Some of my Fav's

There are so many Web 2.0 tools out there and I often hear teachers say it is really overwhelming.  I know that I have blogged about some of these tools before on this blog, but when something is really great it is worth mentioning again!  Plus, I have added some new ones.  FYI:  Edublog was chosen as one of the top 18 web tools for 2013..  So, if you have been using these tools you are at the top!

The key to being effective with Web 2.0 in the classroom is a 3 step process LOOK - USE and EVALUATE.  LOOK for new tools, talk to your peers, subscribe to blogs like this, or go to conferences.  Then USE the tool in a lesson with your students.  A lesson can be more successful if you can find a way to use the tool in a minor lesson.  You don't want to spend a week on a lesson only to find out the web tool isn't working the way you intended.  Finally, and I think this is the most important, EVALUATE the tool.  Ask yourself these questions:  Did this tool take my lesson to a new level in high learning or more engaging?  Would this tool be more effective used in a different way?  Can I combine this tool with another web tool?  Is there something I should do differently to make this tool more effective; plan better or give more explanation to the students?

My final note on using Web 2.0 tools is that there are soooooo many out there it can get a little overwhelming.  So, pick a tool and use it several times before you move on and add another tool.  When you get to the point you can tell your students to use the tool with no other explanation, it is time to move on and add a new one.  When you and your students get comfortable with a tool, it will make it much easier to use multiple tools in one lesson.

Here are some new tools for you:

https://bubbl.us/	ISTE Standard: Creativity and Innovation Brainstorm online with bubbl.us. Easily create colorful mind maps to print or share with others. Almost no learning curve.  Students will have to create an account, but this allows them to save their work.
http://animoto.com/	ISTE Standard: Communication and Collaboration Super easy to use, Animoto produces high-quality videos from pictures and text, set against chosen backgrounds and music. A great way for students to get creative and produce something they can be proud of.  Free version allows shorter videos. The have an unlimited time free account for teachers  http://animoto.com/education
http://kidblog.org/home/	ISTE Standard: Communication and Collaboration Kidblog is designed for K-12 teachers who want to provide each student with an individual blog. Students publish posts and participate in academic discussions within a secure classroom blogging community. Teachers maintain complete control over student blogs and user accounts.
www.livebinders.com Newspaper Headline Generator	ISTE Standard:  Communication and Collaboration LiveBinders is your 3-ring binder for the web, create an online binder for content curation. Here is a livebinder example for you.  Notice tabs across the top and each tab has minor tabs below it. http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=277110 http://www.fodey.com/generators/newspaper/snippet.asp

I have already posted information on these in this blog. 

	ISTE Standard:  Technology Operations and Concepts http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/ Read the blog post on Screen Casting
	ISTE Standard: Communication and Collaboration http://padlet.com/ Read the blog post on Padlet
	ISTE Standard:  Creativity and Innovation http://wordle.net Read the blog post on Wordle
	ISTE Standard:  Creativity and Innovation http://www.makebeliefscomix.com Read the blog post about Comics

Of course, there is always Twitter and Google Tools!  Read the posts about these great tools.