Web 2.0 Tools Suitable for the Elementary Classroom


By: Kathleen Ruschkowski


  • Voicethread

    3
  • Glogster

    4
  • Lino

    5
  • Symbaloo

    6


Voicethread

https://voicethread.com/

Voicethread is a Web 2.0 tool that allows the user to create a unique presentation with the ability to insert audio recording, hence the name “voice” thread. This tool has the potential to be very useful in elementary classrooms, especially when teaching students how to read. You can create a presentation for your class that includes not only text, but voice recordings as well, which can help the students to follow along and help to support students who may be at a lower reading level. This tool is great because it engages the students through both audio and visual. The required age of users for this tool is age 13.



Glogster

http://www.glogster.com/

Glogster is a tool that allows the user to create a comprehensive, interactive digital poster, enabling them to embed various forms of media.  It is a fun and attractive resource that can be used in elementary classrooms to display content and illustrate different concepts. This tool can help to reduce barriers for students who have attention disorders or difficulties, because it allows the student to interact with the content being presented, rather than simply reading from a sheet of paper. Children under the age of 13 must have parental permission before using this product.



Lino

http://en.linoit.com/

Lino is a web 2.0 tool that allows users to create a comprehensive canvas with the ability to incorporate various types of media and collaborate with others. It can be a great tool to help facilitate group work in upper elementary or middle school classrooms. The collaborating feature allows students to share ideas with their classmates, ideal for students with speech barriers because it gives them an alternate means of communicating with peers. This product is available to users over the age of 13.



Symbaloo

http://www.symbaloo.com/

Symbaloo is a web 2.0 tool that allows the user to collect and organize a variety of digital tools and resources. This is a great tool for teachers because it allows them to build digital tool kits, providing them with immediate access to their favorite educational resources and websites. This tool can be useful for students as well, in particular those who may struggle with organization because it helps them to collect and display all of their resources in one place. Children under the age of 16 need to have parental consent before using this product.