Web 2.0 Tools
Tools for the Teacher
JP Classroom
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Twitter
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Tackk
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Pinterest
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Twitter is a Web 2.0 tool that allows users to microblog and connect via social media. Users may insert tweets with 140 characters, or even post audio visual material.
Users may access Twitter using any web browser on a computer or iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch and Android device apps.
Twitter in the Classroom
Twitter can be easily adapted for use in several different subjects. Students could use it for English Language Arts and the Humanities, and create accounts for literary/historical figures. Twitter could also be used to create poetry, or theme statements due to the succinct nature of the tweets. Students would have to learn to be precise with their language.
Twitter gives the option for students who are not necessarily comfortable with traditional modes of writing, or who struggle with literacy. This would give them a mode of communication to use that they may have more practice using.
While Twitter has officially removed the age requirement for users, company policy states that it is not directed toward students under the age of 13. See their Terms of Service for more information.
Tackk is a Web 2.0 tool that lest users easily create webpages, blogs, posters, and pretty much anything you would need to write down. It is also cross-platform, and free; Tackk is a simple publishing platform.
Tackk is a flexible program that allows for user customization of colors, format, text and images, and could be easily applied to almost any subject-area class of any grade. For instance, a grade 7 science class could have students create a website with facts about frogs on it, and include videos and images as well.
This program would reduce barriers for students who are visual learners. They could use their skills to demonstrate their knowledge of frogs, and their understanding of its biology and ecology. Tackk can engage these students who may not have the strongest literacy skills, and who would not be as engaged by just reading a textbook.
Tackk's regulations include that subscribers must be at least 13 years of age. See their Terms of Service for more information.
Pinterest is a Web 2.0 tool that allows users to organize their favorite online content and categorize it in whatever way they like: starting a project, making a collection, planning a trip.
Pinterest can be adapted to the classroom use for almost any subject matter. For example, a grade 9 Social Studies teacher could have students collect material on the Canadian branches of government, and have them distinguish between them. For instance, students could collect pictures of the Prime Minister for the executive branch, and the Supreme Court justices for the judicial branch.
Pinterest would reduce barriers for students who struggle with traditional literacy issues, but who are strong visual learners. This would give them a different outlet from which they could demonstrate their learning and mastery of content.
Pinterest's Terms of Service state that anyone under the age of 13 is prohibited.