Web 2.0 Tools
in the Classroom:
Information, Methods and Ideas on How to Use These Tools in the Classroom
Slidely
http://slide.ly
Slidely is a site that allows users to create unique videos using their own photographs and music. It is a fun way to express yourself by making slideshows about things you like personally or it can also be a creative way to complete an educational project. The site is very user friendly and has a clean design.
Educational Use:
You could use Slidely as a tool for making a visual presentation in place for a written one and practice multimedia skills. This could include a projects on personal levels like 'What Did You Do On Your Summer Holiday?' or "What Is Your Favourite Hobby?". Or, you could translate it into a more content-centered project and get students to create a visual presentation of a historical figure or artist including images of them (or by them) and suitable themed music. Students could also use the site to create a slideshow on a geographical place that was covered in class and include pictures of the scenery and national symbols that they learned about.
UDL in the Classroom:
Slidely can reduce obstacles and provide learners with a new way to tackle a project. This site provides an outlet for expression without using words and this is extremely valuable to students who struggle expressing themselves through words or have problems writing in general. Students who are visual/kinesthetic learners will also benefit more from a hands-on project like this than simply writing a report.
Terms of Use:
Slidely is somewhat restrictive when it comes to age. If users are under 18 they must have permission from a parent/guardian
Vocaroo
http://vocaroo.com
Vocaroo is an audio-recording site that allows you to record personalized audio and save it as a file on your device or share it!
Educational Use:
Vocaroo can be used in many different educational settings. You could use vocaroo in a foreign language class to help students practice their pronunciation. Students could record themselves practicing new vocabulary and then play it back and self-reflect on their pronunciation mistakes. You could also use Vocaroo as a way for students to bring scripts/plays to life. The first step of the activity could be writing a short play while the second would be using Vocaroo to record. Different students could play the parts of different characters.
UDL in Classrooms:
Vocaroo allows students who work well individually to assess their own progress (in the example of pronunciation in a foreign language). It also allows students who do work well in groups to work together to create something that is unique and student-driven (group script-reading). The option of recording one's script instead of performing it in front of the class offers students who have stage fright a little bit of anonymity when presenting their work. It also allows them time to get the script perfect since they can start over if someone makes a mistake. This tool is great for auditory learners!
Terms of Use:
Vocaroo requires no registration and therefore there is no minimum age to use the service.
TED-ED
http://ed.ted.com/lessons
TED-ED is a free educational site for students and teachers alike. The site provides great video lessons about a variety of topics. These videos can be used as a springboard to create a customized lesson on the topic.
Educational Use:
TED-Ed can be used in class to aid a lecture or convey more information about a specific topic to students. This site is broken up into educational subjects so it is an easy way to find an interesting video on a topic and use that as a base to create a lesson. If you wanted the lesson to be more teacher-centric you could play the video and then get students to fill out a worksheet or answer some questions in small groups afterwards. If you wanted it to be more student-centric you could ask students to choose a video they liked and then give an oral presentation to the class about what they learned from their video.
UDL in Classrooms:
TED-ED provides diversity in learning for students. It allows students who struggle with reading comprehension to excell since the information will be given through a video instead of reading it in a text book. It will also also provide more excitement for those students who have problems with paying attention while reading. It also provides students a chance to choose their own interests (if you allow them to pick their own videos and do reports on them) which almost always yields better results since the student is invested in their own project because they are interested in the subject matter.
Terms of Use:
Anyone 13 and older can use TED-ED by providing basic contact information.