Web 2.0 Smackdown

Which Web 2.0 tools are the best? Now there's the basis of a good argument. One effort to suss this out occurred at this year's NECC (the National Educational Computing Conference). The “Web 2.0 Smackdown”—or “Speed Demos”—involves fast and furious presentations by educators touting their fave Web tools. (For a video of the session, visit www.edubloggercon.com/Web+2.0+Smackdown.) Herewith, several Smackdown winners. May you find one (or more!) that make a difference in your teaching and learning.

Poll Everywhere (www.polleverywhere). A commercial service that lets you create free classroom-size polls (up to 30 responses). Text or input responses via the Web, then download the results to a spreadsheet, import into PowerPoint, or place on a Web page as a widget.

Animoto (www.animoto.com). This guaranteed crowd-pleaser makes it so easy to create cool video productions from your photos and music, you'll feel like you're cheating. A free educator version allows for unlimited student use.

VoiceThread (www.voicethread.com). Another creative way to make media slideshows, but with a more pedagogical flavor. Viewers can comment by voice, text, or video, in true interactive style. There are both free and enhanced versions just for educators.

Skype (www.skype.com). Connect students from across the globe with this free Internet telephone app. With the videoconferencing feature, host panel discussions, oral reports, or classroom collaboration.

ChaCha (www.chacha.com). Provides free mobile answers to your questions. Use your cell phone to text or call ChaCha, and an actual researcher sends a reply. Who knows how long this service will stay free. In the meantime, a great resource.

Jott (www.jott.com). This cell-phone oriented service allows you to record messages, which are then transcribed and available to send as a text message. The extra features are no longer free, but the free basic is still a killer app.

Weebly (www.weebly.com). Create a very professional-looking Web site or blog in minutes using this simple, but extremely powerful program. The sleeper hit of the year, I predict. Free, with an inexpensive pro version offering upgraded features.

Qipit (www.qipit.com) converts a digital image of your notes, documents, or whiteboards into a PDF, stores them in your account, and sends you a copy. Snap your notes with the digi-camera on your cell and email yourself the file rather than spend hours transcribing. Currently free.