Web 2.0

Trent Curry
EDU 2043
11/3/15


http://www.ustream.tv/   (Ustream)

Ustream gives the user a chance to broadcast live broadcasts. It also allows the user to create podcasts and recorded videos as well. This also allows you to chat online with others. I find this useful because as a teacher, I can effectively communicate with my students by using this. I can choose to either talk with them live or leave a recorded video for them to watch.

http://poster.4teachers.org/  (Web Poster Wizard)

This website allows teachers to post a worksheet, lesson or class page online for their students to view. This is a free website strictly based on helping teachers do their job. Students or teachers can add images to this website to help display information. This would be useful in the classroom because many state standards in today's world require the use of technology. This is an easy way for a teacher to incorporate technology into their lesson plan.

http://www.wolframalpha.com/ (WolframAlpha)

This website is a research database. It covers a variety of different subjects from mathematics to music. This website can calculate math or chemistry problems while showing you how it got the answer, or it can answer simple yes or no questions. This website is useful for the classroom because it covers so many different areas of education. It also provides the researcher with information on how it got the answer such as examples of problems worked out or resources it used.

http://www.extremetech.com/computing/76878-inetword-online-word-processor (iNetWord)

iNetWord is a downloadable web app that helps students edit and create different word documents. It goes above what an average word processor can do by allowing for grammar checking, custom paragraph styles, and web page templates. It is free but must be downloaded to be used. This would allow students in the classroom to have a better idea of how correct their document is, without the teacher having to correct simple grammar mistakes. It also allows the teacher to create an online accessible lesson to implement technology standards.

https://crocodoc.com/ (crocodoc)

Crocodoc utilizes document embedding technology. Crocodoc uses box view, which converts PDF and Office documents to embeddable HTML, CSS, and SVG files. This is free although you must sign up. This is beneficial in the classroom because it downloads large PDF files such as an online textbook or lesson very quickly. It also is compatible from any device.

https://justpaste.it/  (JustPaste.it)

JustPaste.it allows students to easily access notes and other word documents. It allows them to easily share their notes and other images. It can be used to create one's own notes or search popular notes created by others. This website is useful because it makes learning easily accessible to students. It allows them create or find notes that will help them to succeed in the classroom.

http://www.educadium.com/freewebclass (Educadium)

Educadium allows the teacher to create an online lesson or course from scratch. Videos and PowerPoints can be uploaded to enhance learning. It can be used for education, training, and certification. If a teacher can create a online course, it may allow them to teach more classes therefore making them more marketable as an employee. With many education standards turning towards technology these days, more and more online classes are beginning to become realities at different schools.

http://www.simplevle.com/v3/index.jsp (simple VLe)

Simple VLe allows teachers to design online quizzes and tests. It also allows them to record student grades and create assignments. It creates a virtual online learning environment for the students. This would be convenient for a teacher because of the availability to create online assignments and quizzes. A teacher could post grades and assignments from home for students making everyone's life easier.

https://www.mindomo.com/ (Mindomo)

Mindomo is a website that helps design "mindmaps" with different illustrations and colors. Mindmaps is a tool that helps students visualize information. This website also lets the teacher create flowcharts and other helpful tools to aid students in visualizing important information. This would be useful because it is an original approach to information. Information would be more likely to stick with students because it is so visual.

http://flowchart.com/ (Flowchart)

Flowchart allows teachers and students to create informational flowcharts with "real-time collaboration". Flowchart helps the instructor teach students how to create a flow chart and organize their information. This app allows colleagues to develop flowcharts at the same time. This can be beneficial during group projects or online assignments. A teacher can also monitor how a student is studying or how much work they are doing at home.

Effects of Social Networking

As a collegiate student looking to make the most of my opportunities, I have to consider the effects of social networking. Social networking has shown exponential growth throughout the "2000s". I remember when I began to hear about it. I was in junior high school. I had no idea how big of an impact things like Facebook and Twitter would have on our society.


But what are the effects that it has on our society?
Are they good? Bad? Both?

It is quite extraordinary how social networking can affect our lives. Since it is a relatively new phenomenon, studies are just now beginning to come out on how it actually affects us. According to the American Psychological Association, teens who spend excessive amounts of time on Facebook tend to show antisocial behaviors, manic episodes, and aggressive tendencies. This makes sense. When I get on Facebook it seems as if all I see are people constantly arguing or bickering at each other over political issues, popular events/people, and other topics. It seems to be adults a lot of the time that are making fools of themselves. What is that teaching our youth?

It is not all bad, though.

Studies show that social networking can increase "virtual empathy". It can help young introverted teens learn to interact with others through the compatibility of a screen. Also, social networking can be educational. Teens can access information though a variety of ways as a result of social networking. Although the APA says these are positive, in my humble opinion I have to disagree. Young kids should learn empathy though physical interaction with each other. They should learn how to cooperate and work together with one another. I feel that these "positive" effects of social networking will greatly influence the next generations to come in a negative way. Kids need to learn that they are responsible for what they say. Being behind a screen seems to make some people brave. Kids say mean things to each other through social networking. Sometimes they do it anonymously although it is still hateful and can hurt others. And the whole thing about social networking providing access to information? This is very true but we must ask ourselves, is this information credible? The very fact that many people do not ask themselves this question leads to many arguments with facts and other information that isn't necessarily true. People will post anything to get you to think the way they do.

Social networking still does serve a functional purpose with our society. People can keep up with friends and/or relatives that live far away. People can virtually interact with each other from around the world which is very convenient. As a student in college, social networking is helpful to me because I can keep up with fellow classmates and teachers. I can see schedules and information about my university by simply "following" or "liking" their page.

So the answer is social networking can be good or bad, the question is how do we teach people to use it in a positive way?








Sources:


http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2011/08/social-kids.aspx


http://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/academic/article/485925/The-Effects-of-Social-Networking-upon-Society/