Web 2.0 Tools For The Classroom
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Twitter
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Prezi
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VoiceThread
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Twitter is a social-networking site that allows users to send and share "tweets" with followers. Tweets are limited to 140 characters, but can include links to photo, audio or video. Twitter can be accessed with a computer at the web address and through a free smart phone app.
Twitter can be used in the classroom to provide a forum for teachers and students outside of class, to conevey to students information about assigments and due dates, provide links to relevent sites, help students track current events, and facilitate discussion between students.
In regards to different types of learners, Twitter is a good tool to use for students who may have trouble with attention span and focusing. The 140 character limit to tweets conveys information quickly and efficiently, with little reading. Links to different sites and types of media can keep easily bored students engaged. Twitter is also accessible to all students who have a home computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone, making it inclusive for most.
Twitter has no age restriction, however using Twitter may expose users to mature content and I would not recommend Twitter for elementary-aged students.
Prezi
Prezi is a virtual online canvas on which to present ideas and information. Users can create presentations in a variety of templates, and are able to zoom in and out of their slides. Prezi is cloud-based, allowing users to view their saved content from any device, including through a free smartphone app.
Prezi can be used in by students to create visual presentations to demonstrate what they have learned as an alternative to traditional essay or test form. Students can work individually or in groups to create a Prezi. In addition, teachers can provide lecture notes or study guides in Prezi form, that can be accessed by students online from home.
In regards to different types of learners, Prezi is very good for visual learners. The tool also will aid students who are a bit slower at taking notes or have difficulty remembering content covered in class because they can access and review the slides at any time. Presenting a Prezi may be a good alternative for students who have difficulty expressing themselves through writing, enabling them to organize their ideas in point form and express their thoughts verbally. Students can also improve their public speaking skills through oral presentation. Students who work well in groups will enjoy collaborating with others to create a Prezi.
Users must be 13 years of age to create a Prezi account. However, elementary teachers could still create their own Prezis for use in class.
VoiceThread
VoiceThread is an app where users can upload, share and discuss documents, presentations, images, audio files and videos. Over 50 different types of media can be used in a VoiceThread. Users can on VoiceThread slides using one of five powerful commenting options: microphone, webcam, text, phone, and audio-file upload.
Students can create a VoiceThread individually or as a group. Teachers can create VoiceThreads to share with students as an extra resource in addition to lecture notes. Students are able to access VoiceThreads from home as a way to review content or communicate with each other.