Top 15 Online Tools Cliff Hutto Columbus State University

Search Engines Used to quickly find information on questions asked, research, and to navigate websites. Major Search Engines: – Google – Bing – Yahoo – Ask.com – AOL

Bookmarks and Favorites Allows quick access to commonly used sites. The bookmarks or favorites sites can be organized into any category that the user wishes to allow for more ease of finding. Online organizers: – Delicious – Evernote – Diigo

Allows for ease of communication between individuals or groups. Classroom uses: – Communication among colleagues – Communication with students and parents – Communication with vendors

Listserv Stores and maintains mailing lists Used to send messages to groups (large number of individuals), and replies are made to the same group Used in the classroom to send and to all high school staff members

Instant Messaging Used as an immediate line of communication between individuals or a group of individuals. Allows teachers and administrators to contact one another without disrupting the classroom.

Text Messaging Allows for instant communication between individuals and groups through cell phones. Videos and images can be shared through the use of text messaging. Reminders can be sent via text messaging to students and/or parents.

Video Conferencing Allows for face-to-face interaction from distant locations. Guest speakers can address a classroom without even being there. Examples: – Skype – Facetime

Blogs Allows sharing of information through a personal website. Teachers and students can set up blogs to share assignments, projects, and happenings within the class

Microblogs Allow brief postings that other individuals can subscribe to and reply to. Can be used for small amounts of information and reminders. Example: – Twitter

Social Networking Allows users to create a personal profile and interact with others. These sites can be used for networking, sharing videos and images, or information about the class. Examples: – Facebook – LinkedIn – Edmodo: education-oriented social networking site

Chatrooms Live communication between two or more users. Can be used within educational content management systems: – Blackboard – Moodle Can be used to gather information and advice for a specific topic.

Wikis A collection of Web pages that encourage collaboration and communication of ideas by having users contribute or modify content. Can be used to share information with other teachers, or for students to use in group projects or discussions.

Video and Photo-Sharing Specified sites that allow users to upload videos and photos, and also allows others to view the videos and photos. Can be used in the classroom to upload activities in class, or to view tutorials on a particular subject area. Examples: – Youtube – Instagram

Apps Software that is specified to be downloaded and used on mobile devices (smartphones or tablets). Certain apps can be used in the classroom to access quiz reviews, educational games, and even connect to SmartBoards in the classroom.

Web Pages Allows for the sharing of information on a personalized web site. Teachers can post course requirements, resources, a course syllabus, and assignments. Allows students to see what may have been missed while absent.

References Roblyer, M.D. (2015). Integrating Educational Technology Into Teaching (7 th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.