TechToolBox

=TECH TOOLBOX= = = =How to choose the right tool for the job:=

[|Blogging]:
The best use of a blog is for an individual seeking feedback - this could be an individual student or an individual teacher. We love blogs because they promote interaction between author and reader, however it is the author that determines the content/discussion focus - not the reader. Therefore, this option works very well when an individual (or even a group of individuals posting to the same blog) are seeking feedback or comments on their ideas and thoughts.

Features of a blog:
 * entries posted in consecutive order, newest on top
 * comments from readers extend classroom learning
 * personal learning journal

Ideas for classroom blogging:
 * a teacher blog to share learning with parents and resources with students
 * a classroom blog where all students can contribute but there is one blog to maintain
 * individual student blogs linked to a teacher blog to allow individual reflection

Wikis:
The best use of a wiki is for collaborative knowledge building. A wiki allows for shared ownership for all members, meaning that //together// the authors of a wiki determine what information is posted online. Because a wiki is a great place to share and document information, it can be thought of as an easy-to-create collaborative website.
 * Features of a wiki:**
 * Easy to create website
 * Easy collaboration beyond classroom
 * Extend discussion beyond the classroom
 * Trackable page edits


 * Ideas for classroom wikis:**
 * a resource for all assignments, rubrics, deadlines and resources to increase home-school communication
 * a “home-base” for bringing multiple tools together
 * a presentation format to demonstrate student learning

[|Social Networking]:
The best use of social networking is for connecting students (and teachers and parents). A social network allows for a variety of tools to be directly embedded within your network (like blogs, podcasts, groups and forums) so it is a great venue for bringing people together and allowing them to select the tool that suits their learning style. Social networks allow users to communicate with all members in a variety of formats.


 * Features of Social Networks**
 * Create groups of learners
 * Facilitate forum discussions
 * Personal reflection space within a community
 * Members take ownership of their learning
 * Easily upload multimedia


 * Ideas for classroom social networks:**
 * to begin a dialogue with differentiated groups of learners
 * to private space to connect students
 * to help develop independence in leading discussions or planning projects

The best use of collaborative multimedia is to allow for creative representation of ideas. When a blog is too text driven, or a social network is too complex for your needs, or your students would benefit from video or audio presentation, you might want to try a multimedia format. Collaborative multimedia lets you bring together voice, audio, and video into one product //and// allows others to comment and add on to your work.

Features of multimedia tools > Ideas for collaborative multimedia:
 * Integration of multiple media
 * Subscription service (podcasts)
 * Collaboration on digital storytelling (VoiceThread)
 * to add a new dimension to digital storytelling
 * to start asynchronous voice conversations around learning topics