Crocodoc

1.Crocodoc.com
2. This tool allows
you to annotate Word Documents, PDF’s and other files. Very quickly
and easily you can upload a document and take notes on it when reading an
e-document. You can also email your annotated document and work on documents
with a group of collaborators when reading an article.

3. This tool is very simple to use, it only requires users knowing how to sign
in to an account, upload a document and then take notes (using simple tools
such as “add a comment” and “highlight”). The ease of this tool is less of a
burden to students than taking out a notebook
and pencil.

4. In a classroom setting this tool can be very beneficial. Annotating and
making edits to a
document are essential for writing and reading. Students are often asked to
research documents, read different files and take notes on all of them- quoting
the original texts later on for a given assignment . Handwritten notes can get
lost, messy, and
confusing- students often having to squeeze in more information than room
allows- this tool allows students to do everything on the computer screen- a
place where more and more students are doing their reading.


5.This tool, although similar to other editing tools(such as google sites) is
worth learning. As a student in this course I took notes on the required
e-reading by using my notebook, quotes I initially jotted down referring to
these documents were hard to find in order to quote when I needed them later on
in the class. This would have saved me a lot of time from sifting through my
pages of notes.

As a teacher, I’ve had
assignments where students needed to annotate a short story or file and It was
hard for me to sometimes tell if they did it correctly or not. Therefore, I'd
use this tool primarily for that purpose. This tool allows teachers to clearly
see what the notes students made. I’ve also done track changes and have taught
students to do this in Microsoft Word but always struggled in knowing
electronically annotating PDF files. When exploring PDF’s for this project I
realized you can add comments if you have a more advanced version of Adobe
Reader, but that
requires sometimes another download or another purchase. My thinking is also,
why
learn multiple tools? If you teach students to annotate and edit in this
program , they can use it for virtually any document.

The only thing I was not pleased about is I cannot highlight on an uploaded PDF file although it
works fine on a Word document. (I think it is because a PDF's texts do not
often line up as nicely as a word document's. This was discouraging but would
not make me not use the tool. I emailed customer support and have not heard
back. What is great though about this tool is the “Customer Feedback” section
where people have asked questions and made suggestions of ways to improve the
app. Most of the questions and suggestions are replied back to by tech support
and changes have been made. Who knows they may find a way to fix it before I
use it in my classroom, it’s great that users have say in this tool!

Docs Teach

National Archives Docs Teach http://docsteach.org/

Main Features

This site developed and maintained by the National Archives was created to help teach history through primary documents. It is a newly designed site with many many features. There are many lesson plans and activities on the site that are ready to use. However, there is also a “create your own interactive” feature which is excellent.

Level of Difficulty

The site is not difficult to use, but it does take quite of bit of time to navigate and become familiar with. There are many features but they are not hard to use. Navigation is more difficult than the actual features or materials are to use once you find them.

Potential Application in the Classroom

A major part of the website is solely designed for teachers and classroom use. You can use it with all ages in all types of classrooms. The website gives information, documents, videos, speeches, etc. from all time periods and the lessons can be geared accordingly.

Conclusion

The tool is absolutely worth learning if you teach any subject that may touch on anything historical, analytical, economical, making connections, sequencing, focusing on details, interpreting data or drawing conclusions. It is a fun, interactive way for students to learn while gaining hands on experience in a safe (.org) environment.

iTunes and the iTunes Store

Main Features:

iTunes is a media player created by Apple that can be used for downloading and organizing digital music and video on a computer. iTunes is also used to sync and manage contents on iPod, iPhone and iPad. iTunes connects to the iTunes Store, where a user is able to download digital music and videos in the form of music, music videos, television shows, movies, podcasts, audiobooks, etc.

Level of Difficulty:

For someone not used to using a digital tool such as this one, it can be very difficult at first; however, as one begins to play around with and get used to it, it becomes relatively easy. Apple offers a good amount of customer help for troubleshooting issues as well as an abundance of tutorials to teach how to operate both iTunes and the iTunes Store. Many people use both iTunes and the iTunes Store, and finding someone willing to help teach how to use both first hand can be very helpful.

Potential Application:

Within the last few years, audiobooks have become increasingly popular, and a teacher could use this to their advantage. Some people would simply rather listen to a book rather than read it, and it could be advantageous for a teacher to give that option. This could possibly provide more incentive for a student to “read” the required material. Apple also sells iBooks for products such as the Nook and Kindle, and teachers could give the option to students who would prefer to use this form of media medium. A creative teacher can find many ways to incorporate the different forms of media made available by iTunes and the iTunes Store.

Conclusion:

For someone who grew up using a Zune rather than an iPod, learning how to use iTunes and the iTunes Store has become important for me due to their tremendous popularity and functionality (especially in regards to the iPad). At first glance, one may be skeptical of its use in the classroom, but there are definitely some practical applications, and being well versed in this tool as a teacher can be useful, especially as the technology progresses into the future.

Animoto

Animoto

Main Features

Animoto helps produce video slideshows. The slideshows consist of your photos or video clips. They are combined with your choice of style (background and transitions) and musical options. Animoto syncs with Facebook, Flickr, and Photobucket to quickly get the photos you want. Animoto offers a wide range of styles, and the musical library is extensive. Once the user chooses their photos, style, and music, Animoto produces the slideshow. There are different plans for Animoto users. The free plan offers very little. Like most sites, the more you pay, the more capabilities you have.

Level of Difficulty

Animoto is very easy to use. There are basic features to get started with Animoto, which are very clear. When you create your slideshow, Animoto guides you through the process. Animoto is as simple as PowerPoint. The musical portion of the show is easier to use than PowerPoint.

Potential Application in the Classroom

Teachers can use Animoto to present lessons. If their lessons include pictures, Animoto can make a quick and professional slideshow for them. The downside is if their materials were not online in picture format, Animoto would not be useful.

Teachers could also encourage students to use Animoto for presentations. If the photos or video clips are online, students can make professional slideshows very easily.

Conclusion

Animoto is worth learning because it produces high quality presentations. It is quick and easy to learn, and in some instances, easier than PowerPoint. I highly recommend checking out Animoto.

My Sample Presentation

Types of Angles by Andrew Guilz

Glogster

Title: Glogster http://www.glogster.com/

Glogster.com is a website that allows users to create and publish electronic posters on the internet. Users are able to embed links, music, and videos on to the poster board as well as paste text and images. I think this is a great instructional tool for teachers who are looking to give students an opportunity to use technology and creativity in their assignments. It is also a great tool for districts looking to save paper.

Main Features:

Glogster provides students with a blank electronic substrate that can be used to display learning of a particular subject and/or as a presentation piece. A teacher could also use Glogster as am instructional tool like a PowerPoint or Prezi. Users are able to create electronic posters that have digital text, embedded music, links, videos, and pictures. The students can decorate their glogs with different backgrounds, fonts, and styles. If you look at the glog I created (link below) you will notice that every picture and text box has a link embedded and there are multiple videos. Users can also comment on others glogs which can give students the ability to critique others work.

New users will need to create an account. The accounts are free but an email address is required. The only draw back of the webpage design is that electronic poster board is a bit small. But, since it allows the user to embed links to other websites users can thread a lot of information through the glog. The website generally works well but is sometimes a bit slow.

Level of Difficulty:

The website is pretty user friendly. Users who have basic or intermediate computer skills should be able to navigate the site and create a glog fairly easily. Glogsters graphic interface is set up like a template so users do not need any advance html skill. Toolbars are available and features are labeled well so that new users will be able to point and click their way through the process. Users who are familiar with Microsoft programs such as Word and Power Point should pick up the process fairly quickly. I would estimate that the average student (7-12th grade) would be able their create first a Glogster page in under 45 minutes.

Potential Applications:

I think this could be a great instructional for Social Studies and English, but It could easily be used in multiple subjects. This could be used as a tool for direct instruction by the teacher in the place of Power Point or a Smart program. I think its best suited for student centered project or inquiry based learning. Students could use Glogster to create biography’s, book projects, propaganda posters, or as a tool for a class presentation on any subject. It gives students the ability to be creative and show off their work to the class. What I like the most about Glogster is the ability to save paper. Many of my colleagues have lessons where by their students make posters on large sheets of paper which in generally thrown away at the end. Glogster has the ability to save school districts lots of money in the costs of paper and supplies.

Link to glog: http://www.glogster.com/paulmg01/paul-revere/g-6m3s38vfhqpdml6ei1jada0

Conclusion:

I do believe this tool is worth learning. It is fairly easy to use and most students will be able to create a glog in no time at all. I think it is a great tool for getting students engaged and it allows for them to be creative. I think it is important for educators to consider the culture of the students they are teaching. Students today live in a very technological based world. Tools like Glogster are great Green tools and reduce the amount of waste created in schools.

soshiku.com

Main Features:

Soshiku is a simple but powerful online tool that helps students manage school assignments. Students input course assignments and Soshiku keeps track of and notifies you when assignments are due. It also allows you to partner with friends to collaborate, assign tasks and share files.

There are two plan options available - Basic (which is totally free!) and Pro ($5 per month).

Basic Plan:
The Basic plan allows students to track 5 Courses, 20 Assignments (per course), 10 Attachments (per assignment), 20 Tasks (per assignment) and sends email notifications of due dates. When these limits are reached, items must be deleted in order to add anything new.

Pro Plan:
For $5 per month, the Pro plan offers many additional features. First, the Pro plan allows you to track an unlimited number of courses, assignments, attachments and tasks and keep everything for as long as you want. Second, users can be notified of upcoming due dates by both email and text message. You can even specify a certain time to be notified such as 3 days before due date at noon. Third, users can add assignments via text messaging. For example, you can text a simple sentence like "math project due in 2 weeks" and Soshiku will create your assignment in the right course. Fourth, users can add recurring assignments (assignments that are due every week) without having to change the due date every week. On your specified workday, Soshiku automatically updates the due date to a week ahead. Fifth, there is a "Quick Add" feature that enables you to quickly add assignments the same way you add them via email or text, which uses natural language parsing. This features eliminates the time wasted waiting for pages to load. Last, the Pro plan has no annoying advertisements.

Level of Difficulty:
Soshiku is extremely easy to learn and navigate for people with basic computer proficiency.

Potential Classroom Application:
As a secondary education teacher, I would definitely encourage my students to take advantage of this tool to help them manage their time and their workload.

Conclusion:
I think this tool is certainly worth learning and is something that high school and college students would find very valuable. I feel it would be extremely beneficial to have all of your assignments consolidated in one useful, user-friendly place. I particularly like the notification feature - no more worrying about forgetting an assignment or missing a deadline! While the Basic plan seems to be sufficient, I do like the added text messaging features in the Pro plan.

Lectora Inspire X.5

Lectora Inspire X.5 is an authoring tool developed by Trivantis. It is used to create interactive and dynamic eLearning content (i.e. for online computer-based training), websites, and presentations that can be published on the web.




Main Features
Lectora Inspire X.5 is described as making online course development fast and simple. It is a program that is “bundled with the leading flash content creation (Flypaper), screen capture (Snagit), and recording software (Camtasia). Lectora’s powerful authoring tools empower you to quickly create dynamic video and Flash eLearning content.” It can be installed on any “modern” Windows operating system, and the structure of its interface is similar to Windows Explorer. It supports virtually all types of audio, video, and text. Users can also create fun quizzes, gradable tests, and surveys within their projects (aka Titles).

Level of Difficulty
This program appears to require intermediate to advance computer skills and knowledge. A plus to using Lectora Inspire X.5 is that while the various components can be combined to create a dynamic presentation, it does not require any programming knowledge. There are a variety of templates, wizards, and tutorials available, as well as a Help Guide. The Help Guide “provides instructional and user friendly information on Lectora and links out to the Lectora User Guide and Lectora Community Forum so you can find answers and advice on Lectora.” Also, users can preview their work through every stage of creation.

Potential Classroom Application
Lectora Inspire X.5 appeals to various types of learners due to its capacity to incorporate audio, visual, and interactive components all in one title (project). Specifically, a teacher could use this program to create tutorials that students would access at home. These tutorials would serve as refreshers before exams. Additionally, the quizzes that Lectora Inspire X.5 has can be set up as games to help students retain the information covered in class. Class websites could also be created using this tool.

Conclusion
Lectora Inspire X.5 is the latest tool I have been charged with learning for my job as a curriculum developer. In viewing the demo, I have concluded that this is program worth taking the time and effort to learn. It provides users with a very comprehensive tool for creating a means for learning, as well as participating in an ever-growing virtual community.

The cost of this tool is $2,495 ($2,790 with support), but there is also a 30-day free trial that is heavily promoted.

Issuu

Issuu : (Issu-getting started)

I decided to learn about the Issuu for the second part of our digital media activity. This is a free application (or a separate version Issuu Pro that can be paid for, it simply eliminates advertisements) that allows users to explore publications of other users and publish their own works to share with people around the world. Or in other words, this application takes ones documents and creates an interactive book of work in an online format to use and share.

Main Features:

There are many features to this tool that can help people in all professions explore the ideas of other people and create their own publications to share. One great feature is the unlimited number of uploads users are allowed. Issuu will simply convert ones documents into an interactive online publication in minutes, easing the process for its users. Conveniently all major document files are compatible with Issuu and there is a unique customization possible. The design and usability allows for professional looking publications while there is an ease of navigation for those viewing the publications. There is also social networking integration so that ones’ information can be open for others to view on various user-blogs. However, the content submitted is secure so others cannot redistribute or duplicate documents without permission.

Level of Difficulty:

This seems like a very simple program to use with no technical skills required. Everything seems to be compatible with various programs and files. While I have not personally used this application yet, it seems to be relatively easy from what I have read. Thus, the time required to learn about this tool is minimal; just download the program and start creating! More importantly, it seems like a great place to share and gain ideas from others around the world.

Potential Classroom Applications:

I think this would be a great digital object to use in the classroom; students can begin to publish their work online giving them an incentive to work hard. Perhaps teachers could team up with other schools across the country and throughout the world so that students can collaborate with one another and learn about different cultures. For the math classroom teachers could have students write an article or documentary describing a mathematician (from their specific country) and their contributions to the mathematical community. After they publish their work students can explore the contributions of other students, learning about different mathematicians and cultures. This will promote a participatory culture that we have been reading so much about.

Conclusion:

This tool is definitely worth learning and can help teachers professionally organize their work and encourage students to participate in the participatory culture. Students seem to be motivated most when they know their work will be presented to an audience, which is exactly what this tool offers.

Sample:

I do not have a sample for this tool as I have specifically learned about it for this course. However I hope to integrate this digital tool into the mathematics classroom one day in the future when I have my own classroom.