Technology+Integration

[|Technology Integration Matrix]

Blog of an integration coach

Top 13 Web 2.0 Tools for Classrooms
Posted: January 25, 2012 in [|classroom management], [|Web 2.0] Tags: [|edtech], [|tech ed], [|web 2.0 tools] Every day in my K-8 tech classes, I use a variety of cloud-based tools to enhance the learning experience for my students. There are more of these ‘Web 2.0′ tools than I can keep upHere’s my list of 2011 favorites that have run that gauntlet: Here are a few more great ones that I didn’t consider in my Top 13 because most educators already know about them: Should be on the list, but I’ve had too many problems either in their set-up or stability of their platform: Please take a minute to vote in my poll and share which tool is your favorite. If you have a different one, leave a comment.
 * 1) BigHugeLabs– create trading cards, posters, puzzles, mosaics using the student’s own images. Quick, easy, pain-free and fun
 * 2) **[|Bubbl.us]–**create mind-maps to brainstorm topics. No-frills and easy to use
 * 3) GettingTrickyWithWikis–format wikis with lots of bling to better communicate ideas
 * 4) [|iMindMap] (free version)–create mind maps easily that inspire brainstorming
 * 5) **[|Jing]**–take screenshots and screencasts for free. No ads. Require registration to install software.
 * 6) **[|Polldaddy]**–create surveys and polls and embed them into blogs, wikis, websites (for free)
 * 7) **[|Scribd]**–share lots of document formats with the public or a limited audience for easy viewing online. Embeddable into websites, blogs, and more.
 * 8) **[|Tagxedo]**–create word clouds with unique shapes, colors, that can be saved, printed and embedded to wikis, blogs, etc.
 * 9) Voki– create avatars that interact visually and audibly with others
 * 10) **Wikispaces**–free wikis for educators. They’re simple to use and easy to set up.
 * 11) [|Wolfram Alpha Widget Maker]–instantly add live computational knowledge to your blog or website. Create your own or use someone else’s.
 * 12) **[|WordPress.com]**–build and share a blog with students or classes or colleagues. WordPress is the simplest of the many I’ve tried, with the most options.
 * 13) [|**Xtranormal**] (free version)–produce short films with virtual characters and a text to speech facility
 * **[|Edmodo]**–a micro-blogging service (like Twitter) for teachers and students. Use it to share information, set and collect assignments and more.
 * **[|Glogster]–**create media rich online posters that can be embedded into wikis, blogs and more.
 * [|Google Apps]–offer a suite of Google Apps designed especially for educators. Include Google Docs, Google Mail, and Google Sites
 * [|Khan Academy]–offers a library of over [|2,700 free videos] covering everything from arithmetic to physics, finance, and history and 268 practice exercises,
 * **[|Livebinders]–**organize your resources in an online three ring binder
 * [|Prezi–] [|c] [|reate awesome presentations live and on the web!]
 * [|**Voicethread**–]collaborate online by sharing media and comments. The perfect tool for whole class projects.
 * Wordle–generate word clouds quickly.
 * [|MuseumBox]– lets you d escribe an event, person, or historical period by placing items into a virtual, interactive box. Unfortunately, several times, it has been inoperative and that’s a nonstarter for a teacher. We plan a lesson. All the parts must work reliably.
 * Only2Clicks–a visual collection of website links. Same problem as MuseiumBox.
 * Wallwisher– build a wall to share ideas, online notices, notes, and more. Same complaint as the first two.