No Child Left Behind the Information Age

No Child Left Behind the Information Age by Larry Harris Jr is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

BP16_20091103_Web 2.0 Promo: Classtools.net

Classtools.net

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Classtools Promo by Larry Harris Jr is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

BP15_20091103_Web 2.0 investigation: Classtools.net

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This isn't just an image...the game is embedded. I made this one with the vocabulary list for a story my students are currently reading, try it out! (You may want to turn your volume down first, I haven't found audio settings and the default is loud)

Classtools.net

This Web 2.0 allows users to create, customize, and share video games as study tools for academic content. The tutorial you find upon entering the site is very clear and thorough. There are many template options, and once the content data is entered, students can choose from a variety of games to review the material. It also has other study tools that can easily be created to fit any content. Among those are Venn Diagrams, flash card creators, and a source evaluator. These are just three of the nineteen template possibilities. The source evaluator really strikes me as timely. As I have mentioned in previous blog entries, the skill of source evaluation is critical for learners in the information age.

The site also provides users with an embed code to embed in websites, blogs, and social networks. All the items created at this site are flash files, so they can be used in Smartboard notebook software.

The educational uses are obvious and some go beyond rote rehearsal to include evaluative and analytical cognitive domains. Students could also be tasked with creating games to support any content area and operate in the domain of synthesis. This has been a GREAT find that I will start using immediately by embedding vocabulary practice games in my classroom webpage (embedded above for you to try). I will be sharing this site with my colleagues at work as well. Many of us use Smartboards. Classtools.net’s compatibility with Smartboard software makes this a Web 2.0 tool that can be implemented in the classroom as independent work, small group work, and even whole group instruction.

BP14_20091103_Web 2.0 investigation: What Others have found: Joanne Yates

Image created using wordle.net and Joanne's blog URL

Joanne Wrote:

Zoeybot

Zoeybot is a free search engine and educational services recommended for kids ages 7-13. The program is SafeSurf rated which makes it an A+ option for teachers and parents alike. It provides the user with a variety of tools such as research articles, videos, and tutorials. Students can even take notes on the material they are reading by simply clicking on the “Launch Editor.” To top off its appeal to kids there is even the incentive of submitting your own work to be entered onto the site for possible pay.

While all those pluses certainly make the site appealing it also has a down side to things. For example it’s kid friendly appearance is appealing to the younger audience, but somehow I can’t imagine my 13 year old being enthusiastic about it.
The music player which offers a small selection of genre is little more than loops, again appealing to the younger audience maybe, but definitely not to the MP3 generation. On the reverse side of things as I started to explore the search engine itself I found some serious concerns. The readability of material is way above most students younger than 10 years of age and a search for “tropical fish” resulted in articles on “tropical storms.” On a final note of concern some of the tutorial videos, the coins through the hand mini magic show and others failed to play.

Overall a great concept, but truly poorly carried out in my opinion. The site design appeals to the younger end of its target audience while the resources are most definitely geared to the older end of the spectrum.

My Comments:
I am interested in checking this out as a research resource for the 12-13 year-olds that I teach. If the content is valid and on their lexile, it may be very helpful in our upcoming research project. I do see your point about some sites not aligning the content, layout, and target audience. Our textbook has online study activities that appear too juvenile for our students and seem they may further the divide between academia and social relevance. In the case of Zoeybot, I will check it out, and if the content is right, I will make fun of the aesthetics with my students as we use it to research.

Thanks...

BP13_20091103_Web 2.0 investigation: What Others have found: Carrie Kleber

Carrie Wrote:
Shelfari

As I was browsing through different Web 2.0 tools, I found one that fits perfectly with my Language Arts curriculum. The program is called Shelfari, and it is a way for people to share information and thoughts about books they have read, and to get feedback on books they are thinking about reading.

The Shelfari website consists of two main activities. One of the primary tasks you can complete on the site is book reviews. As a member, you find books you have read, and then you fill out a questionnaire on the book. The information you write is saved on your profile. Additionally, all of the books you have read, are currently reading, or plan on reading are saved on your virtual bookshelf which is located on your home page. The second purpose of the site is book discussions. There are numerous groups you can join to discuss whatever topic is the focus of that group. This is a great place to discover new books you might like to read, or get involved in discussions about favorite books.

The educational benefits of Shelfari on a Language Arts classroom are far-reaching. The site allows you to create a friends list once you are a member. Friends can see what other friends are reading or have read. If you had a class sign up for this site and then add each other as friends, you would have an extensive network of books the students could use to find novels to read for class. As a teacher, you could start a group about a novel you are reading in class, and have the students respond. The great part about using the Shelfari is that other people could also comment, not just the students in your class. What an excellent way to extend the walls of the classroom.

My Comments:

It sounds like it would also be a great resource for differentiation. Every year I have those couple avid readers that steadily devour books. Participating in this readers' community could afford them the opportunity to find nuances and deeper meaning in all that they read. I will definitely check this out and pass it along to my students.
Thanks...

BP12_20091103_Web 2.0 investigation: What Others have found: Sheryl Floyd

Sheryl did a promotional video for Screentoaster. It is a a Web 2.0 tool similar to screenflow, and she points out the potential to use it for assessment.
To view it go to: Floyd's Front Page

My Comments were:
Nice job with the old time film lines for the old way! I am sold, I believe this will be the Web 2.0 tool I investigate this week. Hopefully it isn't blocked at my school.
Thanks...

BP11_20091102_Web 2.0 Promo Video: NING

Here are the benefits of Ning in 1 minute.




Ning Promo Video by Larry Harris Jr is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.