Web 2.0 Tool: Spicynodes By: Shelby Hooper
What can this tool do? Spicynodes is an online presentation medium that allows for students to create graphic organizers with text, images and videos. It can insert images, YouTube videos and text into a predesigned graphic organizer layout. The tool then animates the organizer and allows students to share it with others online. The tool is compatible with both Mac and PC formats and works on portable technology such as the iPad.
How Can Students Use This Tool? Students can use this tool in a variety of ways to communicate and summarize information they have learned. Teachers could use the Spicynode model to present new material to their students. Students can create there own presentations to share with the class. Students can view other presentations as a means of reviewing and learning information. Students can work in groups to complete a node map together over a particular subject. It can be used with all grade levels, provided they have received proper training and it can be used with all subjects. For my purposes, students in my 9th grade World Geography class would be using this to outline the material they read either for homework, or for creating informative presentations over the current topic of study
Sample Nodemap
Tutorial: Step 1 To Begin go to http://www.spicynodes.org/ Click create an account and set up your free spicynodes membership.
Tutorial: Step 2 Click on create new nodemap Create a title and description for your nodemap. Click Make New Nodemap
Tutorial: Step 3 Edit your new nodemap by choosing the style and background. When you have chosen your style, click on the tab labeled Edit content.
Tutorial: Step 4 Begin to edit your content by choosing new title for your nodes as well as adding subcategories to your nodes. You can insert images, video or text on these nodes by copying and pasting links where these media are found, into the search bar. Then click Get File. When finished editing click the orange save button.
Tutorial: Step 5 When you have edited your nodemap and are ready to publish click the preview nodes tab. Click the see it live button.
Tutorial: Step 6 Enjoy viewing your spicynode nodemap
Finished Product