Web+2.0+Tools

**Web 2.0 Tools**
Web 2.0 tools are interactive and involve both reading and writing. They can be used to promote collaboration between and among educators and students. They involve users in social networks and participatory culture.

**New! New! New!** from Discovery Learning! Web 2.0: Conquering Technophobia - This site has videos to show exciting Web 2.0 tool possibilities for presentations, videos, images, and more. Very enticing!

[|The Directory of Learning Tools] from the Centre for Learning and Performance Technologies offers a list of Web 2.0 tools by category. Note: Web-hosted ("H") means you work and save your work exclusively online; download ("D") tools reside on your computer as do the artifacts you create.

[|AASL's Best Websites for Learning and Teaching]list includes websites as well as Web 2.0 tools. This is an important list for this course and your future teaching.

Each of the tools listed below may help you in delivering communication, facilitating Web-based discussions, or inviting creativity in responding to literature and information. I have used these tools with K-12 and university students and classroom teacher and school librarian colleagues.

I have used VoiceThread to introduce the course ([|Module 1.1]) and to share the connections between my educational philosophy and wikis ([|Module 1.2]). Interesting aside: T[|he New York Public Library] recently launched their VoiceThread page. Check it out in your spare time.

You will first use a Web 2.0 tool to introduce yourself to the class. This is my example using Animoto: "[|Share the Learning and the Fun]."


 * Here are three Web sites that offer collections of Web 2.0 tools:**


 * WebTools4U2Use: "A wiki for school library media specialists to learn about cool web tools, see how they can be used in school library media programs, and share ideas & success stories."


 * This site hosted by the [|Jordan School District] includes a matrix linking Web 2.0 Tools with Robert Marzano's research-based instructional strategies.


 * Cyber-Librarian Extraordinaire [|Kathy Schrock]has an annotated list of Web 2.0 Tools.

**Collaborative Writing Tools - I have used...**
[|Google Docs] - With a Google account, you can create, edit, and collaboratively work together - at the same time, in real time!

Wikis - [|Wikispaces], [|pbworks], [|Google Sites], and [|wetpaint] are some of the most commonly used wiki tools. Wikis allow groups to collaboratively create and edit collections of Web pages. See the definition of "[|wiki]" in the Wikipedia! Here is a [|blog post]that compares the first three. I have also provided you with a Wiki Tools wikispaces page that is intended to help you choose a wiki tool for as a portfolio and archive of your work in this course.


 * Nutmeg: Spice It Up a Notch with Nutmeg is an example of a literature discussion wiki for intermediate and 'tween readers.


 * WANDA (Works Analyzed Notated Discussed and Archived) Wikiis an award-winning 8th-grade online literature circle facilitated in the 2008-2009 school year by classroom teacher Jennifer Hunt and teacher-librarian Judi Moreillon.


 * Mind Mapping Tools - I have used...**


 * Elementary:**

[|Bubbl.us] - Upper elementary students who have previously used mind mapping tools will be able to use this one. [|myWebspiration]: This brainstorming tool is a free online version of Kidspiration/Inspiration. It includes templates and free-for-all brainstorming possibilities. __[|Wallwisher.com]__ This is a free online tool which allows you to build your own wall of information. You can group your posts together. I think that it is user friendly and visually appealing.


 * Middle and High School:**

[|Mind42.com] This site is easy to join and use for collaboration. (There was a bit of a learning curve for me in using the composing/editing features.) Mind42 offers great export options. GA Liz and I used this site to create the 5443 Course Map. [|MindMeister. com] This site is free for only 30 days. [|myWebspiration]: This brainstorming tool is a free online version of Kidspiration/Inspiration. It includes templates and free-for-all brainstorming possibilities. Mindomo: This is a feature-rich mind mapping application (free basic memberships are available) for experienced or explorative mindmap users. GA Liz used this tool to create the O.D.2.4 mind maps.


 * Creativity Tools - I have used...**

[|Animoto] - This site allows you to create free 30-second videos using your own images and text combined with a selection of free (or fee) music. You can purchase single or multiple longer videos.

[|AndreaMosaic] - This free software program allows you to create photo mosaics.

[|Big Huge Labs] - Home of Flickr Toys - As the site says, it offers users cool things to do with their own photographs!

[|Glogster]- This site allows you to upload images to create cool posters! See my Portrait of a Collaborator example: "[|Achieve Together!]"

[|Newspaper Clippings Generator] - This site offers an authentic-looking newspaper image generator that has applications in many areas of the curriculum. Images can be downloaded, saved, and printed. Other options on this site are: a clapper board, a cigarette pack... See my newspaper clipping generator "Calling all teachers!", Portrait of a Collaborator example made at fodey.com.

[|PhotoPeach] - Use this site to create a slideshow with built in transitions. Simply upload photos, pick a soundtrack, and email or embed it.

[|Photo Story](for PC Users - free downloadable software) - This tool allows you to create a slide show from your digital images with special effects, your own narration, and soundtrack. This is not a Web 2.0 tool, but it's so cool, I had to include it for PC users...

[|Postcard.FM] - Create an audio postcard and email it to a friend. How could you use this in the curriculum?

[|Time Line] - This free site allows you to create, save, share, and embed time lines in other Web documents.

[|Vimeo] - This is a no-cost video-hosting site. Users can set up a password to view their work. This tool is for mature student users.

[|VoiceThread] - This is an excellent tool for creating booktalks. You can make VoiceThreads public or private. You can invite students (friends and family) to view your VoiceThreads and give them the capability to post comments - or not. Here's a sample: Feathers: Booktalk by Dr. M.

[|Voki] - On this site you can make an avatar of yourself! "Tight!"  Wordle - This site can convert text to a "word cloud" image similar to the one on this wiki's home page. To convert a wordle to a .jpeg image file, see these instructions compiled by GA Liz: Wordle_To_JPG.doc

Sources for Copyright-free Images
[|The American Memory Project] (A Project of the Library of Congress) - The images on this site are arranged in categories. Note: "It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the Library's collections. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Researchers must make their own assessments of rights in light of their intended use."

[|Copyright-friendly Images]: Springfield Township High School teacher-librarian Joyce Valenza's collection of links to copyright-friendly images

[|Creative Commons:] You can search Google and Flickr images from this link. Be careful. Not all of the Google images this site retrieves are copyright-free. Don't assume; read copyright information. You can also search for music and videos.

[|Discovery Education]: This copyright-free clip art is organized by topic.

[|The MorgueFile]: This site provides copyright-free photographs, some of which require that you cite the source of the images you use. (The goal of the site is to promote the subscribing photographers' work.) Search the "archive" link by subject.

[|Smithsonian Images] (for educational use - not for distribution) - The images on this site are arranged in categories. Users may browse, download, create a portfolio, or buy high-quality prints and digital images.

[|Teaching with Primary Sources] (A Project of the Library of Congress) - The American Memory Project is part of this vast collection.