kjh+Web-Based+Tools+Review

Here is my review of 10 websites & tools that may be useful in the classroom...

Animoto [] This looks like a great tool and I am excited to give it a try!! There are so many ways to use this both in and out of the classroom. The site seems to be fairly easy and straight forward to use. Once I'm able to register and set up an account I will try it and see how user friendly it is.

SlideShare [|www.slideshare.net] This is a site to browse, upload, and share PowerPoint Presentations and Word documents. It seems to be a very diverse site with many categories to search within. A nice feature is that you can also store your documents privately without allowing yours to be seen. With more time it would be interesting to explore the widget and badge features that are available.

ToonDoo [] ToonDoo is a quick and easy way to make cartoons. There are endless opportunities to use this for various education and entertainment reasons. Students would have a good time using this site to let their creativity show in what they've learned and understand. Its easy to use which limits the potential frustrations related to logistics of using the technology. Its nice because it gives you options in keeping it private or allowing the public to see what was created.

Slide [] This is a great site for creating slideshows and editing pictures. It is able to connect with Facebook, MySpace, and others which would be fun for those who have and are interested in connecting all their sites.

Zoho [] This seems like a great site with many applications that coiuld be very useful. I like that you can sign in with an existing gmail or yahoo account so you don't have to create another login and profile. The business and database applications could be very useful in the classroom and help students understand the business realm in a very real sense. It looks like everything is free to use, but they are limited without paying for an upgrade.

Drop io [] I had never heard of a drop before this class presentation of a drop. I can imagine this would be very useful in storing data and accessing it from any internet location. Having control of access and allowing others in as needed is also a great feature for the classroom. The site has a great introduction to help new users navigate the system and use effectively. The introduction also outlines how to use it along with Facebook, Twitter, and blogs.

Discovery Education [] Wow, this looks like a great resource for teachers of all subjects. Unfortunetly, a membership is needed so there is a cost involved, but school districts may provide that for their teachers. This site offers a palethera of options for learning including teacher's professional development and trainings, homework help in many specific subjects (and these are FREE!), lesson plans and puzzle makers, and so much more. This is one I definetly want to look more into.

iTunes [] I never realized how much is available on iTunes that would be effective in the classroom becase I've never used iTunes. Of course there songs come at a cost, but there are podcasts and iTunesu with lectures and discussions to listen to. What a great way to hear from experts in any field to gain a better understanding of how a particular subject or topic is relevant to real life.

TeacherTube [] TeacherTube is a good way for teachers to connect and learn from each other. There is access to web-based tools, videos, blogs, videos, audio, and the community of thousands of teachers. I'm not sure that this is the most comprehensive and reliable site to go for resources, but I think its worth a look.

VoiceThread [] Yet another thing I've never heard of! This site does a good job of explaining what voice thread is, demonstraining how it works, and what the benefits are of it. This is a neat concept of capturing voices, whether its teachers or students, to engage students, increase classroom interactions, make topics more relative, and increase understanding of subjects. This site allows a place to record and store those voice threads.