Tools in the Web 2.0 Classroom

Tools in the Web 2.0 Classroom

In this eBook, we take a look at Web 2.0 tools that can be used in the classroom and outline their benefits

bubble.us is an online tool for brainstorming. This website allows students to electronically brainstorm and create mindmaps. 

bubble.us is a free resource and open to any age, as long as they have an email address. It requires a username, password and email address in order to make an account. 

This mindmapping tool could be used in many different educational instances...

For one, a student could use it on their own time for study purposes to break down information.  A teacher could also assign a project where a student must make a mindmap on a particular topic.  Or, students could use this tool to add a creative edge to a multimedia project.

From experience, it is easy to use and is a great way to organize ideas.

bubble.us would be especially beneficial to visual learners and "hands-on" who like to connect ideas and see that representation in an organized manner.  

Glogster EDU is an online tool designed specifically for students and teachers.

It is a poster-making resource that allows students to create their own interactive posters. Students can choose from many templates, upload photos and add audio files.  

Glogster EDU allows teachers to manage a class acount and have access to his/her students' posters.  The teacher can simply invite students to a class glogster account via email.  

Glogster EDU is free, but can be updated at a cost.  There is no age limit and students can either sign in using a pre-existing google account or by creating a new one. 

This tool is great for visual learners, or students who love to be creative with their assignments.  Students are also able to work on their posters at any time. 

VoiceThread is an online audio tool open to everyone.  It works in K-12 classrooms for projects, by teachers, university students and businesses. 

VoiceThread is a free source that allows you to record your voice and put it to an image or presentation.  It is easy to use and adds a special dimension to your work.

There is no age restriction and it is free to use!

VoiceThread breaks down educational barriers for certain learners. This tool not only helps audio-visual learners, but it can also be effectively used by the visually impaired. Teachers can use VoiceThread recordings in their lectures and presentations to ensure that ALL learners are given the opportunity to get the most out of the material.

It's also just a fun way to spice up your schoolwork!

Here are a few ideas that teachers/students can use the Web 2.0 tools discussed earlier.

bubble.us:

-use in a lecture

-class presentation

-use for study purposes

-assign a topic to each student in a class and have them create a mind map

-have students plan their essays using bubbl.us

Glogster:

-create a personal poster

-use in a lecture

-class presentation

-assign a chapter/topic of the subject you're teaching to each student and have them create a glog...share in class for an interesting and creative review class

VoiceThread:

-add audio to your lectures

-use your voice recordings in class projects/presentations

-take a screen shot of electronic notes and add audio for studying

-help accommodate audio learners