A big thanks!
Firstly I'd like to say a big thanks to everyone who has commented on my blog! I've had an overwhelming amount of comments, and it's great to get some feedback! Please don't feel shy to comment again!
Blogs and Wikis:
Blogs and Wikis are a great way to show learning and student voice for any age group, but need to be used appropriately.
For those of you that don't know, a blog is a web log, and is shortened to a blog; Which explains why it is recorded in chronological order. Wikis, are very similar to a website, and can have pages or folders, as some people call them. These can be accessed through the navigation space on the left hand side of the wiki. Wikis can be made so they are open to the public or protected and can only be edited by members. Blogs are similar in the way that you can have members, but you cannot have it open to everyone.
Although these web2.0 tools might be very intriguing, there does have to be some safety boundaries if you are using it for education purposes, such as a classroom etc. You will need to make sure the language on the wiki or blog is appropriate and also be aware of how much personal information is being let out. These guidelines need to be put in place because this is all on the world wide web and can be accessed by anyone. Teachers may also want to keep an eye on the comments of the space and delete any that are unnecessary. Lastly you need to show your kids the importance of being safe on the internet, and maybe get a local policeman/woman to come in and talk about web safety. If you follow all of the above, I'm sure you'll have no problems with safety. Make sure you do not embed a chatroom onto your blog or wiki, and if you do make sure you ask the parents first and tell them what is happening.
A nice thing to add to your site is a clustr map. It is a fantastic way to know that you are getting views and is very encouraging to know the amount of visitors you are having daily.
If you are just using a wiki or blog as a personal space, then use it appropriately and again, remember the responsibility of it being on the world wide web, meaning that anyone can access it.
Overall Blogs and Wikis are great for education purposes, and for recording a web log, but the main point in this post is to use it safely!
See the below website for great tips to customizing your blog or wiki:
Wiki: http://gettingtrickywithwikis.wikispaces.com
Blogs: http://cogsforblogs.blogspot.com
Sorry I haven't been able to post this sooner, I have been caught up in homework, and day to day activities.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Useful Websites
I have been keeping track of everything in my del.icio.us, and I thought it would be nice to list some really great websites. All of the links below can reflect learning in some way or another and most of all they can let the power of student voice shine through.
Glogster
A poster that you can make online, then embed into your website. It can display audio, pictures and text.
Animoto
This is one of the newest picture sharing tools out there. I like the fact that it moves the pictures in time with the music. They have a lot of excellent music that you are allowed to use with your images or you can choose your own music.
Voicethread
A fantastic site where you can collaboratively display audio, and it lets student voice shine through.
You can also embed this onto your blog, wiki, or website etc.
Toon Doo
This is a site where you create a comic strip, or book. I recommend this website for reflecting learning, and showing what students know or have learnt about a study.
Bubble Share
Bubble share has a great variety of options that you can use each photo. You can add sound to each photo and you can also add speech bubbles and about 20 other objects. You can put a piece of video onto the photos as well.
Clustr maps
From their website:
See at a glance where your site's visitors are located: instantaneously, even whenthe numbers are enormous! Visitors don't need to click on anything: just viewing your page is sufficient.
Vuvox
Vuvox is a great way to display photos. Accounts are free and you can search your photos on Flickr, PhotoBucket or upload them from your computer. You can also do general web searches for images to use. You drag the photos you want to display into your storyboard area and then apply a style to use.
Flickr
Flickr is the most famous picture sharing site. You can upload pictures and surf through the pictures of others. You can create basically anything with your pictures varing from slide shows to calendars to a magazine cover.
Photobucket
Photobucket is a way for people to create, manage, and share their personal media online. They can include personal photos, graphics, slideshows, and videos.
Rock You
This website provides you with customisable photo slideshare options as well as other tools for your blog or wiki. You can add special effects such as glitter writing, to yout photos.
Slide.com
This looks very similar to RockYou when making a SlideShow. You can upload files from your computer or from a variety of other sites such as Facebook and PhotoBucket.
PB wiki
PB Wiki is a wiki solution suitable for businesses and education. It is very similar to wikispaces but it does have some differences.
Glogster
A poster that you can make online, then embed into your website. It can display audio, pictures and text.
Animoto
This is one of the newest picture sharing tools out there. I like the fact that it moves the pictures in time with the music. They have a lot of excellent music that you are allowed to use with your images or you can choose your own music.
Voicethread
A fantastic site where you can collaboratively display audio, and it lets student voice shine through.
You can also embed this onto your blog, wiki, or website etc.
Toon Doo
This is a site where you create a comic strip, or book. I recommend this website for reflecting learning, and showing what students know or have learnt about a study.
Bubble Share
Bubble share has a great variety of options that you can use each photo. You can add sound to each photo and you can also add speech bubbles and about 20 other objects. You can put a piece of video onto the photos as well.
Clustr maps
From their website:
See at a glance where your site's visitors are located: instantaneously, even whenthe numbers are enormous! Visitors don't need to click on anything: just viewing your page is sufficient.
Vuvox
Vuvox is a great way to display photos. Accounts are free and you can search your photos on Flickr, PhotoBucket or upload them from your computer. You can also do general web searches for images to use. You drag the photos you want to display into your storyboard area and then apply a style to use.
Flickr
Flickr is the most famous picture sharing site. You can upload pictures and surf through the pictures of others. You can create basically anything with your pictures varing from slide shows to calendars to a magazine cover.
Photobucket
Photobucket is a way for people to create, manage, and share their personal media online. They can include personal photos, graphics, slideshows, and videos.
Rock You
This website provides you with customisable photo slideshare options as well as other tools for your blog or wiki. You can add special effects such as glitter writing, to yout photos.
Slide.com
This looks very similar to RockYou when making a SlideShow. You can upload files from your computer or from a variety of other sites such as Facebook and PhotoBucket.
PB wiki
PB Wiki is a wiki solution suitable for businesses and education. It is very similar to wikispaces but it does have some differences.
An Introduction....
A bit about me.......
Last year I had a fantastic teacher who really got me into using Web2.0 tools, such as wikis, blogs and podcasting, just to name a few. She also really encouraged us to have a voice in our learning.
I have now presented at two conferences, Navcon 2k7, and also a Rotorua conference. At these conferences I presented using Skype, with my friend Cheyenne.
My blog.......
I have set up this blog, to tell the world about what an impact using Web2.0 in your learning can be. I am also going to tell you about different resources that can also allow student voice to shine through. So check my blog regularly and please comment on the posts, as I would love some feedback.
Last year I had a fantastic teacher who really got me into using Web2.0 tools, such as wikis, blogs and podcasting, just to name a few. She also really encouraged us to have a voice in our learning.
I have now presented at two conferences, Navcon 2k7, and also a Rotorua conference. At these conferences I presented using Skype, with my friend Cheyenne.
My blog.......
I have set up this blog, to tell the world about what an impact using Web2.0 in your learning can be. I am also going to tell you about different resources that can also allow student voice to shine through. So check my blog regularly and please comment on the posts, as I would love some feedback.
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