Tools that make a difference
The introduction of Web 2.0 tools along with the debut of tablets and portable computing, has created new opportunities to utilize technology in the classroom. The inclusion of tablets in the classroom has lead the way for the use of educational apps. Although in some cases they may seem the same, apps and Web 2.0 tools are very different. Apps are different than Web 2.0 tools because they are small programs that are downloaded from iTunes, Google Play, Amazon and Windows Store and reside on the device. This is different than Web 2.0 tools that are available online and can be accessed using a web browser (Solomon & Schrum, 2014, p. 216).
The explosion in popularity of these new technological advances have had an impact on teaching and learning. The advent of tablets and cellphones have led to the push for 1:1 classrooms and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. A research study carried out by Texas University at Austin reviewed 9 different studies on m-learning (mobile learning tools) and its impact on education. The study found that students that were involved with m-learning, experienced greater achievement and an improved attitude towards learning (liu et al., 2014, p. 352). M-learning affords teachers the awesome opportunity to increase student interest and achievement, if the right tools and pedagogical approach are incorporated.
The explosion in popularity of these new technological advances have had an impact on teaching and learning. The advent of tablets and cellphones have led to the push for 1:1 classrooms and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. A research study carried out by Texas University at Austin reviewed 9 different studies on m-learning (mobile learning tools) and its impact on education. The study found that students that were involved with m-learning, experienced greater achievement and an improved attitude towards learning (liu et al., 2014, p. 352). M-learning affords teachers the awesome opportunity to increase student interest and achievement, if the right tools and pedagogical approach are incorporated.
Padlet is a great Web 2.0 collaborative tool for the classroom. Padlet allows educators to post questions to the classroom and receive immediate feedback in real-time. The students do not need to create accounts to post their information, making it compatible with all age levels. The power behind Padlet, is its ease of use, and its ability to receive immediate feedback. Padlet can do much more than just text, it is also capable of sharing pictures, MP3s, videos and documents. According to Solomon and Schrum (2014), "If you know how to 'drag and drop,' or type, then using it will literally take seconds to create a dynamic collaborative webpage (p. 294).
The claims of Padlet's ease of use cannot be understated. After using the program for only a few minutes I was able to create a question and post it for others to comment on. Within seconds I began collecting responses to my question, and I was able to display it on the screen for everyone to see. As the answers began to pour in, further questions and responses were generated starting a real collaborative conversation.
The claims of Padlet's ease of use cannot be understated. After using the program for only a few minutes I was able to create a question and post it for others to comment on. Within seconds I began collecting responses to my question, and I was able to display it on the screen for everyone to see. As the answers began to pour in, further questions and responses were generated starting a real collaborative conversation.
Voki is another exciting Web 2.0 tool that allows users to create an avatar that can speak online. Voki is a useful because it allows students to express themselves online in safe environment. Using this tool students have the ability to be engaged in instruction and express their thoughts with more than just text. According to Solomon and Schrum (2014), “because Voki is a presentation tool, students are more actively involved in the learning process of writing" (p. 323). This tool can be used with any content area and grade level. The tool is free and available for any students 13 year old and older. Although the tool is free for everyone, it restricts the user to only 5 publications, not to mention embed options and additional avatar features are available for an additional fee.
Keynote is an extremely powerful presentation app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. According to iTunes Keynote it is, “the most powerful presentation app ever designed for a mobile device” (iTunes, 2015). Although this quote maybe a little exaggerated, Keynote is none the less an impressive app with lots of potential. Keynote has vast array of presentation themes with stunning graphics. I was very impressed with how easy the program was to use with the iPad. I downloaded the application to my iPad, and within minutes I was able to create a powerful presentation. The tool allows users to create presentations that include, pictures, charts, video and graphs. Once a presentation is completed you can upload it to your iCloud account, email and iTunes. There is even an option that will allow you convert the presentation to PowerPoint or PDF. .
Assessing Student Learning
Screencast-O'-Matic is the screen capture tool I selected to create my video presentation about the online assessment tool, Socrative. Screen capturing is the ability to record anything that appears on the screen, include voice narration and even a video of yourself through the use of a webcam. Screencast-O'-Matic is an excellent screen capture program, because it is so simple to setup and use. It does not require any elaborate installation or login procedure, just signup and you are up and running. After completing the recording, I located the folder it was stored in, and immediately uploaded it to YouTube. Within minutes of creating my screencast it was available on the internet for everyone to see. What makes Screencast-O'-Matic so powerful is its simple setup and use. Although the program does not offer the power of other screen capture programs such as Camtasia, it is very extremely easy to setup and use. The simplicity of the program is what makes it so great to use in the classroom. Often time educators roll out extremely complicated applications that can turn a simple project into a major endeavor.
Liu, M., Scordino, R., Geurtz, R., Navarrete, C., Ko, Y., & Lim, M. (2014). A look at research on mobile learning in K–12 education from 2007 to the present. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 46(4), 325-372. doi:10.1080/15391523.2014.925681
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2014). Web 2.0: How-to for educators (2nd ed.). Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2014). Web 2.0: How-to for educators (2nd ed.). Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.