Group Members: (Group 4) Belcher, Kaufman, Knowles, Duffy
Category: Evaluation of student writing samples
Grade level: Middle school, high school
Topic/discipline: Language arts, social studies, science
Tutorial information: A "project overview" link is provided on the homepage that outlines the three main phases of the evaluation process along with important details.
Possible uses: Online objective-based evaluation of student writing samples provided by other educators.
Basics: Teachers submit student writing samples. Other teachers, students, and professionals read and evaluate the work. EdSteps then will publish continuums ("emerging" to "accomplished" work samples) in different skill areas.The continuums are available online for teachers, students and families to view.
Positives: Provides objective-based evaluation and feedback of students' writing. Evaluations provided by a variety of individuals of various ages, specializations, and affiliations. Results are made available online to students and families.
Negatives: Time - the evaluation process takes time to provide feedback.
Group Members: (Group 4) Belcher, Kaufman, Knowles, Duffy
Category: Sharing and rating content on the web.
Grade level: Upper elementary, middle school, high school
Topic/discipline: All
Tutorial information: A "take a tour" link is provided on the homepage that walks you through the five main aspects of digg and then asks you to join. An FAQ link is also provided at the homepage.
Possible uses: Teachers and studetents can find web-based information and have an online discussion about the information/content. Students may also communicate with other students from other schools.
Basics: Individuals post information or links to information on the web. Other users are able to comment on the information and rate the value of the information through comments.
Positives: Very visual, easy to post information, ability to communicate with other students and teacher, exposure to vast amount of information.
Negatives: Some information shared at digg.com will be blocked by schools' filters. Students may be distracted by other less relevant posted information.
Group Members: (Group 4) Belcher, Kaufman, Knowles, Duffy
Category: Web-based timeline creator
Grade level: All levels
Topic/discipline: Social studies, language arts
Tutorial information: Description of how to use the timeline creator is provided on the homepage. FAQ link provided. Members have access to tutorial link.
Possible uses: Creating timelines that are available to all members of a group
Basics: Users are able to create and edit interactive timelines that can be manipulated with a simple drag of the mouse.
Positives: Templates, easy to use drop boxes to enter data, can export timelines to a PDF file, can insert images, teacher support services, customizable privacy.
Negatives: There is a one-time joiner fee of $19. Could be difficult for younger users due to required reading.
Group Members: (Group 4) Belcher, Kaufman, Knowles, Duffy
Category: Online communication and collaboration
Grade level: All levels
Topic/discipline: All
Tutorial information: Overview link available for members of groups that create accounts with gaggle
Possible uses: Communication and collagoration between students, parents, and teachers (blogging, message boards, mobile texting, digital lockers, homework drop boxes, integrated calendar)
Basics: Gaggle provides applications that allow students and teachers to communicate and collaborate online.
Positives: Multiple applications/services: blogging, message boards, mobile texting, digital lockers, homework drop boxes, integrated calendar
Negatives: $$ - gaggle is not a free online tool
Group Members: (Group 4) Belcher, Kaufman, Knowles, Duffy
Category: free online private diary and personal journal
Grade level: All levels
Topic/discipline: Language arts, social studies, writing
Tutorial information: Users clink on the help link to receive assistance.
Possible uses: Journaling, reflections, summaries
Basics: Students are able to compose their own personal writing entries. Entries can be kept private or students can allow others to view their entries online.
Positives: Easy use, privacy, can insert images into writing entries, autosave
Negatives: Information at help link is limited, many other means of journaling available