This presentation introduces 7 easy to use web 2.0 tools for teachers: GoAnimate for digital storytelling, Prezi as a PowerPoint alternative, WallWisher for discussion walls, Weebly for creating websites, Vuvox for timelines, ScribbleMaps for annotating maps, and Wordle for vocabulary building. Each tool is demonstrated and the pros and cons discussed. The presentation encourages teachers to try integrating one of the tools into their lessons that day. It also provides contact information for the presenter who offers training and curriculum development services.

1. “7 easy web 2.0 tools”(45 minute presentation)Intended Audience: FBLA AdvisersPete Dulany, CIWEast Leyden High SchoolNotes from today’s session available at DulanyConsulting.com/FBLA

2. Let’s start with an IMPORTANTquestionA site that is considered “Web 2.0” is a website that…Requires the Adobe Flash playerIs based on user-created contentBuilt upon national core standardsRuns on Internet 2, the faster infrastructure to support rich content

3. Tool #1: GoAnimateGreat digital storytelling toolFree teacher accounts with student loginsEnjoy this sample GoAnimateVideo I made in 2 hours called “Web 2.0 Homework Excuses”. Also watch one I made in 30 minutes for “Friends Don’t Let Friends…”

4. PROs / CONsPros:Digital storytelling increases student understandingStudents are actively writingStudents are engaged and excited to learnBasic accounts are freeCons:Can be sluggish over a slow Internet connectionLearning curve: one to two class periods

5. Tool #2: PreziAn alternative to tedious PowerPoint presentationsAll freshmen at Leyden HS Dist 212 learn thisEmbeds videos right from YouTube – no need to download and convertWeb Accessible – no need to move PPTs with flash drives or student login accounts.Enjoy this sample Prezi:All about FBLA

6. PROs / CONsPros:Students are forced to think in text blurbsSimple, easy to read colorsInstant YouTube embeddingEasy to create and edit PrezisBasic accounts are freeCons:No text animations, just zooming / positioningAll prezis are public

7. Tool #3: WallWisherA great way for students to do things like:Post questions about a topicPost difficulties with an assignmentA great way for faculty to do things like:Ideas for student of the monthPost recruiting ideasPost who’s bringing what for a potluck lunchCheck out the sample Wall!

8. Quick PollWhat’s the biggest problem with WallWisher?Students have to sign up for a user accountThe wall owner has to approve every postKeeping the posts “unique”Abusive language and CyberBullying

9. PROs / CONsPros:No signup – just visit and postYou can “approve” posts or notFast and instant thoughtsEasy to create and set up. It’s free!Cons:Unique posts / studentsRequires moderation if anyone can post

10. Tool #4: WeeblyCreates instant websites for clubs, organizations, teacher webpages. Includes a free dropbox that gets sent to your e-mail account.No expensive Dreamweaver license. No HTML coding required. No FTP. No fees.EVERY teacher can have a webpage.Demo – www.mrdulany.com

11. Tool #5: VuvoxAn excellent timeline creation tool. Also useful for showing order.Helpful for creating interactive timelinesShowcase: History of the Internet (History), Moore’s Law (Math), Cell Mitosis (Science), Summarizing a story (English), even nonlinear projects like word definitions and a picture to help remember.Incorporates reading and writingDemo : When I present...

12. Tool #6: scribblemapsGoogle Maps are great – but sometimes, you just need to scribble on them.Useful for parking directionsGood for GPS devices on a “treasure hunt” – where you’ve been, or where you will go (Wireless War Walking)Demo – ScribbleMaps.comActual assignment - Trail of Tears

13. Tool #7: WordleThis one isn’t “NEW” or fresh – but, I like it.Gives “big ideas” and vocabulary. Wordle.net

14. But, remember… Use these tools at the beginning of lesson planning, not as an add-on extra.USE THESE TOOLS TODAY. TRY ONE.Seriously. Try JUST ONE today.

15. And now this…The presentation that you’ve seen today – and many more like it – can be brought to your school district.I train teachers in all things technology-related!If you need help building (or re-building) a curriculum, particularly an online curriculum, I can help with that too.

16. ConclusionQuestions / AnswersAll slides are posted to DulanyConsulting.com/FBLAYou can reach me at Pete@DulanyConsulting.com