Web 2.0 tools in the Classroom
Table of Contents
Glogster p.3
Mindmeister p. 5
Animoto p.8
Glogster
Glogster is a Web 2.0 tool that allows users to create posters using pictures, text, video clips and music. Users can access Glogster using any web browser on a computer or electronic device.
With the variety of options available and the preset templates, there are a multitude of choices which allows students to be creative, that being said, the preconfigured templates also allow students who are not as creative to participate.
Students who express difficulty in traditional projects such as essays may prove to have an easier time with Glogster as it offers different options for projcets that are not as exhaustive as a traditional essay. The tool allows for enough freedom of choice and has enough support tools that it is more accessible to many students who are more hands on learners.
Students could use Glogster to make a poster for a book or project, and within their poster they can imbed videos, external links and anything else relevant that they find interesting and relevant.
Glogster is a tool that is designed specifically for classroom use, so its use is safe for all ages, and their FAQ (frequently asked questions) section answers most of the concerns both educators and partents might have about using this tool. http://edu.glogster.com/faq/
Mindmeister
Mindmeister is a web 2.0 tool that allows for people to collabroatively work on mind maps online, and has apps designed for both android and apple products. People can access their Mindmeister account anywhere so long as they have a computer or a mobile device with an internet connection.
Mindmeister lets you:
- Collect notes, links and documents
- Search and filter accessible mind maps
- Evaluate and comprehend information
- Stimulate the logical flow of the thought process
- Simplify complex topics
- Develop an essay structure
- Export to Microsoft Office or Google Drive
- Tell compelling stories
- Show the Big Picture and details
- Copy and paste existing content
- Prepare and present seamlessly
- Zoom and pan to relevant areas of your choice
- Browse and clone teaching material
- Share lesson plans and presentations
- Exchange information and ideas
- Correct one another's mistake
- Make studying fun
- Work simultaneously on the same mind map
- Infinitely undo all changes
- See who did what and when
- Delegate and manage tasks
(taken from http://www.mindmeister.com/education)
Privacy settings available on the Mindmeister site allow for the teacher and their students to prevent unwanted intervention in their projects, allowing for a safe learning experience for all ages.
Animoto
Animoto is a tool that allows people to make their own videos with text, video clips and music. There are apps available on apple and android devices meaning that the program is accessible via almost any smartphone or computer connected to the internet.
There is a great deal of content on the site such as different videos, music, pictures etc. meaning that there are a great multitude of possible project options available to the users of Animoto.
Students who are more hands on learners may find this tool helpful for their learning as it allows them to take a more interactive approach to a project while also allowing them to find their own preffered style of doing so. There are many support structures in animoto as well, such as a wide array of content, some preconfigured templates to use to help guide their projects if they are having trouble.
Animoto, like the other tools discussed is available to most ages. It is specifically licenced for users 13 years old or older and there are stipulations from Animoto that allow for underage students to still make accounts so long as they fall within the terms of agreement on the site.