Activity 1 - Comparing online tools
In my presentation of “Online Tools”, I introduced
several online tools that could be used in education. However, I did not
explain in details how these tools work and what are the main features, and the
main differences between these tools.
This assignment could be done individually or in groups
of 2 students. You may use this activity later this semester in your web
presentation or website evaluation assignments.
For this assignment you;
1-
Select a type (category)
of tool that you are interested in. For example, you may choose, mind mapping,
social bookmarking, virtual storage, discussion forums, social networks, blogs,
VoIP, web conferencing….etc..
2-
For each type of
tool a few examples are given. You should examine each of the examples and
compare them. For example, you compare different examples of mind mapping
tools.
3-
Go to the attached
link to reserve the tools you want to compare (duplicates are not allowed).
4-
You go to the
websites of the tools, try each tool and their main features and present the features to me before you leave.
5-
Write a 1-3 page
summary of your evaluation. You may do this part after class. Here are two
examples.
Hint-
You may go beyond the given examples in my presentation and include similar
tools that were not listed.
Grading Rubric
There is no required
specific format for this assignment. You may create a table similar to the
given examples or you may write a short (1-3 pages) essay to compare the
tools.
In either case, you need to include the followings;
·
The type or the
category of the tool.
·
The main function
(What problem it solves).
·
Some examples of
its applications (how it is used in practice and what are the best practices)-
·
The main steps
needed to take for using the tool.
·
How user friendly
(easy to use) is the tool.
·
What are the
advantages and disadvantages of the tool in comparison with similar tools.
·
What are some of
the best practices in using the tool.
·
Are there any
tutorials or online support for using the tool.
Extra credit
·
You will get up to
3 extra credits if you go beyond the given examples
and if come with new ideas on how these tools
could be used in practice.
