy, but have a hard time conversing. On the flip side, some find conversing in a language easy, but often are confused with the written grammar. Using this tool then allows the learner to improve in the area they have the most trouble with, weeding out unnecessary review or incomprehensible lessons.
PodOmatic is great for secondary education, as is suggests anyone younger than 13 consult their parents before use.
EasyBib is a great online tool that aids in the creation and understanding of MLA, APA, and Chigaco citation. Moreover, if EasyBib recognizes a user's book, article, etc., it automatically generates a citation for it. However, it is more than just a citation tool, as it allows for note taking, and note organization.
In terms of education, especially in a high school setting, I would find this web tool extremely useful in that it allows for an imperative understanding of citation. As high school students are the ones prepping for entry into post-secondary, it is imperative that they get a firm understanding of the importance of citation well before. This site really makes it easy to understand how to cite, using the three different styles.
Furthermore, it allows for inclusion as it is organized in a very easy-to-follow way. There are four separate tabs at that top that make for easy navigation, and the citation text bar is located just underneath. Students who are computer savvy but perhaps a bit challenged when it comes to citation might find the use of learning via a web tool more useful. On the other hand, students who are comfortable with citation and its styles, might feel more challenged when the concepts are presented on an interactive platform.
Though EasyBib is an academic tool, it does suggest that anyone under the age of 13 request access via parental permission.
timetoast is a great web tool that allows for the creation of timelines both in relation to the past and future. They can be created and shared in minutes, suggesting its user-friendly design as an interactive platform available to both the lower and high grades.
In terms of education, as a secondary pre-service teacher who is minoring in social studies, I would take advantage of this tool in the social studies classroom, as it would be a great way to share historic events that are often times not understood without the aid of visuals. Furthermore, it is an interactive tool, so students would be able to create and share their own timelines however they see fit. It also allows you to create a timeline of the future which is a very interesting concept, allowing the user to predict outcomes based on what they have learnt.
I feel this web tool would break down a lot of learning barriers, as a lot of students tend to understand the historic stories well, but often get lost in the dates and places. Having students put their knowledge into a timeline not only reinforces their learning, but gives them a visual to conceptualize events and time frames. Also if students feel inclined, they may wish to predict what might happen in the future and why, based on trends or simply, their opinions.
Moreover, I feel that this tool is not limited to the upper grades, as the lower grades could make timelines to introduce the understanding history as well. And as mentioned, since the tool is very user-friendly, I think that there would be very few, if any, technology knowledge barriers.
Based on timetoast's privacy policy it does not appear that they have an outright age restriction.