Cool Tools
Web-based tools can be a great asset to the classroom environment. Instructors can incorporate these tools to make their courses more accessible, interactive and engaging.
This project will explore four different types of web-tools (each of which was new to the author until this project took place). We will look at each tool to determine the purpose and outcome, how to use the program, and how it can be used to elevate the student/teacher experience.
Wordle is a web tool that allows users to create an image that showcases the words used in a copied text. The most used words of the text are transformed into the image. The larger the word the more it appeares in the duplicated text.
To use Wordle go to the website,
www.wordle.net,
and click CREATE. Next, copy the text of the source you are using into the text box; a PDF, a document, a web page, or type your text. Select GO, and you will see an image of your words in a Wordle Cloud. On this page, you can choose to remove common words in several different languages, choose the font, customize the layout of the image (rounded edges, straight edges, horizontal or vertical word placement, etc.) or select your color pallet. You can customize your Wordle Cloud to suit your circumstance and style.
One thing that should be noted is that Wordle does require Java to run. Some web browsers do not handle Java, so be aware of this when using this tool.
Teachers can use Wordle in several ways to enhance their teaching presence. Assigned readings can be summed up in an easy way with important words standing out from the rest. A Wordle Cloud can also be used to introduce students to a new course or subject. An instructor can copy their resume or professional description and use this as a personal visual introduction. These are just a few of the possibilities.
Zamzar is a free online file converter. It converts videos, images, PDFs, and other types of documents into the format of your choice. Once the conversion occurs, a link to file is sent to your email. The maximum file size to be converted is 50MB. Several membership plans allow users to convert files larger than 50MB, but these plans come with a monthly fee.
To use Zamzar, select the file or URL that you wish to convert. Determine the format that you need to convert to and then enter an email addresss to recieve a link to download your converted file.
Zamzar is a tool that can be very useful both inside and outside the classroom. A teacher can use this tool to play a video in a platform that the classroom computer can accept. If a student turns in a project as a PDF instead of an editable word document the instructor can convert it to the proper form and make comments on it. E-books can be saved as a PDF so that students have access to the file. Webpages converted to images can be used in power point as still pictures. The possibilities are endless for this web-tool.
In the most common use of the web-tool, you can go to the website, bubbl.us, and create an account or use the program as a guest. Once on the creation page, you can click on the white space and begin the concept map. Keyboard shortcuts allow for quick additions of new or subsequent bubbles. The final product can be saved and transferred to an available storage file.
This tool can be used to help students grasp a new subject such as a cause and reaction chart. It can also showcase how to make a mind map outline, either in a pre-made form or used online to show the creation process. This tool is straightforward and would be a great tool to use during a class due to its simplicity.
Bubbl.us is a mind mapping website that allows users to create a visual concept flow chart.
Users can select color pallets for each of the bubbles and then use connecting arrows to draw attention to other connecting principles.
Padlet is a tool that acts as a virtual pin board or wall. This format is great for users to gather all of their resources, ideas, images, or files in one visual presentation.
Using Padlet is very simple. Start by creating a new padlet, selecting format and design that fits your cause and then double click on the space to create a new posting. In the post, you can add a web page, image or file to create a quick link to your item.
Padlet would be a fantastic tool for instructors that want to share information with their entire class. Multiple padlets can be created for classes, topics, or even daily studies.
Another use would be for the teacher alone. All the resources needed to teach a session could be compiled in one place and form an easily accessed lesson aid.