Web+2.0+tools+critique

=Web 2.0 tools critique=
 * **Web 2.0 tool** || **Positives** || **Negatives** || **Possible uses** ||
 * Google docs || * Share files between others and all users can edit the same file
 * It is free
 * Allows for online collaboration
 * Any computer connected to the internet can access Google docs
 * Saves quick and easy (Lyn)
 * 50 collaborators are able to simultaneously edit a google doc (AM)
 * It is pretty user friendly and the students (and teachers) are able to use it effectively with little or no 'training'. (SM)
 * Very easy to use and collaborate on. Not 'clunky' and reliable. MM
 * Don't have to worry about the amount of storage you have MM || * Need internet to access
 * Has some different colours and fonts but not a huge selection of features. (Lyn)
 * Need to set up before use with table and names if you want to show input from multiple users. Tends to get really messy if it's not organised beforehand:not knowing who has added to doc... (AM)
 * Can be a bit tedious to set up all the student files - I am sure that there must be a more effective way of doing it rather than the way I was. (SM)
 * At times cannot connect to google docs, not a wireless issue. MM
 * Would like editing features to be more extensive MM || * Collaborative tasks with students
 * Group research activities
 * Gathering data(Lyn)
 * Create a story where students take turns adding to the document
 * [|Interesting ways to use Google Docs by Tom Barrett]
 * Students collaborate to edit one piece of writing (AM)
 * Students working in groups are able to share and add to one document rather than all having individual documents on their laptops. (SM)
 * People needing to add to a document over time. MM ||
 * Voice Thread || * Great for students who are more verbal than writers. Gives them a chance to have their say effectively (SM).
 * Student engagement
 * Gives purpose for students to think and write before they record themselves
 * Able to be embedded into blogs and wikis so students are then publishing to an authentic audience
 * Free edu account allows students to add comments to a teacher account and still show their own identity
 * Allows user to write on a slide. Great for youtube movies or images where students want to specifically point out something on the screen and add audio to say what they think. (AM)
 * A great tool for collaborative work
 * Provides another way to present work
 * Can be used to stimulate discussion.
 * Allows for usually quiet students in front of a group to speak privately yet it becomes a very public performance. (Lyn)
 * Loved how I edited and re edited what I was going to say more than I would have if I had simply written it! MM || * Wasn't quite sure I was doing the right thing - still not! Need to make sure students understand the steps they need to take.
 * Hard to hear the initial questions.
 * We always hate hearing our own voices - a bit of 'stage fright' definitely! (SM)
 * Don't use your iMac to record
 * Sometimes recording at school can be a problem if there's not enough bandwidth. Alternative is to get students to create an mp3 in Garageband and then upload as a file.
 * Initially a bit nervous recording but you do have the opportunity to save/delete if you want to improve yourself after listening
 * May be difficult to record if there is a large group working on the task at once. (Lyn)
 * Needs to be done in a quiet space. MM || * Students can give feedback to each other by setting up a Voice Thread for a presentation (SM)
 * [|Interesting ways to use VoiceThread]
 * [|Successful VoiceThread projects]
 * Used voice thread for a 'Picture this' task for my home group. Gave students the opportunity to challenge the way the present their ideas. MM ||
 * Wiki || * Can be easily accessed as long as there is internet connection
 * A collaborative and interactive tool for groups
 * Can be used informally or formally
 * Other media can be added to wiki pages
 * Easy to edit and save (Lyn) || * Pages can get quite long. This might be off putting to some students (Lyn) || * Collaborative tasks for students
 * Research projects
 * Brainstorming thoughts
 * Share responses, giving feedback (Lyn) ||
 * Share responses, giving feedback (Lyn) ||