Web 2.0, as I understand it, is any tool on the Internet that people can use to create their own content. This is as opposed to the original Web ways of simply consuming information. In this regards my favorite Web 2.0 tool, by far, is Toondoo. It is located at http://www.toondoo.com/. This site offers the users the ultimate in creativity allowing them to create comic strips. The user can choose from pre-made characters or they also have another program, TraitRV2, that allows them create their own characters. These characters can be customized in endless possibilities including poses and facial expressions. Once the user has created their characters, the Toondoo software is easy to use allowing them to create their comic strips complete with backgrounds, props, and speech bubbles. Originally this tool was free, and still is for the most part, but they are now offering their own "spaces" and options for educators to set up classroom pages that are priced accordingly. I have used this site for the last two years and can say without a doubt that 5th graders love it. I teach math and about once a month they get to use these tools to come up with comics regarding whatever topic we happen to be on and the level of creativity that the students have never ceases to amaze me. I have many of my students who will go to the site on their own time to play with it. I will usually print out their creations to use on the bulletin board outside of my class and when the new ones go up there is much excitement in the halls for the next few days. From an educational standpoint it doesn't get much better than that, 5th graders excited about math, go figure. The only downside to the site that I have noticed it that it is open, by that I mean anyone can post whatever they have created. When you come to the homepage, usually, the newest creations are there for everyone to see and sometimes they are not age appropriate. I have an account that the students are usually eager to log in and begin so, for the most part, this has not been a problem. I can see no age level that this tool would not be appropriate for, it is simply a fun easy way to create and share.
Friday, June 4, 2010
BP3_20100604_Web 2.0 T1-Name of the Tool
Web 2.0, as I understand it, is any tool on the Internet that people can use to create their own content. This is as opposed to the original Web ways of simply consuming information. In this regards my favorite Web 2.0 tool, by far, is Toondoo. It is located at http://www.toondoo.com/. This site offers the users the ultimate in creativity allowing them to create comic strips. The user can choose from pre-made characters or they also have another program, TraitRV2, that allows them create their own characters. These characters can be customized in endless possibilities including poses and facial expressions. Once the user has created their characters, the Toondoo software is easy to use allowing them to create their comic strips complete with backgrounds, props, and speech bubbles. Originally this tool was free, and still is for the most part, but they are now offering their own "spaces" and options for educators to set up classroom pages that are priced accordingly. I have used this site for the last two years and can say without a doubt that 5th graders love it. I teach math and about once a month they get to use these tools to come up with comics regarding whatever topic we happen to be on and the level of creativity that the students have never ceases to amaze me. I have many of my students who will go to the site on their own time to play with it. I will usually print out their creations to use on the bulletin board outside of my class and when the new ones go up there is much excitement in the halls for the next few days. From an educational standpoint it doesn't get much better than that, 5th graders excited about math, go figure. The only downside to the site that I have noticed it that it is open, by that I mean anyone can post whatever they have created. When you come to the homepage, usually, the newest creations are there for everyone to see and sometimes they are not age appropriate. I have an account that the students are usually eager to log in and begin so, for the most part, this has not been a problem. I can see no age level that this tool would not be appropriate for, it is simply a fun easy way to create and share.
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I like the idea of posting their creations in your bulletin board. Sounds like a great idea to spark their creativity and maybe even create a little competition. My high school age students would love it.
ReplyDeleteThe program is a great way to get students involved in three phases of education; reading, writing, and visual art. Students are more likely to read a comic strip compared to a bulleted list. I would see this tool as a great way to make announcements and post assignments. By allowing each student to create their own character they would feel as part of an owner of the comic strip and work hard to make it look good.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your review of Toondoo, I went to the site and started playing around. It was so much fun! I can really see my students using this in the coming school year. There are so many great ways to utilize this site.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE this! I once did a make shift version of this by having my student draw their cartoons. It turned out pretty nicely. But I think this would be even better. Thanks Larry!
ReplyDeleteI love this too! I've seen other comic creating tools, but this one is really simple and not too complicated. I teach quite a bit using visual tools, especially setting up storyboards for pre-production on filmmaking or even stories. This really could help my kids out big time to interact with technology while thinking about emotion, design and dialogue as well.
ReplyDeleteLarry this is great! What a unique way to "hook" the kids and tap into their creative side. I will definitely be using this in my classroom next school year.
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative way to capture the attention of the students. It easy easy to work with and fun to use. Students will enjoy this creative outlet.
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