The change from looking for information and resources on the web to modifying/creating is an opportunity for teachers to invigorate the learning environment. Today's Web 2.0 sites give power to learners and educators to customize, interact and participate. Students (and teachers) respond very positively to real, meaningful tasks. There are actually so many tools that it may be difficult for teachers to find a starting point. Here are ten tools (for teachers who are ready to make some changes in their learning environment) to try.
Random Word/Name Picker, http://classtools.net/education-games-php/fruit_machine/
Random name/word picker is a fun and easy way to randomly choose a student’s name to answer a question. It can also be used to create a fun game by using spelling words, important dates, keywords from a chapter, etc.
Wordle, http://www.wordle.net
Wordle is technically a “tag” cloud or a visual depiction of user-generated tags (words). The importance of a tag (word) is shown with font size or color. The website is free and does not require an account. Wordle.net creates the tag cloud from text (copied and pasted or typed) or urls.
Tinyurl, http://tinyurl.com
TinyURl is a website used for shortening long URL’s. Copy and paste any url onto the website for a shorter more accessible web address.
Wikipedia, http://www.wikipedia.org/
Wikipedia is a free, web-based, collaborative encyclopedia. The wiki contains approximately three million articles. Most of the articles on the controversial site can be edited by any registered user. The site is praised for its up-to-date information including links to additional resources and criticized for inclusion of unverified information.
Delicious , http://www.delicious.com
Delicious is an easy-to-use bookmarking website where members can organize existing bookmarks, and save more! It has user-friendly “bookmarking buttons” that can be added to the Internet toolbar to quickly add titles, descriptions, and tags. With Delicious, users can access all of their saved bookmarks as well as other members’ public bookmarks from any computer!
Flickr, http://www.flickr.com
Flickr is an online photo management tool that allows registered users to upload, organize and share photos. Flickr is partnered with Picnik to allow for fun and creative ideas to transform photos.
Animoto, http://animoto.com
Animoto is an easy way to turn pictures and uploaded or selected music into videos and post them online. After signing up, unlimited shorts (30-second videos) are free. A free video can include approximately 12-15 pictures. All-access passes which include downloads and longer videos can be purchased.
Twiddla, http://www.twiddla.com/
Twiddla is an interactive whiteboard website/meeting space available for free use with or without an account. Guests on Twiddla, have all the same options as a member, except that the project is public. Becoming a member is an easy one step process. The Twiddla whiteboard is a collaborative space where you and your guests (students) can insert text, upload photos, draw images, mark up websites, or start brainstorming on a blank canvas.
Poll Everywhere, http://www.polleverywhere.com/
Poll Everywhere is a website that functions as a student response system. It has free (30 responders) and advanced options. Teachers can create multiple choice or free text polls (surveys, questions). Responses can be submitted online or by text message, and totals are calculated in real-time online. Reports can be downloaded for use in PowerPoint presentations, etc.
YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/
YouTube is an interactive site where users can search millions of videos, and even upload their own! You don’t have to have an account with YouTube to view videos, but only members are allowed to upload videos. YouTube also gives the option of uploading a video, or immediately creating one directly from your webcam. Some content on YouTube may be inappropriate for students. TeacherTube (http://teachertube.com/) or SchoolTube (http://www.schooltube.com/) may be other options to consider.
Please share your favorites as well as ways you are using them by completing a quick survey or by posting your comments here.
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