Tool 6: Using Web Tools to Promote Discussion

Lino It is a great site that allows the creator to generate canvases to post stickies.  This is a wonderful way to get conversations started, and it's a great way to find out what students know.  It can be used for exit tickets, small group discussions, as an anticipatory set, etc.  The options are limitless!!  It's also a great way for students to communicate with each other within small groups.  The site does have an IPad App, so it can be used among the students in small groups.  It's a great way for students that may not be too comfortable speaking in front of the class to share their thoughts/findings/answers.  It's AWESOME!!!

NOT ONLY can students add stickies, but they can add video clips and pictures!!! WOW!!!

At the beginning of the summer I decided to create a Twitter account.  Initially, I just wanted a way to get more information about educational technology.  I found myself overwhelmed with information; however, I really appreciated being able to absorb so much in such a small amount of time.  I realized my next step was actually to contribute to all the micro blogs/discussions that were happening before my eyes (Twitter is live; constantly updates) I read a blog, http://tinyurl.com/3t59paw , where the author gave 10 steps that educators new to Twitter could follow.  I had to remind myself that Twitter is nothing more than micro blogs happening at once, and that in order for me to get more collaboration out of it, I was going to need to contribute to the conversations.  This is a great way to get students involved in what is going on in the classroom.  It's a concise way (150 characters or so per tweet) for students to get their points across, and it can be used just as Lino It could be.  Since it also has group options, students could only partake in particular conversations.  I'm still contemplating how to use this wonderful social media tool in my classroom, but I found a blog that could point me in the right direction!
http://tinyurl.com/6fe6tvs

Ciao!