2. The Scoring Scale
I will score each educational technology tool individually. The scores are out of 20. The highest
score that a tool can receive is 20/20 the lowest is 4/20. The scores are awarded based on The
Evaluation Rubric
4. Moodle
Moodle is an open learning platform designed to help organize lesson plans, grades, school
work, and provide students links to aid in completion of assighnments.
5. Moodle Uses
Teachers can post what assignments are due for students to
reference.
The teacher can also post helpful research links for students
Teachers can post grades so students can see what they received
on a assignments.
The email system can be used to provide a communication link
between the teacher and the student
6. Moodle pros and Cons
Pros
Helps organize teachers’ lessons
Students can find what is due
Students who are sick or miss class can catch up
Teachers can receive assignment and emails through moodle
Highly flexible and customizable
Cons
Moodle can be difficult to use
If network crashed, students can’t use network
Email system has issues.
7. Moodle’s Score
Ease of use: 3
Effectiveness: 4
Documentation and Help: 3
Overall Review Feedback: 4
Cost: 4
Total Score 18/20
8. Skype
Skype is an internet based telecommunication software program. The software is used for
video conferences and leaving voice messages.
9. Skype Uses
Skype can be used to work with international schools to work out
foreign exchange programs easier
Teachers can schedule parent teacher conferences via skype for
parents who can not conference at the scheduled times.
School administrators can organize conferences via Skype
Teachers can collaborate with other teachers in other states or
around the world with out having to travel.
10. Skype pros and Cons
Pros
You can communicate with the world
You can make international calls cheaper with Skype then with a cellphone/network provider
You can screen share with Skype
Cons
It takes away from “face to face” interactions
It requires internet access to work
Does not offer translation options
11. Skype’s Score
Ease of use: 3
Effectiveness: 3
Documentation and Help: 3
Overall Review Feedback: 3
Cost: 3
Total Charges: 15/20
12. PBWorks
This program is a commercially run real time collaboration system.
This system’s emphasis is on collaboration between teachers,
teachers and students, and student to student.
13. PBWorks Uses
Teachers can post links to help students research
Teacher can post websites on proper citation use.
Teachers can share links with other teachers to aid in curriculum and
assessment.
Allows students to collaborate on group projects together
This program could also be used for students to peer edit each others work
14. Pros and Cons of PBWorks
Pros
Introduces new technologies to students
Students who are shy in class maybe more willing to participate
Promotes student participation
Cons
The teacher would have to monitor what posts students make constantly. To ensure it is
relevant to the material
School’s internet policy may prevent students using PBWorks during school
May not reinforce formal writing skills
15. PBWorks Score
Ease of use: 3
Effectiveness: 4
Documentation and Help:
4
Overall Review Feedback:
3
Cost: 2
Total Charges: 16/20
16. Voice Thread
This program is platform used to help create projects. It has
collective audio data base and provides a text commentary. Think of
voice thread as a “youtube” for oral presentations.
17. Voice Thread Uses
Teachers can use it to listen to other teachers presentations for classroom
management, content curriculum, or new assessment ideas.
Teachers could use Voice thread presentations in their classrooms to help aid
in a class unit.
18. Voice Thread Pros and Cons
Pros
Easy file sharing capabilities
Acts as a central site to view all material with out relying on other links
Compatible in many file variations
Cons
Complicated integration into projects
Visually boring to watch.
Very expensive to use
19. Voice Thread Scores
Ease of use: 3
Effectiveness: 4
Documentation and Help:
3
Overall Review Feedback:
3
Cost: 1
Total Charges: 14/20
20. Elgg
This program is a open source social networking tool that gives
organizations the means to create a social networking program. Is
used in business and in education.
21. Elgg uses
Teachers can use this to post blogs about their successes in the
classrooms so that other teachers can learn from them.
The program allows file sharing amongst the users on the network.
Administration can use the program to network with the other
schools in the district or branch out to other districts. This could
increase the level of collaboration between schools.
22. Elgg Pros and Cons
Pros
Lots of uses. ( Blogging, microblogging, groups, Networking, and many more)
Highly customizable
Cons
Is confusing to set up
Plugins can cause conflicts with other programs
23. Elgg’s Score
Ease of use: 3
Effectiveness: 3
Documentation and Help:
3
Overall Review Feedback:
3
Cost: 3
Total Charges: 15/20
24. Collaboration and Communication in the
Classroom
I can use collaboration tools in my classroom in a multitude of ways. I can use Moodle to Show
my students what assignments are due. Students can use Moodle’s messaging to have a “school
friendly” mode of communication with me. I can also use collaborative technology tools to
differentiate instruction for students who may not of quite understood my lesson. I can use
collaboration tools to have conferences with teachers, administrators , or parents. Finally I can
network out to other teachers to help my class succeed. Such as example lessons, assessment
and classroom management techniques or better methods to differentiate my lessons. All in all
there is a practical and beneficial Advantage to using collaborative technology tools in
education.
