One topic that many of our class sessions seemed to focus on was all of the different Web 2.0 tools and how we could incorporate them into our classrooms. As I started reading through the different resources that our teacher provided for us, I was amazed to see how many Web 2.0 tools there actually were! I didn't know most of them even existed! While looking through them, so many ideas were coming into my head as to how I would be able to use these tools in a classroom. Let's face it...as teachers, this is what our world is coming to and this is the way of the future. Pretty soon, there won't even be chalk boards or white boards in any classrooms...Everything will be technology-based. That's why it's so important now to get a grip on this technology and slowly start integrating it into our lessons that we teach our students.
One of our assignments based on this topic was to pick two (2) Web 2.0 tools out of the millions that exist out there and explain how we would use each of them in the classroom. When I found out that we could only pick two, I wasn't even sure where to begin! How was I ever going to decided on just two?? However, after doing a little research on a couple of them that seemed to stand out at me, I narrowed my choices down to Flowgram and Quizlet. Flowgram is a tool that allows its users to create interactive guided presentations by combining an assortment of web pages, Power Points, and photos. Another option this program has is that it allows you to record your voice into your presentation. This is a feature that I think all students would enjoy because it really adds that personal, unique touch. The presenter can record his or her voice to narrate and guide his or her audience through the presentation, and give them the opportunity to explain what everything is about. I could definitely see myself using this tool in my classroom in the future. This could be used to create a project in just about any subject area. Two subject areas in particular that I would definitely use this program for are Social Studies and Science. For a Social Studies project, the students could choose a historical figure or event that took place in history, include a variety of web pages that highlight that person's life or details relative to that event, design a Power Point that discusses that person or event, then record his or her own voice into it to guide his or her audience through the presentation and explain what everything is. The same concept applies for a science project. For example, if the students were to create a project on the human heart, they could include different web pages that explain the different parts of the heart, pictures of the heart, a Power Point presentation about what the function of the heart is and all its different parts, maybe include a You Tube video on how the heart works, then again, record his or her own voice into it to guide their audience through the entire project. This is great way for students to really personalize their work.
The second Web 2.0 tool that I thought was interesting was Quizlet. Quizlet is an excellent study tool that, in my opinion, would be geared more towards Junior High School students and older. Quizlet allows students to create their own flash cards on any topic, or they could copy and paste facts from other people's cards, they can play games, take tests and quizzes, and they can even set up study groups. This is also a great tool for teachers in that they can create study sessions which allow the students to sign in and all of the material is already set up by the teacher for the student groups to study together. What's nice about it is that there are quizzes, tests, and games on almost every content area subject. I think this would promote healthy study habits among the students and keep them engaged and interested in the material. If I were to teach at the secondary level, this is a tool that I would definitely use with my students.
Take a look at this video about Using Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom! Very informative!
Flowgram
Quizlet
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I really like Quizlet, too. I'm happy that I learned about it this semester. It's great when learning is made into a game or contest. Even without the game aspect, the visual, interactive format really appeals to students. You are right that something like quizlet would keep students engaged, which is our main challenge these days!
ReplyDeleteHey Nicole!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Flowgram before, but it sounds like a great program to use in the classroom! To tell you the truth, the voice recording option sounds a lot like the features of "Voice Thread," which I have used in the classroom. I love the fact that this program touches upon many different learning styles and gives students a lot of options!
Nicole I felt the same, I was amazed at how many web 2.0 tools there are. Of course I had heard of twitter, blogging, and PPT but the rest of these are new to me. Your right about chalkboards and whiteboards becoming extinct. We already have some classrooms in my school that have replaced them with smartboards.
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