Thing #11 Web 2.0 Tools

   Web 2.0 Tools are the new can't live withouts. There are tools for anything you can think of. There were a couple that I looked at on the 2.0 Awards list. One I found to be interesting was Backpack. If you are one that appreciates collaboration, this is a good one, although it was designed for keeping a business organized, it can still be a good way to share documents that may be important to a group of people. Backpack has a component that allows you to compile several documents on one page. You can take notes, create to-do lists, and even have a calendar that will include important dates and events. The only set back to this tool is you have to pay for it. They do offer a 30 day trial, but the packages range from $24 to $150 a package. The silver lining in that is no matter how many people share the Backpack there is only one fee for the entire page.
   Choosing from the first list was okay, but having to choose from the Web 2.0 index was a challenging task, talk about options, there were zillions. Ok, so I over exaggerated there are a millions. After spending some time browsing the index, one tool I am considering is Flipsnack. It's a software that allows you to create a flipping book. It converts pdf files into pages that create an awesome flipbook. I wonder if my professor would accept this in place of a claymation. That would be nice, but not likely! ;-)
   I could use this in my class and students could create reflections after we have covered a lesson. The flip book could be called "Afterthoughts" and students would compile a book of their lessons and would be an overview of their semester. Something they could actually leave with once the semester is over. Another way my students could use this, would be to work as a class and create a book for a lesson working in small groups to contribute to a flipbook.
  I think this is a very unique tool. If you try it out, let me know how it works.

Thing #10 Options

This is an

option for 

Google Docs.

Options are good.​

I tried Zoho Writer, and this is was I created and posted to my blog. After being comfortable using Google Docs, it will take some time to navigate through Zoho to become familiar with it. One feature I like about using Google is that you have the ability to chat with those you are collaborating with. 

Thing #9: Play with Wiki's

   As I was able to add to the "sandbox" I thought it was cool to be able to add to it collaboratively, just being able to collaborate with others was a winner for me. The tool bar had options for editing the wikis, so I didn't just have to add text.
   I am apart of a Sunday School class that has quite a bit of discussion, and I see how this could be beneficial to our class. We could collaborate about the lesson all week and just reflect on Sundays. I think this may add a different tone to our Sunday discussions. :-)

Thing #8: Wiki's

   Well it was interesting navigating through the Wiki's. I did notice that as soon as you open one, you are bombarded with text, especially the library wikis. The educator wiki's lead to some pages that offered more images that others. If my students were expected to research Wiki's without assistance, they would be turned off by so many words. 

   There was so much information, it would certainly take some time to navigate through it in order to find what you need. I even tried to do a specific search and it really wasn't helpful, but because I knew the information was there I just had to look for it again. 

   Wiki's overall are a great way for people to collaborate when sharing information. 

Thing #7: Image Generators

Meet my little friend Smiley, he will tell you just about my experience with creating a Voki. I certainly look forward to using this again!!! :-) 

   Images make words come to life. I have used Wordle quite often and it's a tool that my students are familiar with. I have seen images created using Tagxedo which is a Web 2.0 tool used to turn words into visually stunning word clouds. Through this assignment, I was able to use the tool for the first time.

   When my students first come to my class and everyone is trying to get to know one another, using this tool would allow them to describe themselves using imagery and words all in one tool. Students could save and share their word clouds and compare the words that may appear often among classmates.

Thing #6

Using Bloglines is a great example of having everything you need on one page. It is convenient being able to check the latest news and updates from various site all in one source. My blogline is composed of things that interest me, I really enjoyed having Photojojo added to the blogline. Just as a daily update I added the weather, webnote, and a to-do list. I am a natural to do lister, if that's even a word.

Thing #5

Well I'm beginning to find out that the best way for me to choose what I like is not to have a trillion options. I mean there are so many Mashups that Flickr has to offer. I think it's a great way to combine features between different digital tools. One I found appealing was qflick formally know as coolflick. It's a mashup that allows you modify your search by using specific keywords to find images that have uploaded using flickr. I love looking at photos that people have taken. It gives me some ideas about the kinds of pictures I can take. If you are looking for a peacock, or a  nice sunset, this is a great mashup. What you think?