Essential Tools for Professional Learning
Resources Discussed During Presentation
Sharetabs allows the user to take several website URL's and "wrap" them into one URL. This tools is a great way to give a colleague a list of recommended websites but without having to click on each web address individually. He can see several thumbnails all at once.
Online "Parking Lot"
WallWisher is an online application that allows the user to create a "wall" with text, links, and media found on the web. It's a great application for brainstorming topics and organizing information.
Example and 16 ways to use Wordle in the Classroom
Example and 16 ways to use Wordle in the Classroom
Stixy
"Stixy helps users organize their world on flexible, shareable Web-based bulletin boards called Stixyboards. Unlike most personal productivity or project management software, Stixy doesn’t dictate how users should organize their information. Users can create tasks, appointments, files, photos, notes, and bookmarks on their Stixyboards, organized in whatever way makes sense to them. Then they can share Stixyboards with friends, family, and colleagues." - from the Stixy website.
Weblist.me
"Weblist is a new way to gather and organize content on the web. Create your list of URLs centered on a specific theme and we will combine it to one easy to navigate URL. Once you have created your list you can save it as a smart bookmark or as a customizable home page, share it with friends via email or through the top social media networks, and post it on your blog." from the Weblist website
Bag the Web
"Basically, BagTheWeb not only creates a platform upon which people can organize information easily but also arranges information using an innovative approach known as relevancy linking. It moves beyond chronological order, classification, and folksonomy." from the Bagtheweb website
Online Screencasting
Create screencasts of your desktop without any software download. These are three separate online tools to use a browser, launch java, size a screen capture box, and use the built in microphone to narrate instructions or a tutorial. Sreenr Screenjelly Screentoaster
Share Your Slideshows
Upload your PowerPoint presentations and make them available to anyone to access from any Internet connected computer. In addition, look for slide shows from relevant topics to use for personal and professional learning. Slideshows may feature speaker notes or audio of the speaker presenting the content.
Annotated Images
Skitch (sorry... Mac only) is a way to easily grab an image from your screen, annotate it with arrows, shapes, and text and integrate it into documents and web pages.
Digital Portfolios
LIvebinder is a way to combine weblinks, images, and documents into one set of pages, like a book or a binder of resources.
Example 1
Example 2
Example 1
Example 2
Boxes of Bookmarks
SimplyBox provides a unique way to visually save your favorites into categories. Because they are saved on the Internet, they are available to you on any Internet connected computer. In addition, you can share the "boxes" with others to collaborate, evaluate information, and use the resources.
Quote a Web Page
Kwout provides an easy way to quote a webpage, capture a map, a video or an image and post them in a blog, wiki, or webpage.
Stay Organized
Evernote integrates notes, images, screeshots, stores them online and syncs up to any internet connected computer (even your iphone). Helps you organize projects, resources, and notes.
Screencasting
Jing is a free downloadable program that allows the user to create annotated screenshots and screencasts. The media can be saved, uploaded to the web, or embedded in a blog or a wiki.