Blog Post 3

 In what ways can PK-12 teachers use web 2.0 tools with mobile devices for teaching and                                                                     learning? 

An important question that many teachers may have is what are web 2.0 tools? Web 2.0 tools are free digital programs that can be used for creating and sharing student-generated projects and products. They are interactive, multi-purpose, easy-to-use, and share individualized response products. These tools provide engaging ways students can interact with, and most importantly learn from the course material. The are particularly helpful when aligned to teaching and assessment excursuses meant to increase student engagement, require students to summarize information, or to verbalize other information rather than using traditional writing exercises. Web 2.0 tools also provide students an opportunity to interact with others as they share their knowledge. Students can collaborate with classmates to create responses, and it allows for students to share what they are learning to a wider audience. 

When choosing a web 2.0 tool, make sure it is one that matches the objectives of the lesson. Below, I have several different ways for teachers to incorporate these tools in their classroom no matter the grade level:  

Padlet: This tool is where students can post ideas, photos, images, videos, or documents for everyone in the class to see. The teacher can change the settings to allow others to add content or to simply just view the content. Viewers do not need an account to post comments, and the teachers has full control to delete or moderate the comments. 

ShadowPuppet: This tool works for IOS devices such as iPhones, however, an Android alternative is WeVideo. An example of this tool's use is to have students summarize an exercise an exercise they have completed. This review allows instructors to use it when gathering students' thoughts might be better, or differently, done verbally than through writing. This is a different way for students to explain something, especially if they are not strong writers. These videos are stored on the website, however, they can be downloaded to a video file or  disc as well for students struggling with internet at home. 

Thinglink: This tool is useful for sharing visual information. The user uploads an image such as a map, photograph, or drawing. The user then inserts "tags" which link to additional information such as definitions, maps, images, or other websites. 

VoiceThread: This is a free tool to use for presentation of material. It can be used by the instructor to record announcements or lectures, and it can be used by students for individual or group projects. This tool can be used as a static one-sided presentation, or a collaborative tool where multiple users interact around a topic, a image, a PowerPoint presentation, or other media. Students can leave any kind of comment such as audio, video, typed or drawn, and they can use a number pf devices to post them on such as computer, tablet, or cell phone. 

Weebly: This is just one tool in a number of tools that users use to create websites. One of the many useful features on this tool is to includes the ability to design ones website using a drag ad drop tool bar. Students are able to comment on these and teachers are able to view them. There are so many different ways you can post content such as through videos, images, embedded codes, etc. Teachers are also able to incorporate other web tools throughout this tool. 

These are just a few of some useful web 2.0 tools that teachers may use for their classroom. Depending on their age, they may need a little more assistance, but these tools can be used for any grades. I hope you guys find this helpful! I can't wait to use some of these items in my own classroom one day.