Web 2.0

Web 2.0 Resources

Karley Shewchuk

EDU 210

Webspiration (http://www.mywebspiration.com) is essentially a tool for creating mind maps. It is a "diagramming, mapping and outlining service" (www.inpiration.com/webspirationclass).  Mind maps, when used effectively, can be a great way to demonstrate cause and effect, interrelationships and clarify thinking.  

In the classroom, Webspiration can be used as a tool to facilitate learning for students who prefer visual learning.  For students who have language difficulties, reading or writing, creating a mind map is a way to use images and less words to demonstrate their understanding.  It can be a tool to replace a traditional essay as it can show student's learning and relationships.  Webspiration can be used to brainstorm and plan, organize and write, collaborate, give feedback and reflect on it.

Webspiration suggests that it is a tool best suited for grade 5 to grade 12.  I would use it in a high school classroom after briefly demonstrating how it is used. 

Blabberize (www.blabberize.com) is a neat tool that can be used at any grade level. It allows you to upload any photo, create a "mouth" on the object, and record speech.  I would encourage you to watch the example on the website to get an idea of what the website can be used for.  

It would be an ideal tool for students who have good senses of humor and do not respond welll to a traditional style of teaching such as lecture and writing notes.  A great example of using blabberize would be a high school english class starting Shakespeare.  You could upload a photo of Shakespeare and then record a speech in first person and have Shakespeare himself discuss his history and his ideas about whatever play or poem you are discussing.  Or a student who had difficulties arituclating themselves through a written reflection could upload a picture of themselves and "blabberize" it to present their ideas.  

Speaking Image (www.speakingimage.org) is a tool to create interactive images that can be collaborated and shared with others.  It is rather technical so may be best suited for high school students.  

Images are uploaded to speaking image, you can add text, and other pictures to help to explain or draw attention to particular aspects of that photo.  For example, if you were doing a social studies lesson on politics and you were explaining the process of government, you could upload a picture of the legislature and then draw attention to the different roles of say, the premiere, the speaker, ministers, MLA's, etc.  

For students that are visually impaired, learn better by visual stimulous, have troubles paying attention, or having difficulties reading and writing, this resource can be an effective alternative to both teaching and assessment for students.