8 Technology Tools for Education

MOODLE

Moodle is an acronym for ‘Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment’ this is an online source that allows educators to use technology in the classroom. Moodle is an interactive tool that allows students to check their grades, take quizzes, view files, and submit their homework. Teachers are able to modify their Moodle account in regard to time, and language to accommodate their students. Another feature that is very convenient for students who are not so confident with speaking in class, is that it allows students to chat and answer questions given by the teacher that way they don’t have to speak in front of the class.

Chrome

Chrome is a search engine that can be downloaded for free in every device. Chrome works well with google sites such as Youtube and Gmail. When I created my Technology Proficiency assignment, Safari did not allow me to record my voice and suggested I should use Chrome. It is very convenient that the download and installation lasted for five minutes. Chrome also feature a private browsing option called Incognito Mode. This mode allows you to have control over the browsing footprint and session identity.

Google apps 

Google Apps refers to the suite of Google services such as Gmail, Docs, Sheet, Form, Keep, Slide, and Drive. These applications are free to use when you create a Google account. I have been using Google Drive for over 4 years now, and it is very helpful that I don’t have to carry around a thumb drive. I can access my documents in any device as long as I have internet connection and my account information. It also allows students to collaborate on projects, they can chat while completing a homework.

LiveBinders

Livebinder is a free tool that acts as a 3-ring binder for the web. Teachers can use this to collect, organize, and present research neatly. This tool is useful for teachers who have many resources and wish to look at them again for future references. It is very easy and simple to use, all you have to do is create a tab and insert the website. Students can share their binder by simply giving the URL of their binder for everyone to share.

Wix

Wix is a free website builder and it makes Flash websites with an easy drag and drop online platform. Wix is a little complicated to use especially if you are seeing this for the first time. You are given a free template to choose on Wix and you can begin with your website after choosing. There is also an option where you can answer questions and input the purpose you want your website to have then it creates a website for you. If you try and create a website from scratch, it’s more work and there is no tutorial of how buttons function. As you go further into using Wix, it gets easier and I think that this can be a useful tool for students to present their ideas with their classmates or the whole school.

Prezi

Prezi is fun way to make presentations. You can add your thoughts, videos, and pictures on a large-scale canvas. When you log into Prezi you are given a set of templates to choose from. At first it may be overwhelming, but you will get the hang of it. It’s the same as working on a PowerPoint, the only difference is that Prezi is an online application. The good thing about Prezi is that it gives you some instructions on how to create your presentation.

Powtoon

Powtoon is accessible by everyone, it gives you a 14-day trial to experience the PRO features of this app. After the trial, all the PRO props and background are removed before exporting. Powtoon allows you to add images, video, voice recording, and music for background. I always used iMovie, or Windows movie maker, but after using Powtoon I realized that this is much easier to use. Once done with the movie, you can export your movie online. Teachers can utilize this as a way of presenting a lesson or a short explanation of an assignment to the students.

Canva

Canva is a free and collaborative tool. Canva is a tool that makes it possible to design anything and publish it anywhere. This tool is available in over 100 languages and can be accessed in desktop browsers and mobile apps. Canva is a collaborative tool that allows user to share his or her work with a team that can also edit the file. Unlike google apps, Canva only allows one user to edit at a time. Teachers can use this as a way of creating a presentation and publish their designs anywhere to reach their audience.

REFERENCES: 

YouTube. (2018). What is Moodle? (2013). [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wop3FMhoLGs [Accessed 11 May 2018].

YouTube. (2018). What is Google Chrome & some of its features. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19TTwGrJJcI [Accessed 11 May 2018].

YouTube. (2018). Little Known yet Useful Google Apps. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJwLPVnvgDU [Accessed 11 May 2018].

YouTube. (2018). Introduction to LiveBinders. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM-FgpyVoJU [Accessed 11 May 2018].

YouTube. (2018). What is Prezi?. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fAY_h__kc8 [Accessed 11 May 2018].

YouTube. (2018). What is Canva?. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtBF0npW9VE [Accessed 11 May 2018].

YouTube. (2018). What is Powtoon - Find out what Powtoon is and what it can be used for. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR__WIK_yqk [Accessed 11 May 2018].

YouTube. (2018). What is Wix Website Builder?. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjTAZit_9X8 [Accessed 11 May 2018].