My Two Cents...

A review of 8 technology tools and their appropriateness in the classroom.

Each tool is rated on a scale of 1 - 5.

delicious

• Score: 5/5
• http://delicious.com/
• Delicious is a web service that allows users to mark, save, and share bookmarks. I find Delicious beneficial as both an educator and student. , I have been unable to locate sites on more than one occasion because it did not occur to me to bookmark the URL. I am confident that fate will never occur again, particularly since I am a Delicious user. Delicious can be used in a number of ways in the classroom. Teachers can monitor student progress during research assignments by assigning students a deadline to submit a specified amount of bookmarks. Through networking, students can explore the bookmarks of the instructor as well as their peers and save relevant sites. The implementation of this tool in the classroom not only promotes the integration of technology, it also encourages organization and research skills.

Firefox

• Score:5/5
• http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/upgrade.html
• Firefox is a free, user-friendly web browser that fulfills many of the same tasks as popular browsers such as Safari and Internet Explorer. The tabbed browser allows the flexibility to navigate between several pages without logging out of open accounts, such as email or Moodle. Searches are made easy with the integrated search engine; simply click your desired search engine from the drop down menu. In addition to the attractive features mentioned, the icing on the cake is that Firefox provides swift results. This browser is often utilized to conduct searches for content material while planning lesson plans. I plan to use this browser in my classroom; the user-friendly interface may prove to be the most effective browser for students of varying ability levels.

Moodle

• Score: 4/5
• http://campus.uogdistance.com/
• Moodle is an online course management system used by the University of Guahan. The system enables online course access. Professors post assignments, grades, and quizzes. Moodle also consists of a blog and forum, allowing students and instructors the opportunity extend contact past the traditional lectures. I would use Moodle to communicate with my students through the forum and blog. I would also post assignments and grades. Overall, Moodle is a useful tool that reinforces the use of technology in education.

Google Applications – Google Docs

• Score: 5/5
• http://www.google.com
• Google Docs allow users the ability to create and share a variety of online documents. The options run the gamut, from word processing and spreadsheets to forms and presentations. This tool offers educators and students a myriad of benefits. The tool affords collaborations; users can share documents, spreadsheets, presentations. Users are able to view and edit projects simultaneously. Since the documents can be created and stored in the app, there is no need to email attachments. The app promotes technology and provides students with the computer skills needed for success in college and the workforce. In addition to the benefits mentioned, this tool is free. Purchasing packages such as Microsoft Word may be a barrier to many students and that is not the case for Google Apps. As an educator, I would require students share their assignments versus print. I would also use this tool during Cooperative Learning Groups. In closing, I view Google Docs as a valuable tool for teachers and students alike.

Ning

• Score: 2/5
• http://www.ning.com/
• According to their site, Ning is the social platform for the world’s interests. Ning also touts that they are the site that allows users to network and build relationships with like-minded people. The site appears attractive and the product descriptions make the services sound user friendly. I am curious as to how many users the service will attract once the revamped site launches on July 20, 2010. The site provides a number of benefits to teachers and students, particularly the opportunity to network with other users. The site affords student the opportunity to broaden their horizons. After navigating the site, I discovered several drawbacks that would prevent me from using the site in the classroom. The first drawback is the fee, although minimal. The cheapest product, Ning Mini, costs $2.95/month. The site advertises that this option is the easiest and quickest way to set up a social network of 150 people. Another drawback is the network size given high school teachers can have 150+ students. I would not use this tool in the classroom and would instead choose a free alternative.

Prezi

• Score: 4/5
• http://prezi.com/
• Prezi is a web-based presentation tool that uses a map layout. Presenters zoom in and out to show contextual relationships within the presentation. Prezi is free for public users with a maximum storage space of 100MB; a fee is charged to users who wish to keep their presentations private. Educators have the option of purchasing Edu Enjoy or Edu Pro to increase storage space and features. Users are not limited to store their Prezi online as there is an option to download the presentation. Another benefit is the share option; collaborators can access and edit the presentation. I believe this tool will be a great addition to multimedia lectures in the classroom. Prezi may prove to engage a student population raised on video games and MySpace. The only drawback is the learning curve. It will take some practice to gain competency and more practice to master Prezi. Thankfully, the site is full of tutorials and the manual is user friendly. In closing, Prezi is a free and exciting presentation tool that I highly recommend.

TokBox

• Score: 4/5
• http://www.tokbox.com
• TokBox provides users with a hassle-free web-conferencing service. Users can sign-up for a free account to participate in online video chat sessions, with up to 20 people at once, or send video messages. Not only is TokBox free, it does not require additional additional downloads and will work on a Mac or PC. Teachers can use TokBox to communicate with students during winter and spring vacations. Teachers can assign a number of activities that require students to send video messages, thus strengthening their technology and communication skills. The feature can also build bridges between cultures and countries. Teachers can network with counterparts across the globe to establish video chats between their students. I would recommend TokBox to future users and think it is a great technology resource to use in the classroom.

Weebly

• Score: 4/5
• http://www.weebly.com/
• Weebly is a free website creation site that touts their drap-and-drop editor as one of the main features. The site is user-friendly and novice techies, such as yours truly, do not need to know the latest skills or HTML codes to create their site. Teachers can create a free site-from start to finish- for their class. The class site will enable students and parents to keep up with assignments and other updates. The site, if maintained and user-friendly, will encourage communication between parents and the teacher. The site can also serve as a project for students. The assignment of a long-term project to create and maintain a website will promote technology in the classroom and provde an artifact for student portfolios. As a Weebly user, I did find the service user friendly. The only drawbacks include the limited number of templates, color options, and other features. In closing, the positives outweigh the drawback and I would recommend the site in the classroom.