WEB 2.0 IN THE CLASSROOM
PREZI.COM
Prezi is an online presentation creation website. Though similar to PowerPoint, Prezi is more visually captivating and creative. It can be used as a learning tool or for project presentations and is able to display the information for any type of presentation in a cool, unique way. In a classroom setting, Prezi can be used in place of PowerPoint, especially for visual learners, because it can essentially be used as far more appealing information aid. Prezi is ideal as it does not necessarily have to make up the bulk of a lesson, but because it is quick and visual appealing, can be of good assistance to students who are not strong note-takers. It is also far easier to organize information. According to the terms of service, Prezi should only be used by users age 13 and up.
PBWORKS.COM
PBworks is an academic workspace that I found that was really cool especially for my chosen grade level. You can use it, as an educator, to create a Classroom Workspace to publish class notes, PowerPoint lectures, and schedules. For students, they can build collaborative pages, start discussions, and post comments. You can give your students their own login and password and encourage students to be more interactive and collaborative and share information. This would be great for any type of struggling learner because it's an easy access to information sources, but also a good way for hands-on learning, meaning students can have easy access to activities that support the way they learn. Best of all, the classroom workspace that's offered is completely free to create. The terms of service doesn't state an age limit, but I would suggest using this solely for junior high or high school students.
ANIMOTO.COM
Animoto is a Web 2.0 tool that allows users to create videos on any topic using pictures, text, video clips, and music. It is an easy way to showcase creativity and can be used as either an activity or an assessment. Animoto can be used in a lesson to display information in accordance with the lesson, or contrarily be offered for students as an activity for assessment. For learners that tend to have difficulty expressing themselves on paper, Animoto can be a helpful tool to showcase creativity. Animoto is licensed for users aged 13 years or older.