A Sample of Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom
By Benjamin Bouwsema
Slideshare
www.slideshare.net
Allows the storage and sharing of presentations, and the creation of a slidecast or narrated presentation.
Students could be asked to create presentations and upload them. Then they would be assigned another group's presentation and have to make a slidecast for it, helping them to learn about that presentation in the process.
This could be a very useful tool for students who have difficulty writing long papers. They will be able to communicate their ideas via slides and pictures, as well as verbally. Thus offering a variety of dfiferent methods for students with different skills. The fact the slidecast is recorded beforehand and can be played in class means students with social anxieties could present to their classmates more easily via prerecorded commentary.
Slideshare will not let you sign up unless you are over 13 years of age.
Powerpoint
office.microsoft.com/powerpoint
Presentation software, easy to use, and allows for a variety of stylistic flourishes.
Students could be asked to create a powerpoint presentation on a topic in the curriculum.
There is no stated age limitation on the use of Powerpoint
This is helpful for students who have difficulty organizing their thoughts when writing, or who are more visual learners. Visual aids of many kinds can be incorporated, and artistic students will be more stimulated as they demonstrate their knowledge of the assigned material.
Mindmeister
www.mindmeister.com
A tool for creating mind-maps which can be edited by multiple people.
Students could be asked to create a mind map in groups about a topic from the curriculum.
This will help students who are uncomfortable with working alone, as they will be collaborating with their peers to finish the mind map and co-ordinate their ideas.
There is no stated age limitation on the use of Mindmeister