Thursday, July 28, 2011

Web 2.0 Tools I have explored

Web 2.0 and What it has to Offer the Classroom!


There are so many great Web 2.0 tools out there. Many of the students we teach are tuned into these tools and actively using them each day, while some of us teachers are at a loss trying to figure out ways of connecting to our students with this new technology. For each Web 2.0 tool I introduce and discuss in this blog, I will also provide examples of how they could be used for teaching and student learning. All of these tools were new to me. I had a little exposure to glogs in a PD (professional Development) day this last year, but the lesson just skimmed the surface of what it offers.



BLOGS
Wow! I am creating a blog right now! (My first attempt at one anyway.)

Since I am creating a blog, perhaps it is most appropriate to explain first off what a blog exactly is. Blogs are sites that are set up to allow users to leave comments and messages on a topic. A blog can include text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media that may be related to the topic. Discussions can be held on blogs creating a threaded discussion. There are many sites that offer free blog space such as this one that I am currently on- blogger.com and there is also http://edublogs.org/- that offers free blogging to teachers and students.
Teachers can use blogs in the following ways..
  • Post questions for students to respond to
  • Use as a means of formative assessment
  • Upload notes, handouts, assignments for students to locate if needed
  • Journaling
  • Use as a means of communication with other teachers
  • Share lesson plans, video links, or feedback
  • Communicate with parents by providing a parent page for questions or comments 
For student learning students can use blogs in the following ways...
  • Students can participate in a continuous discussion with teacher and peers on a specific topic or subject
  • Students can communicate with pen pals in different cities, states, or even countries
  • Feedback and constructive criticism given to others on their projects or writing pieces
  • Work in teams communicating about how to complete their project
  • Gather and share information 
  • Share resources that may help aid in the understanding of a specific topic

TWITTER
The last Web 2.0 tool I explored was Twitter...Twitter is a social networking site where users can post updates called “tweets” in real time and others can read and comment upon them. Updates may only reach up to 140 characters. One can register for a Twitter account at Twitter.com . Below is a video on how to
 use Twitter.
Teachers can use Twitter in the following ways...
  • Instant feedback
  • answering student/parent questions
  • Enabling discussion outside of class
  • Make announcements
  • Notifications about completed assignments
  • Keep parents informed
  • Set up a poll
  • ________ of the day- word, book, song, quote, vocabulary- encourage families to talk about it!
Ways in which Twitter could enhance student learning....
  • Let the teacher know when they have completed an assignment
  • Write a short poem
  • Ask teacher clarifying questions
  • Follow conferences of certain professionals
  • Communicate with professionals in the industry
  • Share a story- each student contributes to creating the story

GLOGS
The next Web 2.0 tool that I explored was glogging on Glogster.com.  Create a glog to show their understanding of a book
Glogster allows the user to express your moods, feelings, and ideas. It goes beyond the traditional text and video of blogging. Glogster allows you to create a digital poster that reflects and communicates with others your own personal style. It gives you the options of selecting a colorful background, inserting shapes and characters from the galleries, add text, videos, photos, and or music!
Teachers can use glogs in the following ways...
  • Eliminate using poster board to present a topic
  •  Design a page to introduce yourself to your students and parents
  • Create an example for a book report or other projectInclude videos and animated clip art to engage students
  • Play music from your favorite artist including pictures
  • Link a series of pages to introduce a project
For student learning, students can use glogs in the following ways...
  • Report on a historical event using pictures, videos, voice
  • Design an autobiographyCreative reflections on literary projects
Here is an example of a glog one of my colleagues created- http://ruselowski.edu.glogster.com/false/

There is also the option of Glogster EDU. The website below describes furthermore what Glogster and Gloster EDU is and what each site provides for teachers and students. http://trendingeducation.com/?p=271

Here is a simple glog I created using glogster.com.

Teachers can use Picasa in the following ways...

PICASA
The next Web 2.0 tool I explored is called Picasa. Picasa is a free software program provided by Google that allows you to share your photos with others. There are many different options with this program that allow you to insert text, create a video slide show, create a collage, edit your pictures to make them the way you want, and then print them. This software program will store all of your photos in an organized manner. The nice thing also, is that you can always go back to your original photo  if you make a mistake! You can download Picasa for free at http://picasa.google.com/
  • Create a slide show for open houses
  • Create a slide show for end of the year celebration
  • Collage of pictures for holiday gifts
  • Share photos of school events with other staff members or families
  • Use as a visual aid for teaching students
  • Helps organize pictures on computers
Picasa can be used for student learning in the following ways...
  • Create stories using pictures
  • Design Autobiography collage
  • Show their understanding of a concept by putting pictures in order
  • Document student work with digital cameras and uploading them
  • Use to organize for yearbook creation


Here is an example of a collage I created in Picasa of my family trip down to Tennessee!