IBL: Web 2.0 Tools
Tech Tools for an Inquiry centred classroom
Tech Tools to Facilitate and Inquiry Approach
Thanks to Russel Tarr, Richard Allaway and David Faure as well as Geoff Neuss and David Ripley for contributing ideas and/or resources to help ensure Harare International School get as much as possible out of the workshop sessions, and beyond (a particular thank you to Russel Tarr for the majority of the below tools, over the years).
Screen capture and Presentation software
Free version limited to swf files, professional version allows for MP4 files that can be loaded to youtube and on to mobile phones / MP4 devices.
Example:
Prezi
Free version limited to swf files, professional version allows for MP4 files that can be loaded to youtube and on to mobile phones / MP4 devices.
Examples: Maths is not Linear
Wikis and Google Sites
Google Sites
Wikis
"How to" video for setting up your own wikispace
Collaborative Working
Google Docs
Example:
International Schools students survey using google docs for a statistics module for 12-13yr old students. Combines the google doc with the use of a wiki for sharing resources.
Wallwisher
Getting started with Wallwisher
Glogster
OneNote
Evernote
Sharing folders in Evernote
Bookmarking
Diigo
Storyboarding
An application for creating Web-based Action Mazes. An Action Maze is a kind of interactive case-study; the user is presented with a situation, and a number of choices as to a course of action to deal with it. On choosing one of the options, the resulting situation is then presented, again with a set of options. Working through this branching tree is like negotiating a maze, hence the name "Action Maze".
Animoto automatically produces beautifully orchestrated, completely unique video pieces from your photos, video clips and music. Fast, free and shockingly easy - with Animoto Lite you can create unlimited 30 second videos.
Video overview of how to get started with animoto:
Example:
Alternative and motivating media in which students can compile their diverse research findings into a coherent whole
Similar free 3D animation software - with more options but perhaps takes longer to produce each video?
This used to be free but is now a paying 10$/mth + 50 cents per student. I'm not sure it's worth it, but interesting to see what it can do.
Xtranormal OverviewVirtual Manipulatives - Science and Mathematics
These applets provide a mathematical environment within which students can explore and investigate for themselves certain mathematical concepts. However, to make it clear to students how to use them it is often to create some additional resources to support its use.
This is the Utah State University's national library of virtual manipulatives - it's great!
Example: Balancing Equations
From the excellent Freundenthal institute and Paul Drijvers team come this great collection of virtual environments.
Example: Plans and Elevations
Overview of a couple of activities
Good for getting students thinking for themselves about physics in an after school club or for use in their free time at home.
Overview of the functionality offered
Further useful Teacher Tools
From Russel Tarr's Teacher Toolkit
Why Inquiry Based Learning? Some Controversial ideas . . .
Is education systemically misaligned with modern needs?
How does the brain work?