Web 2.0 Tools In The Classroom

Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom

A Critique of Three Tools that Can be Used in the Classroom 

Name of the tool: Announcify

Web address of the tool:

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/announcify/mmiolkcfamcbpoandjpnefiegkcpeoan

 Brief description of what the purpose of the tool is/what it does:

This tool is provided through Google Chrome and is used as a type of Text to Speech software.  It will read out a section of a page or an entire webpage to a user, instead of the user reading it to themselves. 

Short description of how it could be used in education:

This tool can be used in education in many ways.  One in particular is for children who are struggling readers and are asked to do research for another subject.  Using this tool they will have the computer read out the information to them.  This tool can also be used for students who may not be able to read a particular word, or if they want to write jot notes while the content is read aloud to them.  This helps with auditory learners.

Short description of how this tool could remove or reduce barriers for certain learners

This tool could be used cross-curricular but would be especially helpful with struggling readers. For example, within the Social Studies Program of Studies, it does not indicate that a student must be able to read in order to do their work.  If a student is required to do research. they can use this tool by having the information read aloud to them by the computer.  This would remove a barrier for child who has lower level reading abilities. 

Statement about the required age of users, if any, according to the tool’s terms of service

There is not a required age for users of these tools, which makes it easy for children to download at home through chrome.  Many schools now have chrome books and I Think this tool would be beneficial to have on each of them.  Like any other tool, educators must limit the use to those who need it and make it clear when it is appropriate to be used.

Name of the tool: Starfall

Web address of the tool:

http://www.starfall.com/

Brief description of what the purpose of the tool is/what it does:

This literacy tool is a website that can be used in the classroom to help students improve upon their reading skills.  This website is geared towards grades Pre K-2.  This website is set up with many different strategies to help children learn the different mechanics of reading.

Short description of how it could be used in education

This literacy tool is a great one to use in education.  This can be used as a group or as a center.  If the class has a whole set of computers, the teacher could have each child work on a skill that they struggle with (Predetermined by the teacher) or this tool can be used as a literacy center that students rotate through to work on a skill that possible the whole class may need some extra practice with.

 Short description of how this tool could remove or reduce barriers for certain learners

This tool is more interactive and possible more visually appealing to some learners.  Learners who have trouble writing letters or using manipulative, can use this online website.  Also, students who has trouble with a lecture format, will be able to work on this individually or in groups on a more interesting medium.

Statement about the required age of users, if any, according to the tool’s terms of service

This website has no required age, but it is stated that it is geared towards children in grades Pre K-2. 

Name of the tool: Geoboard 

Web address of the tool:

http://www.mathlearningcenter.org/web-apps/geoboard/

Brief description of what the purpose of the tool is/what it does:

This online Mathematics tool is used for children to make shapes using an online geoboard with virtual elastics.  Some schools have physical geoboards but some do not have the money to have these.  This tool is used by children to manipulate the different shapes that can be made based on Geometry units of Elementary Education. 

Short description of how it could be used in education:

This tool is directly related to education as outcomes related to geometry are present in all elementary grades.  Students can used this geoboard to find different shapes, make certain ones, understand the differences between different shapes etc.  The possibilities are endless with this board.  As mentioned previously, it is especially helpful for schools who may not have a class set of geoboards but have a school set of computers.  In addition, this could be used as a math centre. 

Short description of how this tool could remove or reduce barriers for certain learners:

Having this geoboard online can help those students with fine mortar difficulties.  Placing the elastics on the board can be difficult and having this option can help this barrier be completely removed.

Statement about the required age of users, if any, according to the tool’s terms of service

This website has no required age, but it would be useful for any grade that has a geometry component as part of the Mathematics Program of Studies.