Ms. Muller's Class
*This photo is licensed for use through creative commons.
Quizlet is a web-based tool that allows students to create sets of vocabulary words and then study them in a variety of ways. Quizlet formats the sets of words into flashcards, tests, and games for studying. The user can change the settings for the electronic flashcards to determine which side is shown first. The test can be customized by choosing what types of questions are on it such as multiple choice, true/false, written, and matching. The user can also learn the words by simply typing the term that corresponds to the given definition or by listening to them being pronounced. Once the user has practiced the terms through their preferred method, they can order the list of terms by the number of times the term was missed so they can focus their studying. Quizlet allows users to share their sets by printing them, emailing the link, or posting on social media such as Facebook, twitter and Pinterest.
Technology Resources and Tools
Bubbl.us is a web-based tool used for creating concept maps. The user can create nodes and then link them automatically or manually. The user can customize the color of the nodes to show the relationships between nodes in a way that is visually appealing. The website allows users to type text in the nodes or attach files. Once the mind map has been created, you can either print it, save it as an image to your computer, or send the link via email. Also, you can add other Bubbl.us users to your contacts and chat them so you can collaborate. This tool can be used in the classroom for students to brainstorm ideas for a project or paper and determine what they already know about a topic. Bubbl.us can also be used as a type of formative assessment by having students create a concept map to show their level of understanding about the relationships between topics during a lesson.
Piktochart is a web-based tool used to create professional infographics. Users pick a template and then insert information by creating a text box or inserting media. Piktochart provides icons and other graphics that can display text. The user can upload photos from their computer and videos from sites such as YouTube. Piktochart also allows users to design multiple types of graphs and interactive maps on the website itself. Piktochart can be used in the classroom for students to design visual representations of information for projects or assessments. The infographics can then be published and shared as an interactive presentation or printed out as reference sheets or pamphlets. It provides a great way for students to share information gathered from an assignment or project in a way that highlights the important elements and is engaging.
Wordle is a web-based tool that transforms text into a word cloud. The word cloud formats the text into a visual conglomeration of words that emphasizes those used most frequently. Words that appear throughout the text will appear larger than those that are less prominent. Wordle also allows the user to change the arrangement, fonts, and color of the words to their liking. Once the user has created a Wordle, they can share it by saving it to the Wordle gallery or print it out.
Diigo is a web-based tool used to collect and manage online information. Diigo allows users to digitally annotate pages with tools such as highlighters and sticky-notes while browsing the Internet. These annotations are stored in the user’s personal library, along with links, pictures, and other files. In the library, the user can bookmark links to archive them, preventing broken or lost links. Also, the user can organize the information stored in their library through the “Outliner” tool. Creating an outliner allows the user to take notes and gather related links and information.
Diigo
Wordle
Quizlet
Bubbl.us
Piktochart
The Internet is full of tools that can be used to enrich student learning. The technology tools I have listed below are just a few examples of resources that can be used to collect and display information in a way that is engaging and interactive. I have chosen the following 5 tools because they are easily accessible for students. Also, some tools we will be using in the classroom will be designed for teacher or group use, so I wanted to provide students with a list of tools they can use individually outside the classroom. These tools are all easy to use as the websites provide step by step instructions or tutorials, so the students should be able to explore them successfully on their own. Also, the tools are customizable so students can use them to create individualized products that suit their needs and learning style. Underneath the title of the tool, I have provided a brief description of how the tool is used so students can use the summary to decide if they want to use that tool, an image to show what the tool looks like, and a button that students can click on to bring them to the website of the tool.