Civics in a Digital Republic: A Transformative Curriculum

Digital Tools

216 Toolbox Digital Tools Note to Teachers: Below you will find a multitude of sites to visit and explore . We have provided a variety of options, giving you the opportunity to become confident in their use and to tailor each site to your learning objectives. • Blogger (http://www.blogger.com): This website can be used to construct a forum that enables students to post reflections, provide opinions and discuss in an online environment through commenting and posting. • CourseSites (https://www.coursesites.com/webapps/Bb-sites-coursecreation -BBLEARN/pages/index.htm): Blackboard Inc. has launched a free cloud-based tool called CourseSites, which will allow K-12 and higher education instructors a platform to host their own custom online courses or add an online component to a traditional course.The system is based on the company’s newest version of Blackboard Learn, an online teaching and learning platform, and is designed for instructors who may not have access to a learning management system. Those who register and create a profile may create up to five websites through the platform, and will also be afforded use of features like instant messaging , voice conferencing, assessment, self-assessment, and content authoring tools provided by Blackboard’s partners. • Glogster (http://edu.glogster.com/): Glogster Edu is the leading global education platform for the creative expression of knowledge and skills in the classroom and beyond. We empower educators and students with the technology to create GLOGS—online multimedia posters—with text, 217 TOOLBOX Digital Tools continued photos, videos, graphics, sounds, drawings, data attachments and more. Here is a link to a “glog” teaching you how to use the program (http:// momtom.edu.glogster.com/all-about-glogster/). • Google Goggles (http://www.google.com/mobile/goggles/#text): A downloadable Google application. Take a picture with your phone and the app will tell you detailed information about the picture. • Let’s Go Vote (http://letsgovote.com/): Similar to Poll Everywhere, Let’s Go Vote uses text messaging and allows twenty votes per poll. • Podcasting (http://www.podcasting-tools.com/) A series of media files uploaded for individuals to listen. Visit to learn more about podcasting. • Poll Everywhere (http://www.polleverywhere.com/): Finally, a way to put those pesky cell phones to use! This tool can be used in your classroom to receive instant audience feedback. Whether you want to pose a question at the end of class or get student opinion on a topic, Poll Everywhere provides the means to do this. On the website you can construct your survey question and it gives the students the number to text to give their response. This service is free for audiences/classes up to 30. • Prezi (http://prezi.com/): Prezi is an online zooming presentation tool that can breathe new life into any presentation. A less linear version of PowerPoint, Prezi is created and accessed online so you don’t need software to begin creating them. The website provides a variety of tutorials and examples of excellent Prezi presentations, including transferring a presentation from PowerPoint to a Prezi. • Schoology (https://www.schoology.com/home.php): A free Facebooklike application for schools and teachers. • Skype (http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home): A video calling tool, Skype has the ability to connect your classroom with anyone across the country or around the world. Using video and sound capabilities of your computer, you can connect with individuals using the program so stu- 218 Toolbox Digital Tools continued dents can see and hear the individual and vice versa. Perhaps contacting a professor at a University who is an expert in the subject being taught, or video conference with someone living in a different part of the country to gain their perspective on an event. The possibilities are endless! • Toon Doo (http://www.toondoo.com/): This website provides students with the artistic ability they didn’t think they had! Toon Doo provides students with the ability to create cartoons digitally, perfect for a political cartoon assignment. • WebQuest (http://webquest.org/): A site created by Bernie Dodge of San Diego State University. Dr. Dodge created the original model of WebQuests in 1995. His site has an abundance of shared WebQuests and the steps to create your own. • BestWebQuest (http://webquest.org/): A site created by Tom March who worked with Bernie Dodge in the initial years of WebQuests. Tom’s site also includes a wealth of pre-made WebQuests to look...