Web based applications has become a growing trend within our new culture of learners. As a result, it is an essential that educators stay informed about the multitude of web applications that is available. On September 23, our professor, introduces the class to two new web application Jing and Ether Pad. I found both programs to be very educational and I was able to picture how each application could enhance educational curriculum. For instance, Jing offers a free version of online commutation tool that allows individuals to collaborate on projects, or take snap shots of image, which they can than share with others. Students or educators can also use Jing as a way to give feedback on assignments. Jing can also be used to create how to videos or demonstration videos, which also allows individuals to connect to other social network site. Our professor recently used Jing’s web application to send video feed on an assignment. Using Jing was a unique and creative way to giving corrective criticism compared to traditional ways of grading papers that can take up a lot of time.
Ether Pad was the second web based application that we learned about in class. Ether Pad is a web based word processor that allows individuals to collaborate in real time on the same page. Ether Pad can be useful in the educational environment because teachers can have students work on group assignment allowing each student to have a different color. Students can use Ether Pad to do interactive chat, take notes or the teacher can use it as a message board. Below is a link to a web site called Ideas to Inspire, this websites list 5 ways teachers can use Ether Pad in the classroom www.ideastoinspire.co.uk/primarypad.htm Another important feature of Ether Pad is that it is free and no download is required.
When you think of video, real time, and collaboration the possibilities become unlimited. The new material intrigued me, so I wanted to expand my learning on web-based collaboration tools and I discovery that there is numerous web-based application. The link below has a list of collaborative tools that can be useful in the educational environment. The web site is called cooltoolsforschools - Collaborative Tools
cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com/Collaborative+Tools
I agree this jing and etherpad would be good for teachers to send students their grades and they can hear the teacher explain why they got the grade they received. Etherpad is also useful for the students to use to collaborate on different assignments and be albe to see what each person is doing and commenting on it in real time without disturbing the other classmates. I think we could actually make a video of the different applications and be able to show people in other classes how to use jing and etherpad.
ReplyDeleteAs educators we must stay up to date with the many new applications that are available to our students to enhance their learning. Etherpad is a good real time tool that can get students motivated to write because their work is being viewed as they write on the computer screen. Etherpad can also be used for chat if students are in different locations the work can still be done by each person in the group. I also agree that Jing and Etherpad can be used as tools for grading and students can know their progress as the assignment is going on.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Shanta, I liked how you gave a great deal of insight of both Ehterpad and Jing. I never thought about it, but you raised a great point. Normal grading takes a lot of time from the professor, and it was great hearing the constructive criticism from Prof. Tadeja. It does not seem as cold either, sometimes when you receive your paper back that has red ink written all over it, this kind of gives you a disappointed feeling. Whereas, receiving our Philosophy Statement back from Prof. Tadeja did not leave me feeling disappointed, I absorbed the constructive criticism and understood his instructions.
ReplyDeleteShanta, I liked what you said about the Etherpad and how it could be used to take notes. I never thought of that. It would be great if the whole class was taking notes on the lecture at the same time and everybody got to get a copy. Some people take better notes than other and those that don't take such great notes would end up with a complete set. I tend to write too slow and get side tracked with new information before I finished writing the first part of information. I think it would also strengthen poor note taker because they would be able to see and learn how good note takers take notes. That is certainly an idea to keep in mind.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Etherpad is a very useful tool in classrooms. Due to the fact that all students can give their input in writing on a group assgnment they may be working on. Not only does this allows students to all participate it also allows for them to expand their technology knowledge which is always a good thing. Any time when we can teach students about useful technologies that will benefit them and prepare them for life outside of school is wonderful. It appears Etherpad is a wonderful tool for teachers and should be taken advantage of.
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