Edmodo

Edmodo is very similar to micro blogging programs such as facebook however it is made for student and teacher communication. Teachers can send out reminders, newsletters or notes, homework. Files can be attached so students can access documents at home and show their parents. I would definitely use this innovation within my classroom as it aids communication, is relevant to students, it is safe and can be monitored by the teacher, it is easily integrated within all learning areas and is user friendly and best of all free, making it perfect for use in a primary classroom.

Voice Thread

Voice Thread is an interactive, multimedia slide show that holds images, documents, and videos. Voice Thread allows users to leave comments in various ways such as using voice, text, audio file, or video. I found Voice Thread easy to use however it has limitations such as only being able to store three voice threads at a time. I would use Voice Thread in my classroom as means of communication amongst the class, for self assessment and perhaps as a tool for developing speaking and listening skills. I would definitely consider using Voice Thread in my classroom however I think over innovations such as Jing may be just as good however both programs have their limitations so it is worth knowing about this alternative.

Game Maker

Game Maker is an innovation which allows users to create their own games.
I had difficulty creating my own game and I think considering my own experience with computers that primary school children would have the same difficulties. However once the skills are mastered I believe that Game Maker may be helpful in engaging students. Game Maker is free to download from http://www.yoyogames.com/make. I’m unsure whether I would use this in my classroom as its educational benefits are limited however I think once students have mastered the skills required they would love using it and it would be great for reward or free time and therefore a fabulous motivation for good behaviour.

Second Life

Second life is an innovation which is a 3D virtual online world where people can create an avatar and interact with other users avatars. Although there are educational benefits from using second life, I am not convinced that it would be appropriate to use in primary classrooms due to its access to mature level content. It has benefits for students who lack social skills as they are able to interact in a way that is comfortable to them as they are controlling the avatar.

Second life is not something I will be incorporating in my classroom just yet as it needs to be modified to suit younger children and to allow teachers to monitors student use. It is also quite difficult to master and for this reason may be quite time consuming just training students in the basic functions of this innovation, let alone giving them tasks to carry out.

Glogster

Glogster is a website that enables users to create free virtual online posters that can be viewed by others and changed by the creater or the monitor (teacher) when ever they like. Glogster.com/edu is a tool for teachers to use with their students without the fear of students being exposed to inappropriate material. Glogster saves on resources such as paper, glue and pens and pencils. The features of glogster allow students to decorate their glog with a wide range of symbols and other graphics, making each students glog an expression of their individuality. They can add music, videos, photos and other images as well as text. I would definitely use this innovation within my own classroom as it is easy and fun to use and would engage children easily. It is actually easier to use glogster and therefore more time efficient than making a poster by hand. Teachers are able to monitor students use of their glogs and edit any inappropriate material. The main thing about Glogster that I love is that it is fun and children would want to use it. Below is a glog that I made myself.

Jing

Jing is a screen capture program that you can download from www.jingproject.com
For a more info please refer to the class wiki page below.
http://curtineducation2009.wetpaint.com/page/JING

Twitter

Twitter is a popular web site designed to allow people to send updates about themselves to 'followers'. These status updates can be about anything however it is important to remember that many people are able to access your 'tweets' so some things may be inappropriate to include in your status updates. Twitter has the ability to be a great discussion tool, although for teachers to regulate student use of twitter would be almost impossible so students would need to understand the rules and consequences when using twitter. I would only use twitter in my classroom as a communication tool between teacher and parents, perhaps instead of newsletters.