EdTechWalden

This site is one of many blog sites that can be used to see if your participants have an understanding of esential concepts. You could use this blog site to have access your participants by having them blog about how they used the key concepts from your workshop in lessons or daily clasroom activities. This could be a post assessment.

o Website where learners can create their own blog to share with teacher, other learners, or the profession at large in the case of teacher training. Learners can provide their in-depth analysis of concepts as well as examples and resources to support the information. Rather than a factual knowledge quiz, blogs provide learners with the opportunity to interpret and develop their own understanding and sense of concepts through cognitive processing. o This is an easy to use with multiple templates already set up for quick blog creation. However, the site still provides ample flexibility for the most adventurous type in search of customization.

This website is a hosting service that allows you to create pages, edit pages and collaborate with people. It provides a wonderful opportunity for students to create projects and get feedback from others. Documents, pictures, graphics and videos can be upload to the site. I chose this site because it was very user friendly with some Office features.

Wikispaces allows users to collaborate online. Features include embedding files and videos, invitations to members, and restrictions for access and editing. Wikis support the principles of generative and essential learning. The collaboration that occurs through the use of a wiki creates an engaging learning environment for participants to process the material they are learning. Wikis are easier to use for collaborative efforts.

o Wikispaces provides a space where learners can collaborate while developing a final product to demonstrate understanding. Pictures, videos, documents, and just about anything can be added to the site. Cognitive processing is at its best with this tool as learners create knowledge together from the material they have studied. o Extremely easy to use especially with the update where the teacher can create a class code to share with students so they can join the class from any wiki account.

* Brief description of Web site: A free tool that allows user the ability to enhance their fast-paced online conversations. Users can create images and videos of what they see on their computer screen, and then share them instantly with others. * Brief explanation of why you found this site to be better than others you found: Besides the fact that this is a free resource, this tool allows for various modes of multimedia, including images/graphics, text, and narration.

Jing is an online computer service that provides its users with the capability to capture basic video, animation, and still images, while also being able to share what has been captured on the web with others. Jing can capture anything displayed on the computer screen, including pictures, video, and even movements of the mouse. The final product can be saved for further use, shared online, or emailed to others, but videos are limited to five minutes. Jing is considered a technology-centered program that has the capability to produce learning. The technology-centered approach fails to lean to lasting improvements in education, therefore, the use of Jing alone would not warrant effective learning. This particular screencasting program is one of the best, because it is free and it can be used in a number of ways (from pre-training, to teaching, to presenting).

o Jing is a screencast program where users can create a video of their screens while narrating instructions. In addition, users can develop screenshots with notations to create manuals and instructions. Students can demonstrate procedural knowledge through the use of this program and make sense of processes. In addition, teachers can share vast guidance on how online programs and feature work through the creation of screencasts. o The site is free which is pretty incredible considering you can also host your videos and share them via a url which makes emailing large files much easier. The site is easy to use and the quality of the screencasts remarkable.

This online mind mapping software allows mobile access. Mindmeister allows real-time brainstorming and offline mode. Offline work is synced to online maps when you go back online

* MindMeister is an online mind mapping and brainstorming website used to create multiple kinds of graphic organizers. The template library provides many different kinds of examples that provide curriculum activities for essential or generative learning including prioritizing information, extending understanding of important concepts, project planning, drawing conclusions, making connections to other ideas, and making inferences.
* I found MindMeister to be better than other online graphic organizer websites due to the ease of use, variety of templates available, and it is free to create up to three maps at a time.

o Mindmeister is a mind mapping and online collaboration tool that allows learners to organize their thoughts by creating mind maps. A group of learners can collaborate on a single mind map to come up with a final product, and they can do so in real time. They can add text, graphics, links, notes, etc. to fully develop and present their ideas. In addition, learners can save final product in various formats to embed them in their projects. The interaction learners have with the content to organize it into a visual representation (as supported by Mindmeister) is the perfect example of generative processing or using cognitive processes to make sense of the material (Mayer, 2009). For English Language Learners, this tool allows learners to show what they understand even when they may not have enough English to write a paper on a particular concept/topic. o The site is easy to use and creates a clean and organized product. Some mapping programs can yield such complex products that are very hard to follow. In addition, I enjoy the ability to work offline because teachers and students alike might not always have internet handy. Finally, this is one of the few programs available not only for pc, but also for mobile and tablet.

What it is: Tiki-Toki provides a free timeline creator that allows users to create original and creative timelines on any subject matter. Why it's better: Tiki-Toki is a web-based software that requires no prior downloading. With a premium subscription, users may collaborate on a single timeline. In addition, the software allows users to insert images, sounds, and/or videos into their timelines. Users can create multiple categories using different color schemes all within the same timeline. Timelines may also be embedded into individual websites for easy access.

o Tiki-toki is a website where learners can create interactive timelines. Learners set timing, diving time into periods, and add events. Furthermore, they can embed graphics, videos, links, and information on each timeline item. Generative learning, or as Mayer (2009) described it, is cognitive processing to make sense of the material. This processing is supported by the site as learners can peruse through a time period to identify and demonstrate their understanding of major events. For English Language Learners, this tool allows learners to show what they understand even when they may not have all the language necessary to write an entire essay on a particular time period. o The site is relatively easy to use, but most importantly creates a superb final product. The timelines can be viewed in various ways including even a 3D view which can make history come alive for students.

The site provides a free service as well as one that can be purchased. For the purpose of classroom or workshop use, the free version is all that is required. By signing up, if the user has a Google account this process is only a matter of linking the two, the user creates a name and password, and can begin creating. There are samples provided and a help center if needed. This site provides the presenter or teacher with speedy feedback to help monitor the lessons. Easy to use and fun, even for students.

o SurveyMonkey is a useful site for creating surveys and polls. Responses can be instantly shown in a graph to generate discussion. For pre-training specifically it can allow teacher to get background information on learners, and to get an understanding of what students may or may not know. Identifying gaps in pre-training can help better gear a lesson towards the audience's needs. Thus, from the beginning, this tool can help learners make sense of what they know, and what they need help with to fully comprehend. Presenting pictures to foster generative learning is crucial according to Mayer (2009), and SurveyMonkey can provide data in various graphic formats to help learners visualize and solidify a mental picture of data. o SurveyMonkey provides many features in the free version. Other than customized urls, analysis, and major reports, all else that is needed for polling and surveying can be found in the free version.

Quizlet is a site that allows learners to create online flashcards. Teachers can create sets to share with their learners, or learners can create their own. Some of the best features of Quizlet are the cost (free), capability of adding images to flashcards, and the fun factor. Quizlet creates games using the flashcards creating by the user, allowing learners study vocabulary in a more engaging manner. It can be used for essential learning by providing learners with key terms prior to the lesson. This knowledge will allow learners to focus their attention and working memory on the content, rather than the new terms. This site is better than other similar sites I have found and used because it is easy to use and provides options that other sites do not have, like uploading images.

This site provides a simple way to create learning tools that let you study anything, for free. You can also share what you create or use resources others have shared.

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* This is a division of Wikispaces which is especially designed for the use by educators. * This website is free and user-friendly. Since the parents will be using this site to access classroom information these two characteristics are necessary.

We took the best parts of Wikispaces and added a newsfeed, realtime assessment, and a beautiful mobile experience. We think you'll love it.

What it is: Edmodo is a free learning management system embedded with social networking. Educators can create groups for students and assign assessments for students to submit within the site. It also allows users to create personal learning networks. Why it's better: Edmodo's design and layout has the feel of Facebook which makes it accessible to a larger audience. Very little pre-training is required for new-users as many of the components are familiar.

The following link is a social networking site, Edmodo, for teachers and students that can be used to support collaborative learning in the classroom. This web-based artifact is student-centered and supports cognitive activity.

This article is pertinent to discussion 2 January 2014

Holt Interactive Graphic Organizers This site has pre-made graphic organizers that students can fill in. There are different organizers for different types of brainstorming. This site would be best for lower elementary school students or for students who need more assistance (EIP or Sp. Ed.) The PDF document is easy to download and add text to the sections of the organizer. This site also allows for printing a hard copy or the ability to save the filled in GO to be shared later.

With this website, participants can create graphic organizers online with premade PDFs. Graphic organizers can be saved. Participants are able to choose which graphic organizer is best for them.

This site shows different graphic organizers and their perspective names that can be used to organize information and how the information can be organized. I especially like this site and how you can actually click on each organizer to use for future use.

Youtube is a site that gives the user the opportunities to post videos about almost anything online. It is a video sharing website where users can upload and share videos. I chose this as a resource because it has a large resource of information that can be used for teaching purposes. Youtube makes posting and searching for videos simply because it is very easy to use.

What it is: YouTube provides millions of free videos on every topic imaginable. However, in addition to finding videos, YouTubes new video editor allows users to create their own videos as well. Why it's better: YouTube provides a user-friendly interface that most are familiar with. Videos, images, sounds, text, and photos can all be combined to create instant videos that provide prior knowledge to students. All videos under 15 minutes are free. Since YouTube is a part of Google, all items are synced with your Google account. While there are many other free video creation tools available, YouTube truly does provide an easier experience.

YouTube offers users the opportunity to compile their work in the form of a video. One feature of YouTube is the capability of adding closed caption. Videos can be used for essential and generative learning because it provides a platform for learners to authentically demonstrate their understanding of the content.

This website utilizes pictures, video or any type of work that can be uploaded to the site by a teacher or a student. Participants are able to provide written, voice or video comments about the posted artifact. This is a collaborative, student-centered site that promotes cognitive processing of information. This artifact represents what Mayer (2009) calls dual coding, including both textual and visual components. The students have the opportunity to respond in a variety of ways to the instruction which promotes higher level thinking skills. I plan to create my own Voice Thread using our own student writing.

VoiceThread allows its users to create a slideshow presentation using images and/or video components. Once the presentation has been designed and ready to share, it can be embedded onto any webpage. This allows for easier access to its users and viewers. This particular online presentation program was much easier to use and access than many of the other programs that I viewed. It also allows for collaboration among classmates and instructors, by permitting others to comment on each photo through text, audio, or video.

VoiceThread is a collaborative tool that allows users to upload media and engage in dialogue. Users can provide commentary on the media that is presented through typing or voice recording. An additional feature of VoiceThread allows users to draw with a pen as a way of highlighting while they are talking. The administrator has options to block participants' responses from each other before revealing all the comments for viewing. This website supports essential and generative learning because participants are given the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to transfer knowledge gained.

Prezi is a web-based presentation tool using a map layout and zooming to show contextual relationships.

What it is: Prezi is an online presentation software that allows collaboration among multiple users to create unique multimedia presentations. Why it's better: Instead of a traditional slide presentation, Prezi provides a platform to create presentations that are as creative as each individual user. Images, sounds, videos, and text can all be mixed together to create the most effective presentation possible.

Prezi is a presentation tool that can either be created online or offline. It offers collaboration among users and has zoom features to highlight information. Presentations can be viewed from a desktop, iPad, or iPhone. One way that Prezi can be used for essential learning is to segment a presentation to make it learner-paced. This website offers a better product for keeping learners engaged.

Mind42 is a browser based online mind mapping application. With Mind42 mindmapping tools are no longer needed, you can manage ideas alone, or work collaboratively

The mind42 site offers a free online tool for creating graphic organizers / mind maps similar to those created by webspiration. However, mind42 provides excellent file export functionality saving as .jpg, .png, .pdf, and other file formats. Also of interest are collapsible / expandable branches that could facilitate a gradual introduction of topics in a live lesson, as well as the ability to include notes, Web links, and a variety of icons in each node as needed. Of note, however, is the ability to include images directly into the graphic organizer by searching for relevant images online or by providing a direct link to an online image. Some basic formatting options, such as text color and size, are present. However, as all nodes other than the parent or central node are lines, no formatting of shapes is available. The tool does offer a simple approach to creating mind maps and graphic organizers, which may warrant additional investigation and use. In short, the saving functionality, branching without termination nodes (use a line instead), collapsibility, and image inclusion are features that may prove more useful than comparable tools. Considering essential cognitive processing, the tool may assist with selecting and organizing complex material in order to reach a generative processing state. This may be possible by presenting information in a keyed and organized approach, which is a central premise of most mind mapping software.

Mind42 is an online mind map that allows users to add images to their brainstorming and collaborate with others. Users have access to a gallery of mind maps and can post comments. This site can be used for essesntial learning based on its multimedia capabilities. Mind42 is a better website than other mind maps that I have reviewd because of the extra support provided through the gallery of mind maps.

Brief description of what it allows you to do and how it can be used for essential or generative learning: This site is awesome for creating mindmaps using a software that runs on multiple platforms and is adjustable when viewed. The most notable function is the collaboration function that allows the sharing or co-creating of a mindmap. This organizer can be completed by the audience member pertaining to the presentation material in a manner that makes sense to them. Brief explanation of why you found this site to be better than others you found (e.g., more effective, creates better products, easier to use, and so on): I have used this with my students and received positive feedback. I have even used it for some Walden assignments and feel it is user friendly and designed to promote collaboration.

A free, web-based graphic organizer. It is easy to use and share. I am using this as a way to organize the workshop and provide a visual for the teachers to have and understand the goals/timeline of the training.

Bubble.us is an online mind map that allows users to collaborate on brainstorming. Users can share their mindmap with others and provide access to read or edit. As content is added the mindmap takes on a new shape and cells can be color coded. Another feature of bubbl.us is for users to import work that has been saved on their computer or embed their mindmap. Bubbl.us can be used for pre-training which supports essential learning. I found this site to be more useful for collaborativebrainstorming .