Thing+Twelve


 * Thing Twelve**


 * || [[image:http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1059/861570798_83545b2f90_m.jpg caption="Image by Matlock" link="http://http//flickr.com/photos/matlocktest/861570798/"]] ||

Listed below is a "baker's dozen" of Web 2.0 tools -- by no means representative of all (or even a good bit) that's out there. Finding, experimenting with and evaluating new tools, determining whether they have value for us in creating, organizing, communicating or problem-solving -- without an instructor's explicit guidance -- is an essential 21st Century skill, part of lifelong learning, and certainly the sort of capability we want to foster in our students.

Pick a tool (or two, or more if you are so inclined) below, **see what it does** and **see what you can do with it**. Depending on the tool you choose and your particular learning style or worldview, you may do more exploring than experimenting or vice-versa.
 * Discovery Exercise **

While you are exploring and experimenting, consider whether the tool may have a **practical application** for personal, classroom or professional learning or productivity. Also pay attention to any social aspects of the tool -- is it collaborative, sharable, does it allow comments, discussions, ratings? We will talk more about social features in Web 2.0 in upcoming weeks. ( Flickr, which you explored in the last session, has many social features, including tags, groups and commenting).

Many of these tools are completely free, and all offer at least a free version. Also, most are **embeddable** in a blog, wiki or webpage. Think of this "Thing" as **focused play**. Or think of it as miserable, frustrating work... it's up to you ;)

(**HINT**: To begin exploring a tool, look for demos, tours, an explore or features link, examples, galleries and/or FAQ pages). ** The Tools ** > Turn your photos into awesome artwork with one click.
 *  **Be Funky - http://www.befunky.com **

> Collaborative concept mapping tool (like an online version of Inspiration).
 *  **Gliffy** - @http://www.gliffy.com/

> Turn a photo into a talking cartoon
 *  **Blabberize - http://blabberize.com **

> Simple concept mapping with useful keyboard shortcuts - no log-in required to make a simple diagram
 *  **Bubbl.us - http://bubbl.us/beta **

> Create interactive books using original photos or artwork.
 *  **MixBook** - http://www.mixbook.com

> Use text, links, and images to create a dynamic timeline.
 *  **TimeToast - http://www.timetoast.com **

> Edit digital photos in your browser.
 *  **Picnik** - @http://www.picnik.com/

> Create and share interactive study materials. Keep track of your progress automatically.
 *  **Quizlet** - @http://quizlet.com/


 *  **Dumpr -** @http://dumpr.net/ - Addictively-fun and simple-to-use online photo effects. Upload photos, create something funny, and share them with your friends.

> Create a digital poster to showcase images, video, music, links, etc.
 *  **Glogster EDU - __ @http://edu.glogster.com/ __**

> Create and share your own comic strips using an array of characters, settings and custom speech balloons.
 *  **ToonDoo** - @http://www.toondoo.com/

> Create a drag-and-drop website in minutes -- no technical expertise necessary!
 *  **Weebly** - http://weebly.com

> Create a collaborative bulletin board using "sticky notes"
 *  **Wallwisher - http://www.wallwisher.com **

> Create colorful "word clouds" from text that you provide
 * **Wordle** - http://wordle.net

All the above tools were FREE on August 17, 2010; however, this is always subject to change, as is the way of the web! Just ignore the application if there is now a charge. Remember, sometimes you have to search for the FREE plan!

** Learning Tasks **

Select one additional online tool to explore and evaluate on your own. Create a blog post evaluating the tool and describing the following: Describe the tool
 * Task: Blog Post** - Evaluating an Online Tool
 * How can it be used to support teaching, learning, or productivity?
 * How would manage the use of the tool with students?
 * What would be the challenges with using the tool and how would you overcome them?