IBL: Web 2.0 Tools

Tech Tools for an Inquiry centred classroom

Tech Tools to Facilitate and Inquiry Approach

Thanks to Russel Tarr, Richard Allaway and David Faure as well as Geoff Neuss and David Ripley for contributing ideas and/or resources to help ensure Harare International School get as much as possible out of the workshop sessions, and beyond (a particular thank you to Russel Tarr for the majority of the below tools, over the years). 

Screen capture and Presentation software

Jing

Free version limited to swf files, professional version allows for MP4 files that can be loaded to youtube and on to mobile phones / MP4 devices.

Example:

Prezi

Free version limited to swf files, professional version allows for MP4 files that can be loaded to youtube and on to mobile phones / MP4 devices.

Examples: Maths is not Linear

Wikis and Google Sites

Google Sites

Wikis

"How to" video for setting up your own wikispace

 

Collaborative Working

Google Docs

Example:

International Schools students survey using google docs for a statistics module for 12-13yr old students. Combines the google doc with the use of a wiki for sharing resources.

Wallwisher

Getting started with Wallwisher

Glogster

OneNote

 

Evernote

Sharing folders in Evernote

VoiceThread

Bookmarking

Diigo

Scoop it!

 

Storyboarding

Quandary

An application for creating Web-based Action Mazes. An Action Maze is a kind of interactive case-study; the user is presented with a situation, and a number of choices as to a course of action to deal with it. On choosing one of the options, the resulting situation is then presented, again with a set of options. Working through this branching tree is like negotiating a maze, hence the name "Action Maze".

 

Animoto

Animoto automatically produces beautifully orchestrated, completely unique video pieces from your photos, video clips and music. Fast, free and shockingly easy - with Animoto Lite you can create unlimited 30 second videos.

Video overview of how to get started with animoto:

Example:
Alternative and motivating media in which students can compile their diverse research findings into a coherent whole

Quick Science Example

Basic Maths Example

Muvizu

Similar free 3D animation software - with more options but perhaps takes longer to produce each video?

Xtranormal

This used to be free but is now a paying 10$/mth + 50 cents per student. I'm not sure it's worth it, but interesting to see what it can do.

Xtranormal Overview

Virtual Manipulatives - Science and Mathematics

These applets provide a mathematical environment within which students can explore and investigate for themselves certain mathematical concepts. However, to make it clear to students how to use them it is often to create some additional resources to support its use.

NVLM

This is the Utah State University's national library of virtual manipulatives - it's great!

Example: Balancing Equations

WisWeb

From the excellent Freundenthal institute and Paul Drijvers team come this great collection of virtual environments.

Example: Plans and Elevations

World of Microscopy

Overview of a couple of activities

Physics.org

Good for getting students thinking for themselves about physics in an after school club or for use in their free time at home.

Webcam Laboratory

Overview of the functionality offered

Further useful Teacher Tools

From Russel Tarr's Teacher Toolkit

Why Inquiry Based Learning? Some Controversial ideas . . .

Is education systemically misaligned with modern needs?

How does the brain work?

All materials on this website are for the exclusive use of teachers and students at subscribing schools for the period of their subscription. Any unauthorised copying or posting of materials on other websites is an infringement of our copyright and could result in your account being blocked and legal action being taken against you.