Web Based Tools

     All one hundred and two of the web based tools are useful in their own way. Each tool allows for a new type of learning experience and allows the user to explore what there is own the web. Many of the tools were new to me and there were a bunch that I have seen or used before. There are many tools that I am now hooked on and cannot wait to use them in my own classroom. These tools will allow me to enhance my students' learning. This includes the way they learn and how the material is taught. The five web based tools that are new to me are Voice Thread, SuperKids, Teaching Channel, Testmoz, and GeoGebra. Each of these tools look to be great resources for teachers and students.
      First off, Voice Thread is an online communication tool that can be used via computer or phone. It can be used in the classroom and for professional development. This tool holds videos, documents, and voices within a slideshow format. Voice Thread allows teachers and students to record there voice through the slide show. That way when others are reading the text or looking at the pictures, there is a voice going right along with it. This makes the slideshow or text more interesting and engaging. The information then comes to life and it allows you to communicate with people all around the world. I believe this would be a useful tool in and out of the classroom.  Teachers can post readings online and students can hear the teacher read the text or leave comments along with the text. Students can then leave comments back with their voice. This almost gives the feel of an actually conversation and makes the online learning more realistic. I would use this tool in my own classroom to engage students in their learning and to ensure that they are reading by leaving comments back. This is a great resource and it is one that will will be experimenting with in the future.
      The second tool that I found was SuperKids. This is a great form of education software for parents and teachers. This tool is full of learning resources including; worksheets, games, videos, and updates on what is new in the world of education. I think that this is a practical tool to use at home to help supplement what the students are learning in school. It is a way parents can get involved in their child's education. There is daily education news as well as product support. I definitely think this tool would be beneficial in my classroom and it is one that I would recommend to parents.
      The third tool is the Teaching Channel. This web based tool is manly for teachers and educators. The Teaching Channel provides teachers with endless amounts of information on the world of education. There are articles and readings on common core, math, language arts, and even lesson plan ideas. This tool also has a question and answer section that is provided, where teachers can ask other teachers questions and get other opinions and answers in a short amount of time. I think that this tool is like a teachers right hand. There is always new information being posted and new ideas and resources being shared. I really like that there are lesson plan ideas for teachers. This is because there are some days where you are stuck for an idea and having this resource at your finger tips saves time and unwanted stress. Teachers can also read the newsletter for more information on how to become the most influential teacher and maintain the best classroom environment. I plan to use this tool in my classroom and to share new ideas that come my way.
       The fourth tool is called Testmoz. This tool is an online test generator that can easily be used by teachers and educators. Testmoz allows teachers to create their own test by using this tool and teachers can even use the tool for grading. This site gives teachers four types of questioning options and helps them to create and set up a testing format. I think this tool would help teachers to save a lot of time and it is an easy way to store tests and look them up again. My concerns with this tool is that there are only four options of questioning. All students do not test the same way so this might not produce the most appropriate test. My other concern is that if you allow this tool to grade the tests, it might not grade the test as the teacher would. I think that Testmoz would be beneficial depending on the type of test that is needed. I will have to create tests and then grade them to see how well the tool works. I look forward to learning more about this tool and reading about the different ways I can use it in my classroom.
      The last web based tool is called GeoGebra. This is an online software that helps to teach science and math. GeoGebra is an excellent resource for teachers to recommend to students who might need extra support on material at home. There is an endless amount of information on this page, that goes from elementary school to college. GeoGebra is filled with worksheets, videos, and explanations of anything to do with math and science. It gives an in-depth explanation of the information and gives students tips for success when using this tool. My one concern with this tool with helping students learn is that the online way to teaching the material my be different from the way the student learned the material in school. This can lead to confusion and more problems. As a teacher,  I would make sure to look up the sections of this site first before telling the students what to use on it. I do think this is a great support tool and can be beneficial when used appropriately. I would use this tool in my classroom and would recommend it to parents and students.
      Overall, I think that the one hundred and two web based tools are an excellent resource for teachers and educators. Each resource has its on benefits and can enhance teacher and student learning with the correct guidance and support.