Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom
Twitter ( https://twitter.com/ ) is Web 2.0 tool that allows users to create social networks and build connections with other people. This includes being able to share links, pictures and videos. Users can sign up and access twitter using any web browser to their liking and is also able to use this on phone devices by downloading the app.
It could be used in education by allowing a variety of ways in which students can interact with each other through accessing pictures, videos and links. Students can post links and information regarding to classes. They can also share files among classmates. This would be very useful for group projects or class discussion in general because there is access to extensive amount of information that students need on different topics. Students are provided with more flexible ways to share information and resources.
It would reduce barriers for those students in need of varied resources other than their teacher and fellow classmates to start brainstorming ideas. Also, for those students who do not express their opinions in class because they may not be as confident can share their opinions and thoughts on certain topics which the class can access and so can the teacher. It may be a good way to track student's interests.
The required age of users is 13 which is suitable for a high school secondary level class.
Evernote ( https://evernote.com/ ) is a Web 2.0 tool for note taking. This tool allows users to change the ways that they can express themselves. Some of the special features in the tool include taking pictures and saving them to the notes. Students are also able to create multiple notebooks and also create audio notes which they can share.
This tool could be used in education because it allows students to create varied methods to express themselves in multiple ways. The ability for them to use different types of note taking settings allows students to express their knowledge in a way which is most familiar to them and best meets their diverse needs.
Evernote can reduce barriers for those students who are restricted to a certain way of learning. For example, if such a student had trouble writing, they would be able to take audio notes instead. Also, a student could represent their notes using pictures if they were a visual learner to solve a problem as opposed to simply writing down the information.
Users have to be 13 years old or older. However, permission is granted for schools to create accounts for students under the age of 13 with the condition that they agree and follow the terms of agreement.
Prezi ( http://prezi.com/ ) is a Web 2.0 tool which allows users to view and create presentations using the platform provided. Users can upload documents, videos, images, text and even audio files to organize their presentation for a desired outcome.
This app could be used in education by allowing students to have the freedom of choice to create presentations in any way that best adapts to their learning needs. They are not limited to the sources of media they choose to represent their knowledge.
This would reduce the learning barriers for students who are visual and learn more efficiently with the active presentation of materials and concepts as opposed to simply learning from the teacher's perspective. Also, it allows students to organize their knowledge to their liking and would reduce barriers for those students who like to plan and present their process of thinking in their own way.
The minimum age requirement for using this tool is 13 years old.