Web 2.0 Tools

There are Web 2.0 Tools to support all aspects of learning.  From brainstorming to your final presentation, these tools can support you in each step of a project or paper.  There are hundreds of Web 2.0 Tools out there that support learning, but here are a few helpful and free ones to help you get started.  Some of the following tools require an account, but all are free.

Brainstorming and Organization Tools:

 MindMeister is an online mind mapping tool that allows you to visualize your thinking.  Mind mapping is a great brainstorming technique, and MindMeister provides templates to guide you.  With a Basic Account, you can also share, print, and export your mind maps.

 Notes.io is an online application for taking notes.  You can quickly create and share notes through shortened URLs without creating an account.  

 WiseMapping is another online mind mapping tool.  In addition to creating and sharing your own mind maps, you can search and view public mind maps.

ThinkFree Online provides a web-based office suite.  Free accounts include 1GB of storage, and allow you to edit and share your Microsoft Word documents from anywhere.  ThinkFree also includes a PDF viewer and converter.

Collaboration Tools:

 GoogleDocs is an online office suite and a powerful collaboration tool.  Beyond document storage and management, GoogleDocs allows for real-time collaboration.  You and your collaborators can work on one document at the same time, seeing edits and chatting about the work.

 Skype is for more than chatting with friends!  You can use Skype to video chat with collaborators and even send documents and share your computer screen.

 ShowDocument is an onilne web meeting and document sharing application.  You can share your screen and other materials such as YouTube videos and Picasa photos.

Presentation Tools:

 VoiceThread is a multimedia slideshow tool.  You can create a slideshow that includes images, video, and audio, and allows viewers to comment in five different ways.

 Glogster allows you to create online, interactive posters.  With Glogster, you can create a poster that utilizes text, graphics, music, and videos.

 Animoto automatically creates unique video pieces using music and your images from Facebook, Flickr, or other photo sharing sites.  With a free account, you can create an unlimited number of 30 second videos.

 Prezi is an online presentation tool that uses a canvas display, rather than slides.  The zoomable canvas allows you to creatively emphasize major points and the connections between ideas. 

 Screenr allows you to create screencasts from any computer without downloading any software.  With a free account, you can capture your screen and voice to create up to a five minute long screencast.