Post #5

Web 2.0 technologies are crucial to teacher development. Some of the most important ones include office software (such as Open Office), blogs, social networks, and online storage (such as DropBox). These technologies enable teachers to save their work and to connect with staff and students more efficiently. Web 2.0 technologies are handy, but technologies that that need to be paid for probably aren’t the best choice unless they are mandatory for instruction. Almost any tool can be found Web 2.0 technology online for free. In order to use these tools, the best computer to use is probably a computer with Microsoft, since Microsoft is the most compatible operating system. A network that enables shared features is probably the best option so all students can print and do work in one classroom. The equipment necessary includes a printer (so students can print out assignments), an electronic whiteboard (so lessons and powerpoints can be projected on the screen), speakers (to listen to audio from the computer), and tablets for students.

A Web 2.0 tool that I want to use is Survey Monkey. Survey Monkey is an online polling site that can be used for free to create polls and surveys. There are also options to pay a certain amount per month if you want to buy added features. Using the free version of Survey Monkey allows you to ask a maximum of 10 questions and up to 100 responses per question. This tool is helpful for educators who want to ask students a question or ask for their opinion on a topic or lesson without having to waste class time.

I like this too because this too is easy to use. The website is functional and up-to-date. It will be easy for students to use as well. With this tool, I can ask students the night before a new lesson to ask for their opinion on said lesson. I can ask them, for example, how much they know about said lesson, so I will know how much time to spend on the lesson with them. Survey Monkey is a convenient tool that teachers should definitely know about.

Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/

Thanks to the Concept Mapping assignment, I now know how to use Kidspiration to make a map. I have had no prior experience with Kidspiration, and now I know the shortcuts and the things to keep in mind when making a map. I think I did well on my first concept map. I tried to keep only one thought/fact in one bubble each, but to me, the map seems to have a lot going on. I color coded each section to make them map more organized. Next time, I think I have to employ the Notes feature on Kidspiration so the concept map will be less crowded. Now, I know how to make a concept map and I know how to integrate it into Word and make an outline for my students.