ShelfariShelfari is a virtual bookshelf that allows the user to find new books, rate ones that have been read, create reading goals, and much more. I presented this tool to my technology class in the beginning of the semester. The presentation was smooth and I think others began to see the value in the tool. I thought it was great to use in the classroom because it allows students to use Web. 2.0 and make a boring book review into something exciting. Not only can teachers track what a student is reading during the school year, they can suggest books to read during the summer to avoid the summer slide in reading levels.
VokiVoki is a tool that brings presentations to a whole new level. All students can enjoy creating an avatar to present their project, but I see major applications for exceptional students. Presentations cause children with autism great anxiety, but if they can present through a Voki, they can be the star of the show.
Last FMLast FM is a site that allows the user to access music from across genres and generations. I see this tool being useful for background music in the classroom as there is research showing how music allows students to perform better than without music.
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Google Research ToolGoogle Docs are a great tool already, but this newly added feature is extremely useful to students. The user can now search, insert, and cite research all from the Google Doc platform. The research tool makes papers easier to complete in any grade. In the upper grades it allows students to complete work more quickly and promotes citations to avoid plagiarism.
I used Jing to record my demonstration of the research tool. Jing is a great tool to explain tasks on the computer because it allows the learner to view the screen and hear an explanation simultaneously It took me a few attempts to decipher Jing, but I find it to be a very useful tool now. Google HangoutGoogle hangout is another great application sponsored by Google. Its very basic function is a video chat room, but it is so much more. Students can now collaborate, receive help, and connect with each other or the teacher outside of the school day. The features are extremely useful for the classroom.
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