Web 2.0 Tools

The Web 2.0 tools I have listed below are examples of educational websites that I can use in my classroom when I become a teacher.

Bookr
This Web 2.0 tool makes digital books.  With this tool you can type text at the bottom of the page, and also insert a picture.  This tool is very easy to use.  I would use this tool in my classroom because most children love to tell stories. I could use this tool to get the students to open up about themselves.

Word It Out
This tool displays the words you type in a neat "cloud".  When you make your "cloud" you can change the color, and also the positions of the words you have typed.  This tool is very similar to another tool called Wordle.  I think that this tool can be used very effectively in any classroom.  If I used it I would tell the students to think of words that describe them, and have them make a "cloud".

Typing Web
I absolutely love this tool.  This tool teaches people how to type.  I like the fact that it actually shows fingers on the keyboard, calculates your wpm, calculates your accuracy, and gives you little pop ups teaching you what fingers to use.  I would use this tool as a home work assignment.  Everyone needs to know how to type on computers.  Technology is progressing, and typing is just a mandatory skill that needs to be learned.

Memidex
Memidex is basically an online dictionary.  This tool also has a thesaurus.  I think that this tool can be very useful in the classroom.  Many schools have ipads, and this webpage can be saved to the favorites of the web browser so students can use it.  We as teachers are going to have to face the fact that most children cannot use dictionaries, but they can type the word in as they see it into a search engine.

Bubblus
This tool helps you make organizational charts.  The charts made on this website look like brainstorming bubbles.  These charts are very easy to figure out.  I would use this website in my classroom when making the children write small papers.  I think that the children enjoy working on ipads instead of just paper.

Proprofs Quiz School
This tool is used for making quizzes or tests.  You can make the tests a variety of ways.  I liked the multiple choice best.  I would make the quiz at home, and have the children take the quizzes in class. I would personally rather grade the tests at home, but I could also do some in class tests using technology.

What2Learn
What2Learn is basically a website with educational games.  The games on this website are very easy to play.  All of the games I played had clear instructions.  I think that the students can play these games when they have completed all other work that needs to be done.  I think this would be a positive influence in the classroom.

Kidblog
Kidblog is a great tool that is designed for K-12 teachers who want to provide each student with an individual blog. This tool makes sure that each student has a secure blog.  I feel as though this tool would be great for the classroom because each students gets to have an individual blog to talk about what went on in their lives. I would probably make the student write on their blogs every week and  occasionally I would have them do prompts like, if I could go anywhere in the world I would go....

Fotopedia
This web 2.0 tool is basically what its name says.  This is a photo encyclopedia.  I looked up a couple topics and found breath taking photos.  This could definitely be used in a classroom to show students different pictures, and the pictures have little blurbs about them.

Songza
Songza is a Web 2.0 tool that plays music.  The tool is very easy to navigate, and you can play any kind of music you like.  This tool even allows you to play music based on your mood or what you are doing.  I would use this in my classroom by playing classical music while the students are reading or writing.