sj+web+reviews

__**Web 2.0 Tool Reviews**__

[|ToonDoo]: ToonDoo allows you to create your own one, two, or three pane cartoons. It's extremely user-friendly, however I have no idea how to embed the cartoon I created. 3.5 out of 5 Apples (subject to change)

[|Wordle] Wordle is a great tool to display just about any group of ideas, concepts, words, or phrases. It's easy and can be effective when displaying things which beg a consensus, as words and phrases which are more commonly entered appear larger on screen. 4 out of 5 Apples.

[|Skype] Wow. That's all I really have to say. Think real-time web conferencing. For free. That's right...free. The possibilities of using Skype in the classroom are endless: Talking to people across the world, facilitating lessons in multiple locations (which lends itself to interdisciplinary curriculum, no?), and the ability to video conference with your classroom while you are away from school are a few ideas. 5 out of 5 Apples

[|Animoto] Proclaims itself to be "the end of slideshows", and it may well be correct. Like most Web 2.0 tools, it's extremely user-friendly...you can be making videos within minutes of logging onto the site. The process is broken into three easy steps: Getting images, setting them to music, and then finalizing your production. The production value is actually quite slick, as the user has many options for the presentation of their slide show. 4.5 out of 5 Apples.

[|Remix America] is much like Animoto in that it requires an editor's eye, however one can use full video and audio to create their presentation. The videos, once created, are easy to embed and the url's can be shared freely. This is really taking the web to a new level, as anyone can be a "producer" using this tool. 5 out of 5 Apples.

[|TeacherTube] Simply put, TeacherTube is an educational version of Youtube. The benefits are plentiful, as this site is likely not blocked by many districts. One can find lectures, presentations, and fun videos that can spice up a lesson plan and help visual learners. Most educational videos are posted here as well as YouTube, thus a teacher isn't missing much by visiting this site first. 4.5 out of 5 Apples.

[|Zamzar] is a fantastic tool which allows you to convert files from just about any format to just about any format. If I had this in college my professor wouldn't have pulled his hair out trying to decrypt my MS Works files in Word. 4 out of 5 Apples.

[|Poll Everywhere] is a service which allows one to conduct live audience (or live classroom) polling through SMS/Text Messages. It's simple math, really: The free version allows up to 30 responses. There are roughly 30 students in a high school classroom, all of which will have cell phones. Instant "cool" factor, and a great way to find out if all students are on the same page without risking embarrassment. Can be used for anything from quick quizzes to checking for understaning. 4.5 out of 5 Apples.

[|Zoomerang] is an online survey tool which a teacher can use for a variety of purposes including checking for student interests and understanding, finding their own strengths and opportunities in the classroom (as Ben demonstrated in class), and summative assessments to name a few. 4 out of 5 Apples.

[|XtraNormal] is the "coolest" site I have seen in a long time. You should click the link now and stop reading. I mean it. I don't want to spoil it for you, however I will say this much: Your words, your camera angle choices, animated characters acting out scenes you choose. Honestly, it's like making a movie from your chair, only there's no ego's to deal with. Granted, there's no Craft Services table either....5 out of 5 Apples.