WEEBLY
www.weebly.com
Weebly is a site which allows you to create a classroom web page or blog where accounts can be created for individual students. Parents can also access the site so they can be updated on any news and new happenings in their child's classroom.
The easy to use blog makes student-teacher-parent interactions very simple and highly accessible. As a teacher, I will be able to set assignments for students working at VELS level 2 online, where students can access links to resources and provide feedback or ask questions regarding their work. These types of assignments could include things like information reports, daily journals, picture stories (using photos from Flickr) and even links for group work. I also plan to use this site as an opportunity for assessment with students working at VELS level 3 and above, as I will have students create their own websites based on an elected topic.
The easy to use blog makes student-teacher-parent interactions very simple and highly accessible. As a teacher, I will be able to set assignments for students working at VELS level 2 online, where students can access links to resources and provide feedback or ask questions regarding their work. These types of assignments could include things like information reports, daily journals, picture stories (using photos from Flickr) and even links for group work. I also plan to use this site as an opportunity for assessment with students working at VELS level 3 and above, as I will have students create their own websites based on an elected topic.
Strengths
o free
o easy to use and navigate
o website automatically updated when published
o can insert pictures and youtube clips
o can add 40 different student accounts
o parents can access the sight from home
o can insert google maps pages
o increases home-school interaction
o free
o easy to use and navigate
o website automatically updated when published
o can insert pictures and youtube clips
o can add 40 different student accounts
o parents can access the sight from home
o can insert google maps pages
o increases home-school interaction
Weaknesses
o limited layouts to choose from
o can only upload your own videos, gain added security and add music if you purchase an upgraded version
o may be too complicated for younger students (VELS level 2 and below)
o there is no 'undo' button
o limited layouts to choose from
o can only upload your own videos, gain added security and add music if you purchase an upgraded version
o may be too complicated for younger students (VELS level 2 and below)
o there is no 'undo' button
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WORDLE
www.wordle.net
This simple to use site allows the user to automatically create word clouds containing words from a specified selection of text. The word clouds are reproductions of the text with the most commonly used 'theme' words appearing the largest. You can personalise the word clouds by changing the font, layout and colour scheme. They are a refreshing way to present textual information and very appealing for students of all ages.
These word clouds are ideal for use in the English classroom, especially when working on summarising information. As a lesson for students working towards VELS level 3, I would insert an article based on the integrated studies unit we are exploring or any relevant topic and I would have the students predict what the article may be about based on the wordle. Because wordle will draw on the main ideas in the article, students can identify themes throughout the word cloud and draw their own conclusions on the wordle. This kind of learning encourages open minded thinking and making analogies based on prior knowledge.
These word clouds are ideal for use in the English classroom, especially when working on summarising information. As a lesson for students working towards VELS level 3, I would insert an article based on the integrated studies unit we are exploring or any relevant topic and I would have the students predict what the article may be about based on the wordle. Because wordle will draw on the main ideas in the article, students can identify themes throughout the word cloud and draw their own conclusions on the wordle. This kind of learning encourages open minded thinking and making analogies based on prior knowledge.
I created the pictured word cloud above by copying & pasting a 1300 word article based on Healthy Eating for Children into wordle. I then clicked 'create'.
... very simple and effective!
... very simple and effective!
Strengths
o frees
o no sign up necessary to use
o very simple to use - copy and paste text
o printable images without the need to save
o site automatically removes common words (the, but, and etc)
o can be imbedded into blog or wiki
o frees
o no sign up necessary to use
o very simple to use - copy and paste text
o printable images without the need to save
o site automatically removes common words (the, but, and etc)
o can be imbedded into blog or wiki
Weaknesses
o unable to edit the format
o can only be saved by using the print screen and then cropping picture in another program such as paint
o unable to edit the format
o can only be saved by using the print screen and then cropping picture in another program such as paint
Watch the following for a quick tutorial on how to use wordle:
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BE FUNKY
www.befunky.com
Be Funky is a fun and experimental website which manipulates and adds character to photos. There are many different effect features which can transform photos into cartoons, add characters and even text bubbles and speech. These images can then be saved, emailed or printed and can even be transformed into creations like birthday cards.
In my classroom, I will use this tool as a birthday card creator. I remember how exciting it was (& still is!) to look forward to your birthday and having people recognise that special day makes it even more enjoyable. In my classroom whenever there is someone's birthday, I will select a student (through a roster system) to create a 'funky card' for the birthday boy or girl. This will be created on behalf of the class and it gives each student an opportunity to showcase their creativity and ICT skills through a purposeful activity. This program could be used with students working at VELS level 3 in humanities as photographs can be manipulated to show old fashioned pictures. It would be a great tool to use for art, as it allows students to explore, compare and contrast colours and affects on photos.
In my classroom, I will use this tool as a birthday card creator. I remember how exciting it was (& still is!) to look forward to your birthday and having people recognise that special day makes it even more enjoyable. In my classroom whenever there is someone's birthday, I will select a student (through a roster system) to create a 'funky card' for the birthday boy or girl. This will be created on behalf of the class and it gives each student an opportunity to showcase their creativity and ICT skills through a purposeful activity. This program could be used with students working at VELS level 3 in humanities as photographs can be manipulated to show old fashioned pictures. It would be a great tool to use for art, as it allows students to explore, compare and contrast colours and affects on photos.
Strengths
o free
o no need to register for basic functions
o extremely easy to use
o photos can be transformed in the browser and saved straight to the desktop without the need for an account
o great tool for experimenting with different features
o navigation and tab drop downs are easy to follow
o can upload dozens of photos simultaneously
o free
o no need to register for basic functions
o extremely easy to use
o photos can be transformed in the browser and saved straight to the desktop without the need for an account
o great tool for experimenting with different features
o navigation and tab drop downs are easy to follow
o can upload dozens of photos simultaneously
Weaknesses
o advanced features cost extra
o lacks somes options available in photoshop such as rotate & crop image
o needs high speed internet
o must be over 13 years old to create an account
o advanced features cost extra
o lacks somes options available in photoshop such as rotate & crop image
o needs high speed internet
o must be over 13 years old to create an account
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KIDBLOG
www.kidblog.org/MissStreadersClass
Kidblog is a blogging site which allows the individuals and educators to create a space to share blogs, videos, pictures and other links. In the classroom, the use of this tool will be fantastic for creating a space where students can experiment and practice communication through technology. Kidblog is ideal for use in a classroom, as its simple and effective design allows the teacher to create student accounts without the need for students to have an email address or have to remember usernames and passwords. This style of share space promotes an inclusive classroom community and fosters an environment which supports and caters for the needs of one another. The adequate privacy settings make this site very safe for student use.
In the classroom, I will use kidblog to create a classroom share space for students, parents and other members of the schooling community. I will provide opportunities for my students to create their own personal blog, where they can upload work, assignments and other achievements which they will encounter (eg. pen license certificates, student of the week etc). I will promote a strong sense of making these blogs personalised, where students can feel supported and proud of what they are contributing towards at school. Students working at VELS levels 3 and 4, they focus on expressing ideas and information trough different forms of ICT. They also begin to understand the purpose of their writing when using a blog and practice delivering information to a specific audience (their class members and teacher). I will also use kidblog as a means of a noticeboard with interactions between teachers, students and parents.
Strengths
o free
o registration only required for main (teacher's) account
o simple log in for students - they select their name from a list
o easy for learning teachers and younger students
o complete dashboard which displays class statistics, recent posts and comments.
o no advertisements
o technical support for teachers
o free
o registration only required for main (teacher's) account
o simple log in for students - they select their name from a list
o easy for learning teachers and younger students
o complete dashboard which displays class statistics, recent posts and comments.
o no advertisements
o technical support for teachers
Weaknesses
o limited page layouts to choose from
o requires constant involvement
o can lead to off-task behaviour
o limited page layouts to choose from
o requires constant involvement
o can lead to off-task behaviour
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KERPOOF - STORY BOOK
www.kerpoof.com/activity/storybook
Kerpoof is a very user friendly website which allows the user to create a story through the design of different scenes and characters. It offers a choice of six different storylines which provide relevant characters and props. Text is easily added at the bottom of each page and new pages can be created at the click of a button. The site is colourful and creative and is free to register, however the user must enter a valid email address to save any work.
In the classroom I would use this feature to encourage expression and design through story telling. Students could use this site as a comprehension activity during reading, where they create their version of what they read. They could also use this during the literacy block anywhere from VELS level 1 through to 4 to create comics, as the text bubbles create a fun and creative element to the speech content of the stories.
In the classroom I would use this feature to encourage expression and design through story telling. Students could use this site as a comprehension activity during reading, where they create their version of what they read. They could also use this during the literacy block anywhere from VELS level 1 through to 4 to create comics, as the text bubbles create a fun and creative element to the speech content of the stories.
Strengths
o easy to use
o scenes provide ideas for stories
o wide range of characters and props
o text boxes are easy to use and manipulate
o bright and inviting images
o layout is easy to follow without too much information
o text bubbles make it easy to create a comic out of the images
o easy to use
o scenes provide ideas for stories
o wide range of characters and props
o text boxes are easy to use and manipulate
o bright and inviting images
o layout is easy to follow without too much information
o text bubbles make it easy to create a comic out of the images
Weaknesses
o there are only six different storylines to choose from
o no prompt to save work before exiting screen
o students must log in to save/email/print work
o icons don't have 'hover over' instructions
o there are only six different storylines to choose from
o no prompt to save work before exiting screen
o students must log in to save/email/print work
o icons don't have 'hover over' instructions
The following clip demonstrates how Kerpoof can be used in the classroom:
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GOOGLE EARTH
www.google.com/earth
Google earth is a virtual glob which allows the user to view satellite images of the world. These images allow you to see geographical features, such as mountains and rivers and also man made infrastructure like buildings, roads, houses and more. The maps on google earth are updated frequently, which provides images that capture any disruptions in the land, such as natural disaster images.
In the classroom, google earth can be used when exploring other cultures and locations and the characteristics and human interactions of these areas. It provides an insight into the features of the world like no other web tool, and this can be truly fascinating and highly engaging for students of all ages to experience. Students can also access additional information about certain locations from google earth, such as the population, climate and geographical features. During integrated studies at VELS level 1, students can explore places in their local community and use the annotated place markers to identify these. Students at higher levels of VELS can use google earth when exploring environmental issues, such as global warming and even natural disasters. The google earth website also contains a 'Lesson Plan Library' which provides a list of lesson plans which incorporate the use of ICT and google earth into the classroom.
Click on the following link to explore more:
http://sitescontent.google.com/google-earth-for-educators/classroom-resources/lesson-plan-library
In the classroom, google earth can be used when exploring other cultures and locations and the characteristics and human interactions of these areas. It provides an insight into the features of the world like no other web tool, and this can be truly fascinating and highly engaging for students of all ages to experience. Students can also access additional information about certain locations from google earth, such as the population, climate and geographical features. During integrated studies at VELS level 1, students can explore places in their local community and use the annotated place markers to identify these. Students at higher levels of VELS can use google earth when exploring environmental issues, such as global warming and even natural disasters. The google earth website also contains a 'Lesson Plan Library' which provides a list of lesson plans which incorporate the use of ICT and google earth into the classroom.
Click on the following link to explore more:
http://sitescontent.google.com/google-earth-for-educators/classroom-resources/lesson-plan-library
Strengths
o free to use basic version
o pro version is free for educators
o new and engaging for students
o once application has been downloaded, it is easily accessible anywhere that has internet connection
o free to use basic version
o pro version is free for educators
o new and engaging for students
o once application has been downloaded, it is easily accessible anywhere that has internet connection
Weaknesses
o some locations have a much lower picture resolution than others
o some information is designed only for locations in the USA
o some locations have a much lower picture resolution than others
o some information is designed only for locations in the USA
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SCREENCAST-O-MATIC
www.screencast-o-matic.com
Screencast-o-matic is a screencasting site which is easy to use and does not require an account in order to create a cast. In saying this, if students wish to keep a screencast channel (much like an online library of their casts) they can do so by simply creating a username and password.
In the classroom, screencast-o-matic can be used as a tool to instruct students and even parents on how to use the current ICT of their child's classroom. Many parents may not be familiar with tools such as blogs or wikis and a quick and personal tutorial may be the key to developing a stronger parent-teacher relationship. This tool can also be used by students when working on classroom presentations, as an alternative to programs such as Powerpoint or Keynote. This tool would be ideal when exploring instructional 'text' at VELS levels 2 and above, as it creates a visual and engaging element to the subject and gives students a chance to produce their own style of instruction.
www.appappeal.com has reviewed screencast-o-matic and rated the site 4/5 stars. They commented that "[screencast-o-matic] is very responsive, and the screencast application loads fast and is responsive as well. A nice application overall, suitable for anyone having a need to make a screencast for free."
In the classroom, screencast-o-matic can be used as a tool to instruct students and even parents on how to use the current ICT of their child's classroom. Many parents may not be familiar with tools such as blogs or wikis and a quick and personal tutorial may be the key to developing a stronger parent-teacher relationship. This tool can also be used by students when working on classroom presentations, as an alternative to programs such as Powerpoint or Keynote. This tool would be ideal when exploring instructional 'text' at VELS levels 2 and above, as it creates a visual and engaging element to the subject and gives students a chance to produce their own style of instruction.
www.appappeal.com has reviewed screencast-o-matic and rated the site 4/5 stars. They commented that "[screencast-o-matic] is very responsive, and the screencast application loads fast and is responsive as well. A nice application overall, suitable for anyone having a need to make a screencast for free."
Strengths
o free to use and no account required
o no need to download software
o very quick to use and start on your computer
o can pause the recording while making the screencast
o free membership provides basic classroom tools
o records audio
o free to use and no account required
o no need to download software
o very quick to use and start on your computer
o can pause the recording while making the screencast
o free membership provides basic classroom tools
o records audio
Weaknesses
o 15 minute maximum per recording
o can be difficult to see page on a smaller window
o Java 1.5 or higher is required to use site
o 15 minute maximum per recording
o can be difficult to see page on a smaller window
o Java 1.5 or higher is required to use site
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SCRATCH
www.scratch.mit.edu
Scratch is a program which allows the user to create interactive share projects based on. The site allows users to share and upload their own projects which makes sharing resources within the classroom very convenient.This kind of program is highly appealing to students of all different learning needs and abilities and caters for visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learners. Scratch can be applied to learners across all grades and users from ages 8 and above will highly benefit from its fantastic range of ideas and projects to choose from
In the classroom, scratch can be used to create projects based on animations and games, which is highly enticing to the creativity within students. At VELS level 4, students begin to use web applications to target specific audiences, so I would create projects based around scratch that would address these targets. Students can also use scratch to retell stories in an interactive way, which would be highly useful in the English classroom.
In the classroom, scratch can be used to create projects based on animations and games, which is highly enticing to the creativity within students. At VELS level 4, students begin to use web applications to target specific audiences, so I would create projects based around scratch that would address these targets. Students can also use scratch to retell stories in an interactive way, which would be highly useful in the English classroom.
Strengths
o free
o extensive support, both technical and peer
o easy to download
o user friendly for younger students
o student's knowledge and skills improve with practice
o users can create 'friends' to create share projects together
o autosaves changes frequently
o applicable for many different subject areas
o free
o extensive support, both technical and peer
o easy to download
o user friendly for younger students
o student's knowledge and skills improve with practice
o users can create 'friends' to create share projects together
o autosaves changes frequently
o applicable for many different subject areas
Weaknesses
o difficult to quickly find projects suitable for a specific age group / ability level
o time consuming when first beginning
o difficult to quickly find projects suitable for a specific age group / ability level
o time consuming when first beginning
The following clip gives a basic introduction to Scratch and how it can be used in the classroom:
References:
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). (2005). Victorian Essential Learning Standards: ICT. East Melbourne: VCAA.
www.teachweb2.wikispaces.com
www.wordle.net
www.befunky.com
www.google.com/earth
www.kidblog.org
www.kerpoof.com/activity/storybook
www.scratch.mit.edu
www.weebly.com
www.screencastomatic.com
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). (2005). Victorian Essential Learning Standards: ICT. East Melbourne: VCAA.
www.teachweb2.wikispaces.com
www.wordle.net
www.befunky.com
www.google.com/earth
www.kidblog.org
www.kerpoof.com/activity/storybook
www.scratch.mit.edu
www.weebly.com
www.screencastomatic.com