3+Exciting+Web+2.0+Tools

A simple definition of Web 2.0 is the "Read/Write Web." Originally, the Internet was a place to locate information basically as a "Read Only Web." As the Internet slowly changed, web sites were developed that let people "write" and share information. Today’s Web 2.0 sites, like Facebook and Wikipedia, enable people to communicate and collaborate.
 * What are Web 2.0 tools and how can they affect classroom instruction and improve student learning? **

Educators face many challenges today. They must adapt to a generation of students who have grown up using the Web. Teachers must learn and teach information literacy that includes effectively using the Internet. These Web 2.0 applications can help students develop the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century world.  ( These explanations were gathered from Web 2.0 tools website)

﻿The quantity and quality of available Web 2.0 tools seem limitless and the scope of all that they have to offer students and teachers is somewhat overwhelming. To get us started, we have prepared a sampling of several online applications with links and brief descriptions of each. Have fun exploring these websites and join with us as we create and share great lesson plans filled with new technologies !

Web 2.0 Tools for Students and Teachers
 * Wordle || With **//Wordle//** you can generate “word clouds” from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes ||
 * Glogster || **Glogster EDU** is a collaborative online learning platform for teachers and students to express their creativity, knowledge, ideas, and skills in the classroom. The basic teacher license is free and allows up to 50 student users. ||
 * VoiceThread || **Ed.VoiceThread** is a collaborative multimedia slide show that holds images, documents, and videos and allows people to navigate slides and leave comments in 5 different ways. It is a secure communications network built specifically for K-12 students and educators. There is a small subscription charge. Tutorial Video ||
 * Web Poster Wizard || Web Worksheet Wizard and Project Poster have combined to make **Web Poster Wizard.** This FREE tool allows educators to create a lesson, worksheet, or class page and immediately publish it online. Teachers can also set up classes and assign projects to students. ||
 * Prezi || **Prezi** is an online presentation tool that allows you to create maps of text, images, videos, PDFs, drawings and present in a nonlinear way. It is more than a slide show. ||
 * Bubbl.us || **Bubbl.us** is a Web 2.0 tool that enables users to create mind mapping and brainstorming diagrams online. Ideas and thoughts are recorded in colorful text bubbles linked to the parent bubble. ||
 * Photo Story 3 || **Microsoft Photo Story 3** offers a free download for Windows users. It allows you to create visual stories using your digital photos. With a single click, you can touch-up, crop, or rotate pictures. It allows you to add some special effects, soundtracks, and your own voice narration to your photo stories. ||
 * Primary Wall || **Primary Wall** is s web-based sticky note tool designed for schools that allow students and teachers to work together in real time. ||
 * Type with Me || **Type With Me** is an online word processor that allows students and teachers to work together in real time. Each editor is in a different color. ||
 * Kidblog || **Kidblog** is designed for elementary and middle school teachers who want to provide each student with their own unique blog. You can set your class with no student email addresses. ||
 * Drawing for Children || **Drawing for Children **is a free drawing program for children with many nice options. You can draw with many different pens, you can put stamps on your drawings; create all sort of text effects, and much more. The program is suitable for very young children and has a child mode especially for them. It also provides lots of fun to older kids. You must download this application. ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">Webspiration || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 12.25pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: left;">**Webspiration** is the web version of Inspiration. It is the new online visual thinking tool that was designed for teachers and students and provides a safe and reliable online learning environment that helps students improve their writing and thinking skills. There is a small subscription cost. ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 120%; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">FlipSnack || <span style="color: #333333; display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">**FlipSnack** is a page flip software that enables you to create stylish digital flipping books out of your PDF documents. You can use it to share or embed into your website. ||
 * Quizlet || <span style="color: #333333; display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 12.25pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: left;">**Quizlet** is a simple, free online tool which can stimulate learning and make studying fun in class and at home.You can make flashcards, multiple choice quizzes, and games. ||