8847+Websites

8847 - MODULE 3 Websites =**Pre-training websites:**=

1. Name of site: TechSmith’s Screen CastURL: [|www.screencast.com]

What it does: Capture your keystrokes, mouse movement, and screens to teach someone how to do a procedure. You can add voice to explain it.

Why this one? It is free and very easy to use. Learning curve is quick. I have used it for my company many times.

Learning benefit? For essential learning, learners can see exactly what they are supposed to do. When they trial and error it on their own, if they make a mistake, they can easily go back and watch the video again to discover their possible mis-path.

2. Name of site: Teacher TubeURL: [|www.teachertube.com]

What it does: This has a wealth of resources to learn “how to” do a number of tasks.

Why this one? In providing pre-training for certain tasks, why re-invent the wheel? Why create a new “how to use xyz” when that video probably already exists on Teachertube. Youtube is also an option, but I prefer Teachertube since it is more teacher/education oriented. Consequently, the content, flow, and logic may be more educationally sound than the general public who posts on YouTube.

Learning benefit: For essential learning, learners have a large database of short training sessions and can learn many essential basics for pre-training needs.

3. Name of site: ThinkMap Visual ThesaurusURL: [|www.visualthesaurus.com] I know we only needed two pre-training websites, but I just wanted to include this one so that I did not forget about it, as I find it to be a great resource.

What it does: Generates a list of synonyms for a chosen word. Provides a “mind map” type of chart for the synonyms.

Why this one: It is extremely simple and quick to use. Teaches are always short on time. This is a resource that requires no learning time. Results are immediate.

Learning benefits: The mind map results chart is great for generative learning. It launches possibilities from which a learner can begin brainstorming.

=**Graphic organizer websites:**= 1. Name of site: WebspirationURL: []

What it does: Allows you to build a mind map organizer of your thoughts, plans, or ideas.

Why this one: It is free. It is very intuitive and user friendly. It allows for collaboration. You can protect it so only those you authorize can change it.

Learning benefits: For essential learning, it provides an outline and overview. For generative learning, it allows a learner to branch off into possibilities and extensions. It also can help the user organize their thoughts and ideas.

2. Name of site: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Education Place Graphic OrganizersURL: []

What it does: There are 36 different graphic organizers that teachers and students can print and use.

Why this one: This site has 36 different graphic organizers for which permission is granted for educators to reproduce and utilize. The variety of organizers covers a large realm of different possibilities for different project.

Learning benefits: Teachers can use these for themselves as well as students and could generate a great deal of ideas on how to incorporate into a multimedia method. The conversion from paper to electronic would serve two purposes – generative learning of creating an electronic version and the graphic organization of the lesson.

=**Presentation websites:**=

1. Name of site: Microsoft Windows Move MakerURL:[] []

What it does: Allows teachers to create a video from jpg files, video clips, and music. Also allows for verbal explanation to accompany video.

Why this one: It is free and simple to use. Other movie makers may have many more bells and whistles. However the capabilities of this package are broad enough to satisfy most teachers’ needs. The simplicity of the package is an invaluable benefit for teachers who do not have the time to spend learning new packages. Learning benefits: Both essential and generative learning can result from this multimedia option. Videos can be short (limited capacity) and provide dual coding (Mayer, 2009).

2. Name of site: Vuvox CollageURL: [|www.vuvox.com]

What it does: It allows you to create a collage of pictures that scroll horizontally across the screen. It allows for links and embedded videos as well.

Why this one: One version of it is free. It is simple and easy to use. It maintains interest as the photos scroll across the screen and seems to eliminate many of the possible extraneous material that is sometimes easily added to a multimedia presentation. The rate and flow of the scrolling is user controlled.

Learning benefits: Text can be added, but this application is an excellent example of how “A picture paints a thousand words,” and how a learner can generate their own interpretation and message from the presentation. = = =**Authentic assessment activity websites:**=

1. Name of site: Prezent ItURL: [|http://prezentit.com]

What it does: It is a simplified version of Power Point allowing a user to create slides.

Why this one: It is free and easy to use. It is also web-based so that teachers do not need to copy it into folders, files, or CDs. The recurring theme that I have tried to maintain is the need for simplicity and efficient use of time. Creating multimedia presentations are but a small fraction of the enormous number of jobs a teacher must complete. This application, while more limited than Power Point, does allow teachers to complete a project in less time.

Learning benefits: Teachers can quickly create a number of messages for essential learning using this package. As well, they can incorporate mind maps, graphic organizers, or other tools to expand the learning process into generative thinking.

2. Name of site: ToonDoo from Jambav URL: []

What it does: Allows teachers to create a simple cartoon strip.

Why this one: It is free and easy to use. It provides templates from which to choose. I see a great benefit in that teachers can quickly create a dozen of these messages in the same time it would take to create just 1 video message. Therefore, time and practicality are key benefits. As mentioned above, I have tried to maintain the need for simplicity and efficient use of time. Creating multimedia presentations are but a small fraction of the enormous number of jobs a teacher must complete.

Learning benefits: I see this more for generative learning. Role playing, “what if” scenarios, and thought-provoking situations can be presented by the teachers.