Utilizing Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom

I recently attended a Calgary Regional Consortium workshop entitled “Summer Technology Boot Camp: The Great Web 2.0 Tools Face Off.” The focus was to look at how web 2.0 tools are being used in education. The participants were broken into groups, and each group researched a different resource. Here are some of the highlights:

QR Codes

With so many students owning smartphones, QR codes are becoming more prevalent in education. QR codes can be created using a QR Code Generator, and can be scanned using any smartphone QR Scanner app. QR scanners can also be downloaded to a desktop computer, so that those who do not have a smartphone can still utilize this tool. Participants at the session shared how they are using QR codes in their classrooms. Many of these suggestions can be adapted for an adult student base:

• QR codes were used to create a scavenger hunt orientation for new students/the beginning of a new school year.
• QR codes were linked to student work to display student work in a limited space.
• One teacher has students record book reviews, which are linked to a QR code and then attached to the book. That way, when the next student takes out the book out of the class library, they can listen to the book review.
• Students can record an oral presentation and link it to a QR code, for the instructor, or other students to access. This can be helpful in building confidence for students who are hesitant to speak in front of a group.
• Rather than print out an answer key, or write out the answers on the board for learning activities, answers can be linked to a QR code, which is then printed right on the assignment, for students to access. Not only can print answers be linked to a QR code, but instructors can record audio explaining the answers.
• QR codes can be placed around the room and  linked to extension activities or extra practice for students to access when they are finished their work.

Many more educational applications for QR codes can be found here.

Digital Timelines

Digital timeline tools allow students to create timelines, which could be a useful application in many subject areas. We looked at several digital timeline applications, such as Time Glider and When In Time. Digital timeline tools allow students to link images, video, audio, etc. to events on their timelines. One of the more interesting timeline tools was Precedan. Precedan allows students to layer different timelines together, so that they can compare and contrast. Digital timeline tools allows students to collaborate and edit each other’s timelines. A few of the uses participants shared for using digital timelines in the classroom were:

• Tracking plot in a story. Layering timelines allows for the actions of several characters to be compared.
• Tracking the stages of science experiments
• Timelines can also be used as a project management tool, to plot when stages of the project will be completed.

Best of the Rest

Tube Chop: Tube Chop allows you to edit You Tube videos so that you can only show what you need to the class.

Fotobabble: Fotobabble allows audio to be placed over photographs. This tool can be used to create photo essays, or to document science labs, for example.

Glogster: Glogster allows students to create digital posters. This eliminates the need (for students and instructors) for transporting and storing large poster papers.

All of the web 2.0 tools I have discussed here were very user friendly, so even the most hesitant student (or teacher!) can utilize these tools to enhance and support learning.