What is Web 2.0?

The term first came into use in 1999 and simply describes websites that use technology above and beyond the static web pages used by earlier sites. This often allows users to be more interactive and collaborate with each other and with the page itself, such as in social media, for example, rather than simply viewing static content.

 

10 Top Web 2.0 Tools for Teachers

 

1. Poll Everywhere

This invaluable resource gives a new lease of life to student surveys and polls. Quick and simple to use, it works across multiple platforms, with respondents able to submit answers via mobile phone, Twitter or web browser.

 

2. Animoto

Brilliantly easy to use, Animoto produces high-quality videos from pictures and text, set against chosen backgrounds and music. A great way for students to get creative and produce something they can be proud of, Animoto has a wide variety of classroom uses, from projects to reports.

 

3. LibriVox

A great site for introducing students to literature or encouraging reluctant readers, LibriVox contains a wide catalogue of free audio books. To help students improve confidence and presentation skills, encourage them to submit their own content too!

 

4. Twitter

Boasting a host of brilliant ways for students to connect with teachers, peers and world experts, Twitter is a top tool for research and communication in and out of the classroom. Check out our list of 5 great ways students can use Twitter for research!

 

Web 2.0 Summit

5. Dropbox

Simple, foolproof, easy to use… Dropbox is the best way to share files and documents with your students from any computer, anywhere!

 

6. + 7. WordPress and Blogger

These two sites go side-by-side because there’s so little to choose between them! Both provide brilliant creative platforms for classroom blogs, either for students learning to express themselves and create online content or for teachers keeping students updated on important information and projects.

 

8. Diigo

An invaluable tool for the busy EdTech teacher, Diigo is like an electronic, all-purpose digital Filofax! Use it to store links, resources, websites, blogs and more. It boasts handy sticky notes for reminders, highlighters for personalizing documents, and the ability to store documents and images too. An all-round winner of a tool!

 

9. Conceptboard

One of the most striking manifestations of online technology is the rise in digital whiteboards. This one hosts a bunch of fantastic features, allowing teachers to share and discuss ideas in multimedia format with students both in the classroom and virtually.

 

10. Prezi

A must-have tool for teaching presentations, this is one web 2.0 resource that really has changed the face of the classroom. Including photographs, diagrams, flowcharts and being able to zoom in and out makes presentations far more engaging and visual than ever before.

 

Any we’ve missed? I’m sure there are! What are your favourite Web 2.0 tools for teachers? Let us know in the comments box below!

 

Images courtesy of Flickr, Neal. & Ed Yourdon

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