Posted by Selena on her blog, learning elearning, May 24 2012. A brief discussion of several options in "classroom observation software," which records a "classroom walk-through" and then allows users to further analyze classroom interactions.
From their About page, "edshelf is a directory of websites, mobile apps, and desktop software that are rated & reviewed by educators, for educators. We decrease the friction of using and procuring effective technology into the classroom." Concentration is on K-12, but these apps might also be useful for postsecondary teachers.
"Abstract
The use of design patterns is now well established as an approach within the field of software systems as well as within the field of architecture. An initial effort was made to harness patterns as a tool for elaborating the design of the elements of personal learning environments as part of the University of Bolton's Personal Learning Environment project; however, this earlier effort had a number of limitations that prompted a revisit to the pattern language documented here. In particular, the initial patterns, while functionally useful, lacked some of the moral and generative qualities that are the essential qualities of an effective pattern language. This paper presents a revised pattern language focused around two primary categories, learning networks, and personal learning tools."
ALEKS produces web-based, artificially intelligent educational software used for assessment and then individualized lesson plans. Developed at the University of California, Irvine with funding from the National Science Foundation.
Goog*lio noun (1) a hybrid next generation e-portfolio that utilizes emerging open, social, web2.0, and Google applications such as blogs, wikis, social networks and software to create a student created and controlled personal learning environment and lifelong content management system that can be shared and viewed from different perspectives, within various contexts, and for multiple purposes. noun (2) a free and easy to use portfolio web site for individuals to design as a space, story, and system that functions as a workspace and showcase for learners to collect, select, reflect, publish, link, archive, and demonstrate knowledge, skills, reflections, through multimedia artifacts. verb (3) "googlio it" to publish and connect a digital artifact to your webfolio. origin: rooted in the word folio (as in Da Vinci) + Google (as in all the free Google Apps & Tools) and evolved from portfolio -->
Google offers a collaborative writing tool (similar to MS Word), with JEC uses with her writing students in order to manage the draft-edit-revision process.
JEC recommends Ning, as "your students can "co-own" the site with you & add their own content--in other words, it's more student-centered (but you lose the institutional archiving functions) [of sites like Blackboard]."