Web 2.0 Tools

[Ann Wright]

For AP classes, what is your favorite Web 2.0 tool if you had only one?  How do you use it?  If you have more than one favorite, how do you use them?  Do students have trouble toggling between them or finding what they need where?  For example, do you post your syllabus on the wiki AND blog or Google Docs.  I am excited about the possibilities for collaboration and 21st century learning, I'm just trying to figure out the logistics of what I want to put where.  Any insight would be appreciated.

[Lisa Matherson]

In the past years I have used a wiki as the class web site.  Here is where I post the class syllabus, powerpoints, notes, readings, etc.  It served as the hub of the class.  This year I am making the switch to edmodo.  With edmodo I can use it to serve as the posting point for all and also use it as the blog.  Edmodo will serve both purposes.  Since this is the first time I will be using edmodo it is going to be a learning experience.

In terms of favorite Web 2.0 tools that I use in class regularly, I really like TodaysMeet. I have large classes and they really like to have class discussions.  The negative point is that they all want to talk at once, so I have them use TodaysMeet.  It cuts down on everyone talking over each other and they are able to hear from all their classmates.  In addition, TodaysMeet provides an avenue for the student who never talks out in class to be heard.

[Jen Medwid]

I am also making the switch to edmodo, as I feel it combines the blog and the wiki that I was using before.  @lisa, do you think that edmodo could also replace Todaysmeet for your classes?  I tried it last year but had a tech fail, as it got blocked by the district just hours before I needed to use it as a backchannel.

My other 2.0 tool that I love is animoto.  I use it several times throughout the year as a chapter/century/thematic summary tool.  Videos are easy to create and it allows the students to have a creative outlet.  For example, I had the students create a "scrapbook" of life in the 19th century, using period music, pictures/artwork, etc.  I then presented the videos in class and on our wiki.  I'm also hoping that edmodo will provide a nice platform for my students to share their projects and creations.  Often, after creating a video or using glogster, I feel that students don't really get a chance to present - due to lack of time or they just turn the project into me and never look back at the wiki after I post them there.

[Lisa Matherson]

@Jen

Edmodo has the potential to be the backchannel, but I like the simplicity of TodaysMeet for the students.  They find it more user-friendly when carrying on virtual discussions. 

[Carlos Fernandez]

I love Edmodo. I think Edmodo with a mix of Livebinders will work perfectly in an AP class setting. I would use Edmodo as my course and Livebinders as my AP Test review guide.

 

Here is a link to my blog where not to long ago I posted some great web 2.0 tools.

 

http://fishingforedtech.wordpress.com/2011/06/05/web-2-0-tools-that...