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Technology

The web tools used in this unit were chosen because they were fun, accessible and easy to use. As well, they seemed to best suit the needs of both students and the unit assignments. Below are descriptions, examples and links for each of the technology tools. All descriptions are paraphrased or liberally barrowed from their respective websites, with the exception of the Blabberize piece, which came from edjudo.com.

Penzu
  • Unlike blogging, students’ journal entries are private by default, providing the highest level of privacy for online student writing.
     

  • Students may add their own photos to compliment their writing, via upload or via flickr.

  • To share their writing with each other or with the teacher, students simply do so using the email function or by creating a public link to individual entries.
     

  • Students may write as much as they like with no worries about disk space. Their work is automatically saved.
     

  • Finally, students may search their journals for particular words or phrases – no need to re-read the whole thing to find what you’re looking for.

Bookr
  • One of the simplest online tools there is to use, Bookr creates an online book in minutes, without having to create an account!

 

  • Begin by typing your title into the Title field, and use the

arrow to flip through your pages as you type or pate text into the text field from another program.

 

  • Use the photo link to images available in flickr; search for specific images by tags or by username.

 

  • When you finalize your book, simply type in the email addresse(s) you want to share your book with, and a link will arrive in their inbox. Enjoy!

Blabberize
  • Ask students to write a story and ask them to write the ending. Students can then practice reading their script aloud into a mic.

 

  • Blabberize is excellent for pronunciation practice and language learning. This really is a great tool for practicing literacy skills in a fun way.

  • Blabberize allows students to quickly animate any image to make it talk, by simply adding audio and specifying the bottom lip or jaw section.
     

  • Within minutes you have a talking photo and the novelty factor of this will never wear thin for students.
     

  • Students love Blabberize because they can make anyone speak by adding a mouth.

Ustream
  • As the world’s fastest-growing and largest live streaming platform with over 50 million unique monthly viewers and a network of produced and user-generated content, Ustream is fundamentally reshaping online media.

  • Ustream brings the world together by immersing viewers in live broadcasts that create riveting experiences, interactive communities, and lasting connections.
     

  • Within minutes, users can produce and broadcast audio and video segments using nothing more than their desktop or laptop computer or smartphone.

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