On-line Tools Project

CACOO - When users need a canvas to create whatever graphic, poster, presentation, or diagram they desire, they can turn to Cacoo. Cacoo enables users to creatively pursue the documents they need for work, school, or play, and users can also collaborate in real time. The amount of creative freedom Cacoo provides even on its free side of the website appeals to the need for a free creative space online. While some may argue that this tool could only benefit businesspeople, students, and teachers can use this tool to enhance learning. The opportunity to import other media and draw as well as create diagrams means that this web tool could be used for any number of projects where teachers need to collect student responses, etc.

PREZI - With the web tool Prezi, users can make presentations, videos, and infographics. Offering free access to the most basic features of their website, Prezi is a great option for individuals to create quality, attractive online presentations without having to worry about paying. Prezi does offer more tools and opportunities during presentation creation for those who pay, but the free version works very well. Prezi is user friendly with self-explanatory tools even very young students can use. Prezi does offer an AI tool that can create a presentation based on specified points. This would be a great way to teach students the proper way to use an AI tool, and to showcase the positives and negatives of AI. The ability to make infographics and videos also makes this a versatile online tool that can be used throughout the school year in many ways.

123APPS - 123Apps gives site users access to video editing, audio editing, and screen recording tools. Additionally, users can convert a variety of file types to PDFs and can also perform PDF-specific actions using this on-line tool such as merging, compressing, or protecting the document. When exploring the myriad if available video recording and video editing online tools, many of the websites requires users to create an account and to pay to access their available tools. 123Apps is an attractive website because its layout is user friendly while maintaining affordability (it’s free).

CHROME MUSIC LAB - The Chrome Music Lab is an on-line tool providing access to many modes of analyzing sound and music. Using this on-line tool, students can analyze provided or uploaded audio clips and view their sound wave frequencies as well as a spectrograph of the audio. Additionally, there are tools such as a shard piano that offer opportunities for collaborative audio and musical learning through creating and exploring. While this on-line tool does not allow students to create and download a file product, screenshots or concepts learned from this on-line tool could be applied to support other projects. This is a tool that allows students to creatively make music that allows them to learn about other scientific or even physical fitness concepts, such as dance.

STORYBIRD - Storybird is an online tool allowing users to create and explore stories in many different forms. Upon subscribing to Storybird, users can illustrate their own story and publish for other users to appreciate and comment on. Storybird also offers access to lesson planning materials, activities, and how-to guides. While only available upon paid subscription, Storybird is a phenomenal online tool for language arts purposes. Students can get practice from the websites offered activities and can receive feedback on their work from other Storybird users. With the ability to illustrate their stories, students will find joy in creating alongside their reading and writing practice.

PRECEDEN - As stated on their home page, Preceden is a web tool encouraging users to create “visual timelines of about anything.” With access to AI prompts and generations, there is access to many different data sets and visualizations to access with Preceden. Preceden visual timelines can be used for planning, history, alternate history, writing, or legal purposes. There is an opportunity for fun or business timeline creation, but either way, the process will be simple. Alongside the benefit of simplicity, users will enjoy Preceden for free and create quality products they can share. Oftentimes, having access to a timeline can be a crucial visual for students. Students most commonly use timelines to learn about history, but Preceden opens the door for many more uses of timelines in the classroom. Students could access a digital number line via Preceden. Additionally, students could analyze and write about the many theoretical alternative history timelines offered on the website. Having this visual aid that can stomach any information the user inputs is a crucial tool for students and teachers alike as students work to learn about synthesizing and analyzing information.

OPENSTREETMAP - Using the OpenStreetMap online tool, users have access to a full world map. With this map, users can find any location they desire and see the spot through many different map layers (ex. Standard, CyclOSM, Cycle Map, etc.) The online tool offers a “query feature” mouse where, once a location is clicked, the tool can provide information about the location. The map also offers exact coordinates when desired and basic information about the location a user views. Maps are a crucial tool. Even though modern technologies offer access to GPS, having knowledge of maps and how to use them is important in the case that technology is not available. OpenStreetMap is a great online tool for the classroom because it could easily be utilized as an introduction to maps; however, students and teachers alike can access more in-depth information, if desired.

ANSWERS - Answers.com is an online tool housing information regarding any question. With the website containing mostly user-submitted information, users should tread lightly when looking for research-based, factual information. This website is great for gauging public opinion or outlook on certain topics but should not be used as definitive fact. Answers.com, while under heavy monitoring from the teacher, is a great resource for the classroom. Students can ask guided questions and analyze the results provided to begin their understanding of a topic or to enhance what is already being enforced in the classroom. While students should use this online tool as a means of gathering general information, educators should stress that the answers should not be assumed as factual.