SearchCritical Teaching Principles
Web Tools
Twenty-one online tools that enhance the ability to search, share, collaborate or present information, both individually and in groups. Chosen based on a rigorous selection process, each of these tools:
- Addresses one or more language strands
- Has potential for learning, and
- Supports learners in a variety of ways.
Each tool’s listing includes:
- Short “how-to” videos, screenshots, and explanations
- Potential and limitations
- Supportive literary reviews
- Additional links to external sites and resources
- Links to activity ideas and projects to accompany practical applications
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Audio-Recording OnlineAudioPal
Audiopal is an easy recording tool lets you record up to one-minute of content, and share the link or embed the code of the recording on your own web spaces. No need to download files or set up accounts. Perfect tool for instruction, comment sharing and audio messages.
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BloggingBlogger
Blogs are personal digital spaces that are easy set up and maintain and can contain a variety of multimedia content and allow people to share comments on the content of the blog.
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Social BookmarkingDiigo
Use a social bookmarking site to save interesting links and documents online and share your findings with colleagues and students. identify most relevant and visited sites through bookmarking communities and save time searching for content.
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Storing Files OnlineDropbox
Dropbox is a cloud folder that can be used to share content with your students. Students use the tool to share research and information for group work.
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Using RSS FeedsFeedzilla
Real Simple Syndication, also known as RSS feeds, are effective tools to receive updates from a variety of sites which saves instructors the need to send updates about content to their students. Your students can also select professional sites and resources and always be up to date with the new and most current topics.
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Using Cloud Folders (images)Flickr
Flickr is a photo collection tool that allows you to search, locate and save class and personal images to use for your content presentations, support activities and more. Your students can use the Creative Commons section of the site to access and select images according to the indicated copyrights permissions.
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Polling OnlineFlisti
Flisti is a tool that can poll students’ opinions and/or knowledge about a given topic. The poll can be easily created online, then shared or embedded on a web page. Working with the information gathered can then steer discussions or assist in planning further instruction.
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Using Online SurveysFluidSurveys
FluidSurveys is an online survey tool that can be used to discover students’ opinions and background knowledge about a given topic. The data collected through the online survey can help you create activities to support your students and modify your planning.
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Using Discussions (text)Nicenet
Nicenet can be used for discussion forums to support and improve your students writing skills, through safe, monitored and guided text-based communication tools. This allows students to participate in well structured discussion forums and significantly improve their writing skills.
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PodcastingPodomatic
Podcasts are an effective way to share lecture material, support content and create multimedia projects that students can access on their own. Podcast sites can make use of RSS feeds that allow users to know when new content is posted, download content and use it whenever they want on their computers or mobile devices.
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Creating Online PresentationsPrezi
Prezi is a presentation tool that allows you to create effective and dynamic presentations by sharing new ideas, summarizing content and showing connections.
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Producing Online QuizzesQuizlet
Quizlet is an online flashcard-maker tool used to create practice evaluation quizzes that students can complete on their own to help them increase accuracy of content and build confidence in their skills. As well, Quizlet invites students to use the activities online for personal practice and to challenge themselves to better their language skills.
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ScreencastingScreencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic is a tool to capture and share quick “how-to” videos online. Students can use the tool to share ideas and comment on work or information they find on a website.
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Video-conferencingSkype
Skype, an synchronous communication tool, is the ideal spoken-interaction practice tool for ESL classes. Skype can engage your students in live audio and video sessions such as talking about specific topics or explaining language concepts.
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Creating MindmapsText2MindMap
Text2mindmap is an online mind mapping tool used to involve your students in planning projects, sharing ideas, commenting on topics and setting up steps for group work.
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Broadcasting OnlineVimeo
Vimeo is a video website which can be used to broadcast lectures, post explanation videos and share students’ projects.
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Using Discussions (Multimedia)VoiceThread
Voicethread is a tool that can be used to engage students in multimedia supported discussions, with the use of images, videos and audio that add a lively tone to the sharing of comments and ideas.
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Brainstorming OnlineWallwisher
Walllwisher is an online tool that is used to brainstorm ideas, categorize concepts, share comments and organize group work.
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Using WikisWikispaces
Wikis are collaborative online platforms that allow instructors and students to work together, creating, editing, modifying and publishing multimedia online content. Wikis such as Wikispaces can be used to develop entire units or lessons for your course. This can be done by you or together as a class to complete exciting projects.
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Generating Word CloudsWordle
Wordle is a tool to quickly review written texts and capture the key messages without having to read the complete text!
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ChattingZopim
Zopim is a simple chat tool that can be added to your online spaces. When you are online, you can chat with your students and provide timely support and feedback. You can also respond offline to specific questions your students may have.