Web 2.0 Teaching Tools
Tagxedo
http://www.tagxedo.com/ is a useful web 2.0 tool that allows people to create word clouds in many different shapes. You are able to customize many aspects of the word cloud, such as, font, theme, color, orientation and the shapes. Larger words stress more importance and can be a good way of showing meaning.
Teachers could use this in the classroom by showing an interesting way to present creative thinking. Teachers could have students create a word cloud on tagxedo on a certain topic, such as the cold war and have them create a list of words that emphasize it. This could help students who struggle with creative thinking create a detailed study guide to refer back too.
Tagxedo has no limitations in its terms of service.
Edmodo
https://www.edmodo.com/ is a site that allows students and teachers to connect with each other and communicate on a education orientied social networking site. Edmodo takes student polls, allows stydents to view assingments and due dates and continue educational discussions.
This tool is used by teachers to engage students in learning outside the classroom. It creates non-stop learning and also allows students to access resources and learning materials very easily. This tool can provide feedback on class understanding and allow teachers top discover which students are struggling and may need extra help. The terms of service for Emodo require people under the age of 18 to have consent from their parent or guardian to use this site.
Animoto
http://animoto.com/ is a video creation service that converts video clips and pictures to create a movie. You can also add music, styles and words. You can then share this creation with anyone you wish to view it. Animoto can be used on the web or via mobile app.
Teachers could use this in school to create a movie that describes a certain topic. For example if students are learning about World War 2, they can make a movie with Animoto that has music, words and pictures that describe and entail what lead up to the war and what caused it. This is a valuable tool to help students that struggle with testing or writing essays, express their creative with a movie. the students creations would reflect their interest and knowledge of the subject and would be more fun than note taking.
Animoto is designed for people 13 years of age and older although certain provisions are available for schools that can enagage younger students into Animoto.