Well here is the much anticipated sequel to my critically acclaimed blog post "Application Wars I: The Phantom Prezi". As with my previous post I will be addressing three applications that I have used and will be scoring them using a very complicated algorithm.
Application 1: TodaysMeet.
TodaysMeet is a website which can be used for open discussion during a lesson. The teacher can open a "room" which can then be linked to the students. The teacher may then pose a question which the students, who have logged in to the room, can discuss in what is effectively an internet chatroom. This application can be used in the background of a lesson. The teacher is able to pose a question at the beginning of the lesson and have the students add to the discussion as the lesson progresses. Then, at the end of the lesson, the teacher will revisit the page and read out the best comments and opinions provided by the students. This not only shows the students' understanding of the subject but also provides differing viewpoints for other students to consider.
The only two negatives I can find with this application are; 1. Students may see this as an opportunity to exercise their creativity and post inappropriate things under an anonymous username. This can be combated by not reading those comments out or only allowing students to post at certain times meaning the teacher is free to move about the class and monitor what is being posted. and 2. If the students are not situated in a computer room or have no means of accessing this website then it obviously cannot be used.
Aled's Verdict: Only for those with access to technology (Definitely for me).
Application 2: bubbl.us
bubbl.us is a useful 'freemium' website that provides the tools to build a brainstorm mind map. This application allows the creation of free flowing mind maps that can be customised to any colour or theme the user wants. This provides a very good prompt for revision or general brainstorming. The use of this application also allows students to share their mind maps through a number of different formats. This means that if a student has a particularly creative brainstorm the teacher can use their bubbl.us and place it on Moodle.
The main issue I have with this application is that mind maps can just as easily be created on a piece of paper. The only benefit a student will have by using this application is that the mind map can be shared. As this application has the same issue as TodaysMeet (access to technology) I feel it is not that applicable to a classroom situation.
Aled's Verdict: Not for me (Unless I need to tick the "Use of ICT" box).
Application 3: SpicyNodes
SpicyNodes is an application much like bubbl.us. This application allows for the creation of mind maps that can be shared on the web. SpicyNodes differs to bubbl.us however in its application of the concept. A SpicyNodes mind map looks far nicer than one made on bubbl.us. Only the initial 'nodes' are shown when viewing the mind map and the user will navigate through these nodes to view additional information. The zoom and enhance functions on this website make the mind map look far more creative and professional. SpicyNodes also allows for the use of pictures, videos and links that add to the whole experience and differentiates it from a paper based mind map. Although this application has the same access to technology problems as all online applications SpicyNodes can also be used as a teaching tool. The teacher can create a SpicyNodes mind map and travel through it in place of a powerpoint. The mind map can also be used as additional reading for students outside of the lesson. For these reasons I am very hopeful that I can use this application in my work.
Aled's Verdict: Definitely for me.
I would like to thank you for reading my opinions over the past two blogs and hope I have given you an idea about the pros and cons of each application.
Oh well at least there is a little light!
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