Technology+Toolbox

Technology Toolbox

__ Critique of Web 2.0 Tools __ The following critique will offer insight into various Web 2.0 tools that were investigated for using in the classroom with students. I investigated 16 tools and critiqued them according to the following categories: 1. Usability: is the site/tool easy to navigate and learn about? 2. Cost: what is the cost of the tool to operate? 3. Applicable for Student Use: Is it appropriate and beneficial for students academically?

// Critique Rating System (based on criteria) //


 * Usability **

E: Easy for all users including beginners M: Moderate, beginners may become frustrated in the learning process D: Difficult; will create substantial hardships for occasional users
 * Cost **

NO: Free; no cost $: Reasonable cost for product $$: Expensive for student usage
 * Free for basic usage, some applications may require payment
 * Applicable ** **for Student Use**

Spec: Specific to student ability Gen: most students could benefit from using it Cont: could work for certain contents or subjects // Other Aspects of Critique Chart // The critique chart will provide a category that provides a final rating for the tool. Also, I will provide a few comments on the tool/product.

The final rating will be based on a 1-3 scale. 1: Limited use (although it may be useful in certain contexts) 2: Moderate use: depending on academic need and/or situation, the tool could be useful but will not be useful in all context 3: Superb: a very worthy project that can be utilized in numerous contexts and situations


 * ** WEB 2.0 TOOL ** || ** Usability ** || ** Cost ** || ** Applicable for Student USE ** || ** Overall Rating ** || ** Comments ** ||
 * 1. Aggregator:
 * __ Google Reader __** || E || NO || GEN || 3 || While a user may need to spend time learning the best way to find applicable information, it is rather simple to use, is free to use, and contains a wide array of information that most any classroom and student could use. ||
 * 2. Social Bookmark:
 * __ Del.icio.us __** || E || NO || GEN || 3 || This is a very user friendly application that allows a user to bookmark websites and internet locations they would like to keep. The site allows users to network and share with others, which could be beneficial for students working on projects outside of the classroom setting. The bookmark page also provides easy to understand directions that most any student could understand after a quick tutorial (if needed). Also, it allows the user to organize files, which helps keep research and other information sorted for quicker access. ||
 * 3. Search Tools:
 * __ Squidoo __** || M || NO (for general use) || CONT || 2 || Squidoo is a popular application, but is not overly easy to navigate upon first use. The site provides instructions in both video and text documents; however, there is a lot to learn. There is some caution because information garnered through searches may lack credibility and authorship is open. Also, users may access inappropriate information if search is not limited to "G" level pages. In general, this search tool could be of use because it allows the user to link or embed information to their page as well as serving as a communication tool. ||
 * 4. Webstart:
 * PageFlakes** || E-M || NO (unless greater memory is needed) || GEN || 2 || PageFlakes can be used as a great start page for finding information and as a class website. The initial set up is quite easy, but users will have to spend a significant amount of time experimenting and/or reading up on the information. However, students may enjoy the forum and create their own pages that can be useful to quick access to information of interest and need. It is also friendly for others to view and network with. ||
 * 5. Weblogs: **Edublogs** || E || * || GEN || 3 || Edublogs is very easy to use, and the Weblog can be quite conducive to setting up a communication forum for students, teachers, etc. However, to have access to enough storage space, working with students, and other features, payments must be made. I have used this in the past in a limited attempt, and it shows potential. ||
 * 6. Wikis:
 * Wikispaces** || E-M || * || GEN || 3 || This tool has great potential as both a class homepage, online discussion forum, aide in cooperative learning, and for students to provide feedback to one another. Many people can use the wiki and can access a wide-array of information tha tcan be linked to the page. General use can be easy once the user experiements with the product. In some cases a user may need to pay to gain more storage potential or to remove advertisements. ||
 * 7. Web-based Word Processing:
 * Google Docs and Spreadsheets** || E || NO || GEN || 3 || A very useful tool that allows users to create documents, store documents, and also save documents in various formats that may have given them difficult in other document creators. Google Docs has an abundant storage supply, is easy to access, and would be a great place for students to store documents if no flash drive is available. Also, documents can easily be linked to other pages including wikispaces. ||
 * 8. Creative Writing:
 * Glypho** || E || NO || GEN || 3 || This is a very conducive source to English and Creative writing course, although many other courses could utilize this tool. Users/Students would probably be motivated that they could be //published//, but they can also work together without sitting face to face. They can also receive feedback (from what I think I saw) from a large audience. ||
 * 9. Web-Based Spreadsheets:
 * Zoho Sheet** || E || NO || GEN || 3 || Zoho Sheet is quite similar to Microsoft Excel in both format, visual representation, and usability. Thus, the overall use is easy, as long as a person understands basic spreadsheet use. This is a very nice tool to have, one that allows users without similar software on their computers to still create spreadsheets and a plethora of other applications Zoho offers. ||
 * 10. Assessment, Surveys, & Polls:
 * Survey Monkey** || E || NO || GEN || 3 || This is a very user friendly tool that allows any user to create surveys that allow people to provide feedback and assessment on a wide arrange of topics. Offers a great way for teachers to gain feedback on student learning, struggles, and interests/desires. ||
 * 11. Podcasting & Screencasting:
 * Audacity** || M || NO || CONT || 2 || A udacity provides a resource that allows users to record, edit, and enhance podcasts and screencasts. It is free, relatively friendly to the user after a few concepts are learned. However, there are many applications that require experimentation. Also, one issue is many students may not have the capabilities to use this do to lack of hardware. ||
 * 12. Video:
 * YouTube** || E || NO || GEN || 2 || YouTube provides a plethora of video that users can access for both entertainment and learning. Also, users can upload their own video creations. However, YouTube is not filtered, meaning users can access a wide array of videos that may not be academic or may even be immoral or innapropriate. ||
 * 13. Photo & Drawing:
 * Picasa** || E || * || GEN || 3 || Picasa provides a great tool to store, edit, and share photographs with others. Also, users can search and explore other photographs. Picasa provides free storage, but users requiring more can purchase space if necessary. ||
 * 14. File Sharing:
 * GLIDE** || E || * || GEN || 3 || Much like Google Docs, users are provided with an area to store, share, and create documents. Additionally, Glide provides email, math applications, presentation applications, and other ways to communicate and link information. It is free, unless the user requires additional information. This is another tool that can aide students that do not have a flash drive or access to the same word processer. ||
 * 15. Webquests & Games: || || || || || ||
 * 16. Presentation Tools:
 * Zoho Show** || E || NO || GEN || 3 || Zoho Show is quite similar to using microsoft powerpoint. In some cases I feel it is easier and the benefit is it is already on the internet, thus students do not have as much worry about not being able to access their creations on other computers due to corrupt files or simply forgetting their drive/file. Also, students are able to search for information as well. This can also easily be linked to websites such as a wikispace. ||

JIM