Web 2.0 Tools...Research and Analyze

EDIM 514 Research and Analyze…Human Filters, Web 2.0 Sites
based on Rubric, Diigo List

Human Filters:
This was the first time I have heard of this particular reference. "Human Filters" makes perfect sense though because if you are really using the Internet and searching for new ideas and information you are going to find…. PEOPLE! People who have things in common with you in that they are concerned, interested, researching, commenting, blogging, tagging, tweeting, and learning about the very topics you are in search of. My human filters keep me informed about the happenings in Education and technology and also keep my art classroom supplied with inspired ideas and suggestions. They are:

2¢ Worth – A blog by educator and public speaker David Warlick. A great way to stay current and read insightful and useful information about education and the direction it is heading. Technology is heavily referenced and explored and links to multiple additional information sources are highlighted. Updated frequently.

Dali’s Moustache – A blog by art teacher Lauren Pfeiffenberger. This blog provides ideas and project tips for elementary art teachers. Includes links to many other idea sources. Updated frequently.

Deep Space Sparkle – A blog by art teacher Patty Palmer. Like Lauren, Patty provides many amazing lesson ideas and links to other sources of classroom inspiration. Updated Frequently.

I chose these three because they are Blogs that I visit very often. I cannot read all of the things I have tagged in my Google reader, however I find when I read these three, and about a dozen more, it keeps me professionally motivated and moving FORWARD! I have learned that no matter how busy you think you are you always have time to share for the good of everyone else out there who is searching for ideas, inspiration and common ground.

Link to my ongoing Diigo List for this class

Site Analysis based on Web 2.0 Rubric:

Categories	AMAZING *** 3	SERVICABLE ** 2	NO THANKS * 1
Content	Content is wonderfully organized and age appropriate.  Students are excited to use it.	Content is adequate and age appropriate.  Students enjoy using it.	Content is bland and may be age appropriate.  Students are not interested in using it.
Student Appeal	The site does a masterful job of presenting interesting content in which students and adults are highly engaged.	This site does a good job of presenting interesting content in which students and adults are moderately engaged.	This site does not do a good job of presenting content. Students and adults are not engaged in the content.
Compatibility	Site has no compatibility issues and runs smoothly on IE, Firefox and Safari web browsers and platforms.	This site has few compatibility issues and runs relatively smoothly on a number of web browsers and platforms.	This site has compatibility trouble and is not supported by one or more browsers or platforms
Cost	Free/Nominal Charge $5	$10 - $20	$20 +
Safety	Site requires no login and collects no personal information.  Site is pre-approved by the District	Site requires a login and password but collects no personal information.  Site is Pre-approved by the District.	Site requires login, collects personal information AND/OR may contain content not suitable for students.  The District does not approve site.

Web 2.0 Rubric for the (K – 5) Classroom

Audioboo – Rubric Score: 11/15. This is a FREE online and mobile phone platform for recording and sharing audio (podcasts). The concept is that you as the user can call in or record through your computer an audio file on any subject and then share it via the site. The site is FREE and only requires you set up an account with username/password/email account. I really like the idea of being able to have a place where you can post audio files online and have access to them in real time. The drawback of the site is that their home page lists all of the most popular/recent posts, which are not always student friendly. I have decided to email the site and suggest an educational version entitled Audioboo EDU (catchy, Huh?). I will share the results of my email discussion in a future post. No response as of this post. Here is the email I sent them:

Hi Guys/Girls,

I am a K-5 Educator in the US and have been checking out your site. I am looking for a platform to publish simple podcasts for my classroom. I would eventually like to involve my students in creating their own podcasts, however some of the content on the featured/recent homepage is not for them. Have you ever considered creating an EDU version that is education friendly? I am currently in a Master's program (Instructional Media) and we are researching useful Web 2.0 sites for use in the classroom. Any input on how teachers are using your site? Anyway to make the site safer for student use? Thank you for your time in responding to my inquiry. Also if you like the name...AudiobooEDU, it's yours...I thought it was kind of catchy.

Chris

Zunal – Rubric Score: 13/15. Zunal is a FREE site that allows teachers to create customized Web Quests for use in the classroom. It is also has a social element in that you can share your Web quests and add to the online database of created quests. The subject matter is clearly and intuitively organized by discipline and grade level. I liked this about the site because you can pinpoint a subject and grade range rather than sorting through pages of content. I think a well-designed web quest can really promote student interest due to the fact that they are seeking out their own answers based on guiding questions and activities. It also gives them the opportunity to explore a topic of interest on their own. Some site features:

Features
No Trial/ Temporary Accounts, It is FREE!
Create Web Quests Immediately
100 Templates to choose
Attach Unlimited Files, YouTube and Google Videos
Preview Before Publish
Hide/Show Your Pages

The site is overall kind of “No-Frills”. There is no advertising on the home page and navigation is a snap. I will be using this one in the future.


Symbaloo – Rubric Score: 15/15. Symbaloo is an online desktop that organizes content by ICONS. The pages are custom built by the user and provide easy navigation that eliminates the need for a tool bar or memorization of URL’s. The site is FREE and requires a username, password and email address. For use in the classroom, the site features drag and drop customization to add new sites, customizable widgets, and tabs that allow you to toggle back and forth between a personal/school/class themed desktop page. This really makes navigation easier and if ipad/computer lab is available, students could login to your account and navigate via your school page using sites you have chosen. I really can’t see a downside to this one at all. Great tool!