Assessment of Technology Tools

Hafa Adai! Over the course of my experience in ED271, I have been introduced to many different technology tools. Some of these tools were ones that I was already familiar with, while others were completely foreign to me. In regards to those tools that I was already familiar with, this class has helped me to gain more understanding of each of them. My knowledge of technological tools has expanded, and I have included an assessment of eight of these tools. Click on the tool name to be brought to that specific website. I hope this assessment can be of assistance to you. Enjoy!

Moodle: 

Moodle is a learning platform used by educators and students to communicate with each other. Educators can post assignments, announcements, resources, grades and comments all on the same platform so that it is easier for students to stay on track. Students can submit assignments, take online tests, and message teachers privately through Moodle. The good thing about Moodle is that it can give immediate feedback to students. Moodle also keeps track of assignments due with calendar, containing all the assignment due dates a student has for all the courses the student is enrolled in through Moodle. Personally, my favorite things about Moodle is the calendar installed to remind me of upcoming assignments' due dates and the fact that Moodle sends email alerts to confirm when an assignment has been submitted. 

RATING: 5/5 

Chrome:

Google Chrome is Google's very own web browser, available on mobile and desktop computers, created to be faster, simpler, and more secure. In my opinion, Google Chrome is the fastest web browser, and my preferred web browser. This tool is used for searching on the World Wide Web (www) whether it be for educational purposes, to cure one's curiosity, or simply for entertainment. I used Google Chrome to search for all the icons of each of these tools assessed in this assignment. 

RATING: 5/5

Google Apps:

Google Apps, also known as Google Suite, are a suite of web-based messaging and collaboration applications that Google hosts on their own servers. Some Google Apps, such as Google Drive, Docs, Slides, and Classroom are often used for educational purposes. I have always used Microsoft to complete assignments, that is, until I entered high school. At Notre Dame High School, the Google Apps were greatly used in the classroom. Google Apps are beneficial to students and teachers when it comes to school because you are able to share your work with others using Google Apps. For example, when I have group projects, I share a Google Doc and occasionally Google Slides with my groupmates so we can all work at the same time. Google Apps automatically save progress when connected to the Internet so you don't have to worry about losing your work. Another great thing about Google Apps is Blogger, the App I am using to write this assessment. I was familiar with some of the Google Apps, but I was not familiar that Google had it's own blog platform. 

RATING: 5/5

LiveBinders:

LiveBinders is a free online bookmarking site that assists in organizing additional websites and resources one may like to save. LiveBinders makes it possible for educators, among many other people, to create binders filled with resources and share it among colleagues. I believe this tool is exemplary for students, as well as educators, to gain access to resources from other students and educators interested in the same things. When I was first introduced to this tool, I did not understand how to use it. That may just be due to my lack of technology knowledge. One thing that saddens me is that not all websites allow LiveBinders to save it in a binder. 

RATING: 4/5

Prezi: 

Prezi is an online software used to make presentations more visually pleasing and interactive. With Prezi, one is able to zoom in on a presentation, and jump from different ideas around the board. This presentation tool is more aesthetically pleasing than just using PowerPoint. By using Prezi, you may be able to engage the audience more due to the interactive trait of the tool and it's pleasing visuals. When I first learned how to use Prezi, it took some getting used to. Like Google Apps, Prezi allows for multiple users to edit the Prezi at the same time, making it possible for groups to work together to finish a project. I often work with my groupmates on Prezi. It is quite simple to use and gets the visuals on point every single time. 

RATING: 5/5

Quizlet:

Quizlet is one of my best friends. I absolutely love it. Quizlet is an online tool created to make learning and studying easier for any individual. You can create study guides for yourself or search up the study guides of others. It uses flashcards, different games, and practice tests to ensure that you aren't just memorizing the content, but actually learning. I have used Quizlet from the time I was in middle school until today. I find that it does indeed help me with my studying habits, as well as being incredibly simple to navigate and organize. I would definitely recommend this tool!

RATING: 5/5 

Wix

Wix is a website creator. It is a free service for basic operations, but users can choose to improve their website creations by purchasing  any of their premium plans. Wix is extremely helpful when it comes to creating personal or educational websites. The good thing about Wix is that it has free layouts/templates, communication tools, logo makers, and it is suitable for use on mobile devices. One thing I do not like about Wix is that it is quite time consuming, but that may just be due to the fact that creating a website takes time and patience.

RATING: 3.5/5

POWTOON:

Powtoon is an online animation software used to easily create videos and animated presentations. It is a simple tool that can be used by students and adults. Powtoon creates videos by using videos, imported images, music from the site, and voice-overs created by the user. This tool was helpful for me when I created a video presentation for one of my classes, but I did think the aesthetic of it all was a bit childlike. It did not have the professional finish I hoped for.

RATING: 3.5/5

References:

"About Moodle." About Moodle - MoodleDocs, docs.moodle.org/38/en/About_Moodle. 

"Google Chrome - Download the Fast, Secure Browser from Google." Google, Google, www.google.com/chrome/.

"What Are Google Apps? - Google Apps Learning Center." Google Sites, sites.google.com/a/georgiasouthern.edu/google-apps-fac-staff/getting-started/why-google.

Wiebe, Glenn. "LiveBinders." Teachinghistory,org, teachinghistory.org/digital-classroom/tech-for-teachers/25517.