Web 2.0


Useful tools for junior high science 



EVERNOTE

www.evernote.com

Evernote is a tool that can be used for note taking in class. In addition to the average typed notes, however, this tool can take pictures and record audio notes, and it is all sharable. These are a different, more sophisticated form of notes that change how students express themselves and their knowledge. 

My subject of focus is junior high science, and this tool is useful because it can be used to take pictures and make notes during labs or in-class experiments so that students can remember exactly what we observed and talked about. This is also useful if a student is unable to attend the lab or class because sometimes drawings that other students made are not sufficient if one does not understand the context. Also, if it is a dissection lab and a student is squimish or allergic, pictures can be taken and shared later so students can view them at their own time so they are not left at a disadvantage.

It is also downloadable for students who may have a special need and are unable to take notes themselves. With the audio recording option, students who are unable to type their own notes still have an efficient way to participate and study. 

This tool is made for adults, however it can be used at all ages, and in schools. Consent is recommended in the Terms of Use. 

 




PREZI

www.prezi.com

The users of Prezi can view or create presentations that can contain uploaded documents, videos, audio files, images, and text. Students can create presentations that best suit their learning needs, because there is no media limitations. For example, one can upload and share any document so long as it is not infringing upon any copyright violations. 

An example of a way it can be used in my science class, is I could have my students do a project at home, and record everything online so they do not need to bring the whole thing to school. They can take pictures of their set up and videos of the experiment itself. Using text or a voice recording, they can explain their hypothesis or anything not obvious in the video, or do a write up if that is required. 

Prezi can also benefit all differnt kinds of learners. If one learns best through audio or visual examples, then pictures, videos, and voice recordings can be used. If one learns better from reading and writing, the focus can be put on written text instead. 

The downside of Prezi, is that it can only be used in my ninth grade class if I teach junior high, because the terms of use state that the user must be 13 years or older, and anyone age 13-18 needs consent from an adult. 



LOOSELEAVES 

www.looseleaves.me 

Looseleaves is a website used for storing ones writings they want to keep organized and easily accessible. It allows the user to comment on blogs and posts with no length limitations, and include pictures by pasting the Looseleaves URL. 

This is a good way for students of any age to take notes, because it is free any easy to simply write down any thoughts, examples, and predictions one might have. It is very useful for students who may have a cognitive disability that does not allow them to be an efficient writer. If even typing proves to be impossible, Looseleaves is shareable, so students who cannot write are not limited to memorization or reading from the textbook, they will have access to their peers notes. Also, if a student has illegible writing and difficulty reading their own notes, this is useful to study from because it is, of course, always legible. 

Looseleaves does not require any sign up, so it is good for all ages.