New Collaborative Tool

Since starting this course, I have started using several collaborative tools.  Right now, the ones that I feel the most comfortable using are Twitter, Feedly, Google Drive, and Blogger.  I plan on using these even after this course is complete.  After doing some research, I have one new collaborative tool I am feeling more confident using and I have found a brand new one recently that I am excited to share.    

One collaborative tool that I have been using, but not for long is Twiducate.  This is our own private social networking for the classroom.  I have been creating posts with questions or something that all of us can collaborate and reflect on.  I like that only the students and myself can see the posts and comments.  Something I especially like is I can delete anything that they have posted at any time. As the teacher, I can create the content and tailor it to the needs of my students.  I still have control and students have the freedom to communicate their thoughts and ideas.  I have created a class code which allows them to log into a class network just like they would if it was a social network.  At first, I wanted students to get use to communicating with others, work on using their words, practice typing skills, and writing in complete thoughts.  Some of the more shy students are coming out of their shell and have had some great things to say.  They have learned how to check their work and edit if needed.  If I see a concern, I pull it up on the Smart Board.  This way, I can point out the issue and model how it can be resolved.  My next goal for Twiducate is to allow students to start posting pictures and videos. This is a great tool for teachers and a safe place for students to exchange ideas. Check out this link for more information on Twiducate.  

My newest find is Glogster EDU.  It is a global education platform.  Instead of blogs, you create glogs. A glog is a digital interactive poster that uses text, audio, video, data, drawings, graphics, and images.  You don’t have the hassle of paper, glue, and scissors when you create a glog.  Glogster EDU is very flexible.  The ideas are endless.  You can't use iPads or iPhones to create a glog and it is only free for 30 days.  After the free 30 day version, you can sign up one teacher and 30 students for $39 a year.  Glogs allow students to be creative. Students could work in their Kagan group to create a project.  This way, higher leveled students are working with lower leveled students.  The teacher would have to monitor that each is being responsible for a part of the project.  Right now, my class is learning about time lines.  We studied Abraham Lincoln this week for our Journey to Freedom Unit.  I created a glog to show students another way to create a time line and review President Lincoln.  Take a look at the glog I created.  I am going to try a few more glogs during the rest of the school year and make a decision to whether I want to invest the money on this for next year.  

What new collaborative tools have you tried out lately?  I look forward to hearing all about them.