TLED 430 Module 3 Collaborative

Assignment
Web 2.0 Tools to Support Collaborative learning

Read the directions in Blackboard on how to complete this sheet.

HANNAH
Name of the tool OpenText FirstClass
Where to access http://www.opentext.com/what-we-do/products/specialty-
this tool (web technologies/firstclass (more specifically for the information on
address) FirstClass)
http://www.opentext.com (easier for logging in)
Brief instructions OpenText FirstClass is a great tool for collaboration. It provides a way for
of how to use the school professionals to collaborate with each other, the students, and
tool the parents. Teachers and administrators can send instant messages or
emails between each other. Teachers can post and change assignments,
and students or parents can get assignments. Teachers can upload
calendars and schedules. Students can also create personal profiles and
blogs. Teachers can keep all contacts in one space and easily email
parents.
Ideas for how the I think this tool is one of the few that can really be used for all grades;
tool can be used however, at younger ages, I think that the application pertains more to
in PK-12 parents than the students. Making communication between students,
teachers, administrators, and parents is a great thing because
sometimes it can become tricky. Organization is key when youre a
teacher. You need to be able to easily and quickly find contacts and
documents when you need them. This application holds all of these very
important things in one spot and can be reached when you dont have
your normal device. The web-profile and blogging aspect of FirstClass is
really where collaboration between students and the teacher happens.
Students can create their own blog or web-page where they could
potentially upload assignments, participate in discussion, and so much
more. I am majoring in Special Education and for me I think this
application would be great for IEPs. I could have each students IEP in
the online application and I could access it at any point, as well as,
having it accessible to the parents so that they could reference it
anytime.
Positives and Positives:
challenges of - This web tool is very easily accessible. They have apps for
using the tool desktops, iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Mobile, and Surface RT
tablets.
- This application sets the bar high for easy communication.
- Flexible, group-membership access.
- Long-term storage/ archiving.
- Cloud-based storage so that there is no backing up, and a lesser
chance of losing important documents and information.
Negatives:
- This application is not free.
- Some aspects of the application arent made for younger
students. At a younger age, the FirstClass would be really key for
collaboration with parents and other faculty.
DOUG
Name of the tool Mindomo
Where to access https://www.mindomo.com/
this tool (web
address)
TLED 430 Module 3 Collaborative
Assignment
Brief instructions This tool is used for teachers to set up mind-mapping assignments,
of how to use the which can be individual or collaborate. Students then can work on the
tool assignment while the teacher can watch progress and give
advice/pointers. Students can make maps showing the relationship
between the concepts they have learned. The program also has a
feature where students can work together on a project, or if the teacher
wants, the students can see each others work and peer edit. The
assignments can be graded online.
Ideas for how the 1. This can be used to help students to organize information and
tool can be used notes.
in PK-12 2. It can be used to help organize writing and papers.
3. It can be used to outline points in debate assignments.
Positives and Positives:
challenges of 1. It is a visual tool that helps students see the information and how
using the tool they are interconnected.
2. It can help students make connections from the information that
they know to concepts that they are unfamiliar with.
3. It can help students outline writing assignments and arrange
points before their first draft.
4. Teachers can check on progress and completion of the
assignment. At the same time, teachers can give advice and help
students.
Negatives:
1. It is a visual tool and not all students benefit from visual
presentations.
2. Not all students have access to internet or computers.
3. If the teacher allows students to see each others work and
assignments, this can lead to anxiety in some students, which
could affect their participation and quality of work.
Tabitha Litman
Name of the tool SimpleVLE
Where to access https://www.simplevle.com/
this tool (web
address)
Brief instructions The Instructor signs up for a free account, and either sends out a
of how to use the registration code for the students to register for the class, or can register
tool the students individually. Once the teacher and students are signed into
the site, they can go through a tutorial to learn how to work SimpleVLE.
When the students start to utilize SimpleVLE, they will be able to post
blogs, email each other, take tests/quizzes, complete assignments, and
watch lectures. The teacher will be able to create assignments,
test/quizzes, lectures, announcements, blogs, and extra credit, as well as
the ability to check in on the students and manage the class.

Ideas for how the Teachers and Student can message back and forth for help with
tool can be used assignments
in PK-12 Teachers and students can blog about what they have learned or
new information that they have discovered
Teachers can assign tasks to different students
Teachers can place announcements up so that students can have
a heads up
Parents can log on to check on their children
Students can keep track of their grades
Teachers can post virtual lessons, lectures, homework, and
TLED 430 Module 3 Collaborative
Assignment
instructions on tasks/work to be done
Teachers and Students can keep track of their performances
Positives and POSITIVES:
challenges of Everything can be assigned to either an individual or the entire
using the tool class
The site is well organized and easy to use
Teachers and students can communicate with each other
Opinions and new findings can be voiced in a blog
Teachers can modify anything needed to be modified
Site is free
NEGATIVES:
Students can be checked in on by the teacher when it comes to
progress
More for students that obtain letter grades and not early
elementary
Cannot control student email