Of all the new technology I have used and
become familiar with over the course of ED 609 which is best? In an age where convenience and ease is most desirable, which have what it takes to become a
household name, and which are simply worthy attempts? Spoiler: the following are all winners in the own right. While each person brings
different needs and purpose to a review of technological tools, I feel there
are a few major factors that separate these from most out there.
In this post, I will
be looking at a variety of tools and applications (eight total), and rating them
on a scale of one to five (one being not worth your time and five being an
essential for today’s technologically proficient educator). Along with convenience and learning curve (ease of use), I will also consider functionality
and how each measures up to other programs of similar purpose, and round each out
with my personal thoughts based on experience.
One important thing to keep in
mind, my assessment comes from the point of view of a layman who does uses the
tech from a beginners entry level. This is perfect for those reading who want
to get going on integrating more tech into their lives, however more advanced,
seasoned users might find my points lacking in the depth they’re after. That
said, let’s Begin.
And the winners are...
Winner! Best Functional Browser: Google Chrome
The inside scoop...
As our class started with a look at browsers,
I feel it is only fitting to do the same here. Google Chrome, the web browser
from the house of Google, is convenient in many ways. When using it it links
all of your google applications into your web surfing experience (unless you
are one of the few remaining people without a Gmail account). This can make
your web browsing experience easy and convenient when it comes to quick access
do to stored passwords and “remembered” preferences.
Who knew Big Brother would be so accommodating? |
It seems however that Google is here to stay,
and will no doubt be making improvements to Chrome as time marches on. When it
comes to privacy and Google’s track record however, I just can’t help but feel
more comfortable using something else. Torn here, based on all the points made,
I give Chrome a 4 on my 5 point rating scale.
To begin using Google Chrome head over to http://www.google.com/chrome/
To begin using Google Chrome head over to http://www.google.com/chrome/
Winner! Best Application Suite: Gmail and Blogger
The inside scoop...
Moving on to more from Google, next up is
two offerings from their applications, Gmail and Blogger. I first got a Gmail
account in 2008 when a friend told me to sign up for it as it was free and
simple. Following their excellent marketing strategy of bringing technology to
everyone in such fashion, Google has risen to the top of the cyber world. Both
Gmail and Blogger however, are truly revolutionary tools. Perhaps those few
people out there who have never seen Jurassic Park or Titanic are the only ones
who also do not have a Gmail account yet. I believe these free accounts really helped to transition everyone
from the AOL days to having almost everyone online with an email address.
I feel that this unlimited, free account was
instrumental in the advent of the Internet as an essential part of everyone’s
life. Unlimited storage and often times required (highly encouraged) for certain site access or
services, this email platform is definitely a plus for a cohesive Internet
interaction. Coupled with its ease, connectivity to the Google world/suite, and
quick sign up, it is perfect for getting a mail address fast. It seems hard to remember the days before I had an account. It’s
easy to give out my email and people have no trouble remembering it.
The only
issue that gives pause is again regarding privacy. Everyone has heard news
stories of Google scanning and selling information from personal emails. Who
knows who has access to what you say or think. I have had uncanny instances
online because of what I allow about me to be known in cyberspace. One cannot
help but think that this Orwellian reality is brought to us by Uncle Google. If
you are OK with this being the price you pay for all Google has to generously
offer, I would say Gmail is the way to go, even the new standard. At least we still possess our freedom
to choose. I know of email services that market accounts (@reagan.com) on that
specific privacy point no email mining).
The choice is yours, convenience and functionality
versus privacy and anonymity. In my opinion, it’s already too late for the latter.
Blogger, the other application under review in this part of the post is perhaps my
favorite. I will try to keep an objective, level look at it as I proceed (hard
as I am using it even now). I absolutely fell in love with this program. The
ease of use, convenience in adding multimedia and images to your posts, and fun
it makes blogging all shine through. I didn’t think I would enjoy the process
or be interested in keeping up with a blog, but after using it once, I was
hooked.
Feel like opening up? It's never been this easy! |
While it is free and a treat to use, you again deal with Big Google
watching and mining your every move. The choice again is yours, but I highly
recommend both of these offerings from the Internet giant. Privacy issues being
my only real concern here, I give Gmail and Blogger a 4.5 on my 5 point rating
scale.
To sign up and start using Gmail and Blogger today head over to https://www.gmail.com/intl/en_in/mail/help/about.html
To sign up and start using Gmail and Blogger today head over to https://www.gmail.com/intl/en_in/mail/help/about.html
Winner! Best Learning Management System: Moodle
The inside scoop...
After thinking of linking my Blogger blog to my
LMS, I want to assess one popular one for the next review. As I was new to using an LMS
last fall, I was pretty unsettled when I found out I would be using a fairly
well known one, Moodle, for the MAT program. I soon found out I had little to nothing to worry
about. I found Moodle very user friendly and convenient to use. The fact
that I could keep in touch and be on top of my classes from anywhere was
wonderful. All my needs, communication, direction, and submission were at the
click of my mouse. Examining my own classes I was running at St. John's, and working on
Moodle for my own educational purposes, I soon wondered why I was not taking
advantage of an LMS. Moodle was a real motivating factor in my choice to get
going with Google Classroom.
Why not use Moodle? Well, it does require a fee or
organizational commitment, one my administration was not keen to sign on to
(Google Classroom is free, but does require the creation of a secure domain).
Using Moodle has been such a plus, especially for the challenge of being both a
full-time worker and student. I like the way the LMS keeps you on top of all
that is due for your class (countdown clock) and offers a way for the participants to share in
and contribute to the overall success of the class learning experience. Most
classes I have been in have utilized the forums and posting function to their
full potential. One place I take issue with the setup is that is has a limited
time access and decay factor.
Not using a great LMS like Moodle? You're so 2010! |
Google classroom allows me to archive and access
all academic years in a storage system, whereas Moodle only lasts for a set amount of
time. Many of the things I have posted as an educator or valid ideas others
have offered are not there for me to revisit. That is something I would really
take advantage of if able. I have little to no trouble accessing Moodle and have found
the only time I have had any issues with it is when it is used and instructors
differ or contradict initial plans as initially stated on the LMS. I’m relieved
to say, that has not been the case in recent months.
The advantages for grading
and submissions, streamlining of work, ease of mass (group) communication, and
campus academic routine standardization make Moodle a top of the line learning
management system. From my experience with it, I give Moodle a 4.5 on my 5
point scale.
Winner! Best Online Storage Tool: LiveBinders
The inside scoop...
Another of the tools I was introduced to
during ED 609 is LiveBinders. The online storage for resources and tools was
introduced to us early on, and I can see the advantage in that. LiveBinders has
become a virtual bookshelf for all my resources I have come across online.
It’s very convenient to simply toss a URL into the binder and keep a record of the places you want to return to, or save something interesting to develop
later. It was not difficult to navigate or learn, and before I knew it had
assembled a fairly solid resources for Language Arts binder.
Give the gift of resource, virtually! |
Winner! Best Interactive Class Tool: Kahoot
The inside scoop...
One of the best interactive tools I became
familiar with through my exploration of technology this summer is Kahoot. I
used this online tool to gamify my ED 606 presentation and grab my audience's
attention. I used the online survey/quiz program to engage students in a survey
that required a bit of discretion and anonymity in the results, but class-wide
participation at the same time. Kahoot was perfect for this. Everyone was impressed.
It's as fun to use as it is to say. |
To create a survey or quiz for your students or friends check out https://getkahoot.com/
Winner! Best Presentation Program: Emaze
The inside scoop...
Need to give a presentation? I would
recommend emaze. This presentation substitute for your worn, tired PowerPoint
is a treat to use and goes a long way in augmenting your presentation. For
someone who has created a total of 3 PowerPoints in his whole life, two of
those in the past 5 months, this free presentation creator was a joy to use.
The creators of the program made it with the direct intent to bring out the story
aspect of giving a presentation. The two founders wanted to capture the essence of telling a good story when you are giving a presentation.
Stop giving boring presentations, and start telling stories. |
One of the major drawbacks of the tool however, is that in order
to do more than just use it, share it, or view it, requires a subscription. I was
a little frustrated that our group had to pay if we wished collaborate,
download, or save the presentations we made. With a plethora of prefabbed
visuals and animations in place, the possibilities for endless creativity is
there. Many people also used this tool to deliver presentations this summer
session, and like anything, even emaze lost a bit of its luster.
Compared to
other platforms, I still think it has found a niche, and I see recommending it
and using it in my own teaching. For it being a breath of fresh air into the
presentation game, its ease to pick up, and visually stunning templates which generate excitment, I give emaze a 4 of 5 on my 5 point scale (its restrictive nature
and pay for maximization hold it back).
Winner! Best Website Creation Program: Wix
The inside scoop...
Personally, designing and
creating my own website was something I thought was never possible unless one went to school and studied coding or programing. I never imagined I would see
the day when an average, layman would be able to accomplish
this. Then I learned about Wix. I am still trying to get my head around the fact
that within one full day of work, I was able to create something I feel is both very
professional and attractive(for my first outing).
The online creation tool is so easy to pick up and learn, that I enjoyed every minute of the process. When ever I had any question about what to do, I simply clicked on the question mark in the options box, and a short video tutorial would assist and provide suggestions.
The choice of templates was overwhelming, and I found that I enjoyed the thirty minutes or so that spent exploring the different types was worth the experience alone, later dwarfed when I saw my final product. Wix is incredibly convenient to use and allows for you, or students to create a very functional, personal corner of space on the Web.
I have yet to try Weebly or any other existing website creation programs, but I find that
Wix didn’t give me a need to look any further for one.
The online creation tool is so easy to pick up and learn, that I enjoyed every minute of the process. When ever I had any question about what to do, I simply clicked on the question mark in the options box, and a short video tutorial would assist and provide suggestions.
The choice of templates was overwhelming, and I found that I enjoyed the thirty minutes or so that spent exploring the different types was worth the experience alone, later dwarfed when I saw my final product. Wix is incredibly convenient to use and allows for you, or students to create a very functional, personal corner of space on the Web.
The program is much better than the logo. |
One issue I do take with the program is
that I was unable to find a way to insert more than one hyperlink into a
picture slide caption. This was very disappointing as I wanted to allow viewers to
access many places that related to my specific content, or link to other spots
on my site. I intend on sending some feedback concerning this to the creators
to see how good they are with providing service to their users, and improving on their creation.The functional possibilities of Wix have me inspired and excited.
To have an incredible, professional website by tonight go to https://www.wix.com
To have an incredible, professional website by tonight go to https://www.wix.com
For anything ranging from class fundraisers to class projects,
I can see this tool being a very motivating and inspiring program for students. The
experience really created a new level of excitement and was the
perfect culminating projects for our class. Wix allows you to have a whole new
level of participation with the online world. I know I will be moving forward
and utilizing space online for both instruction and personal use. I have
already told people to visit my project and have received wonderful feedback on
it through my contact page. Incredible!
The only drawback I found
after an entire day of playing with it is so minimal that I can overlook it as
a serious drawback for now. As I said, creation was smooth and very enjoyable.
I want to encourage (and am doing so offline) people to get on it and create
something amazing. You will discover things about yourself you never thought
possible. Don’t just take my word for it, have a look http://roepke25.wix.com/ed609eportfolio
I’m rating Wix a 5 on my 5 point scale.
Winner! Best Music Creator: GarageBand
The inside scoop...
The final review for this post has to be
Apple’s GarageBand. I was first introduced to this program near the end of ED
609. Again, I was a little scared as I thought it would be difficult to arrange
and create music that actually sounded good. Again, how wrong I was. I jumped
in and found it easy to use and learn. I was soon allowing my inner DJ to
scratch and create some fresh beats that I sent to myself to continue working on later.
With an amazingly extensive library of music samples to work with, the folks at
Apple have outdone themselves again. I have used editing programs in the past
(Final Cut) and found the interface to be very user friendly and similar (universal) to the
audio mixing on the film and video programs I have used.
You and your Mac can make beautiful music together. |
To find your inner composer and see a demo on GarageBand go to https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/
Image Credits
The images, logos, and videos in this post are property of the following people/sites:
Youtube video: William Roepke, 2015
Google Chrome: http://www.google.com/chrome/
Gmail & Blogger: https://www.gmail.com/
Moodle: https://moodle.org/
LiveBinders: http://www.livebinders.com/
Kahoot: https://getkahoot.com/
Emaze: https://app.emaze.com
Wix: https://www.wix.com
GarageBand: https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/
Hi:
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent technology assessment.
-j-