Blackboard, Desire2Learn, and Moodle

Blackboard is an online course management program which aides educators in classroom instruction.

Features of the Blackboard include:

• Ease of use
• Customizable Learning Environment
• Collaboration and Communication tools such as online discussions, chat, and virtual classrooms
• Access to information anytime - anywhere
• Access to Grades and Personal Information as well as grade management
• Links to a virtual content space
• Easy access to Library Resources
• Webspace for course materials
• Tests and Quizzes
• Digital assignment submissions for students
• Group collaboration within courses

However, despite Blackboard being the forerunner in classroom technology the cost is extremely expensive. Diversly, Desire2Learn is much less expensive than Blackboard, and has many of the same features, such as an eLearning Suite which provides group collaboration tools and course management tools.

The product also offers:

• D2L Learning Environment: web-based suit tools of teaching and learning tools for course development, delivery, and management
• D2L Eportfolio:intuitive platform for collecting, organizing, reflecting, and presenting learning artifacts
• D2L Learning Repository: enables organizations to effectively manage and share content across institutions, programs, courses, and sections
• D2L Live Room: real-time communication tools
• D2L Essentials: similar to D2L Learning Environment, but for the smaller eLearning programs and institutions
• D2L 2Go: mobile learning application, accessible from the blackberry
• D2L Competences: intergrates with other accessment tools

Although Desire2Learn's cost is much cheaper than Blackboard, the system works as such: the more students you buy for the less the cost. So if you have a smaller school system you many decide you want to go with a third alternative, Moodle. Moodle is a free web based software package for producing Internet based courses and websites. It is designed for collaboration, activities, and critical reflection and can be used to help organize assignments. Their are different roles for teachers and students and the software can be manipulated for the needs of the school or classroom using it.

Some of the features include:

• Polls and chat
• Modules for lessons, quizzes, forums, resources, surveys, wiki, and workshops

One of the downsides to using Moodle, however, is the low tech support which the company offers. Despite this fact I believe I will likely use Moodle as I desire to work in low-income school systems which will most likely be unable to pay for programs like Blackboard and Desire2Learn.

Zoho and GoogleDocs

Trying out Zoho and Google Docs was an interesting experience. On the one hand I found Google Docs limiting in the design and scope of the document. In comparison, Zoho was much more like Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel in capabilities. However, I found myself frustrated with the difficulty of navigating Zoho. In comparison Google Docs is much faster and easier to use because of its simplistic application system. It also has a number of interesting templates available such as workout schedules, wedding planners, to-do lists, lesson plans, resumes, and much more. Although I was annoyed with the fact that it had such a limited font selection in the Docs program and was unable to paste a table into the Spreadsheet program, I think I'm more likely to use the Google Docs program because of its convenience (you can get to it from Google homepage which is my homepage) and easily navigated site layout. However, I had a problem with both applications printing options which tried to use other applications on my computer to open and print from. I was unhappy with this because if we are using these programs to try and replace current applications on our hard drives than why would we want the document to open from other applications to print. It just seems like a waste of time. Although, both applications I found have the option to print as a web page as well.

RSS Feeds: Importance in Professional and Personal Life

RSS feeds are an excellent resource to track and browse a variety of websites. Most of us have lots of web sites that we visit regularly. With RSS, you subscribe to a feed that sends you a summary of new content, with links to the updated stories. RSS keeps you current, and you're in control, since you decide what you want to see. There are also a number of useful ways you can use this tool. For one you can forward emails to RSS feeds or send feeds to social networking sites such as Twitter. You can even send RSS feeds to your phone. All of these, however have the same goal to eliminate the amount of time each of us spends perusing through various websites to track down information. RSS feeds save time for each of us, so that we can devote ourselves to spending time with family and friends and still remain up to date in our fast track society which is constantly changing and adapting.

I personally plan to use RSS to keep up on educational sites and to also follow friends and family members blogs.

Using Big Huge Labs in the Classroom (and other Online Generators)

As I considered the possible uses of this site in the classroom I noticed their trading card section which allows you to create a trading card of just about anyone. Immediately it struck me! Why not use these trading cards for a "Poet's Corner" to introduce students to noteworthy poets, playwrights, and writers. Often time we do not get to read a wide variety of authors in our literature courses. However, by uploading a new trading card with a different person each week the student's at least get a taste of other poets. You could even pair this with a blog where you could post a sample of the author's work or link it directly to the trading card with a URL. Other Online Generators can also be useful in adding variety in your lesson plans as well as spicing up student presentations.

The Uses of Splashr in the Classroom

As I considered the possible uses of a program like Splashr my mind turned to its uses in Communication Studies. The program would be wonderful to use as a first speech. Consider this, you have a student introduce the album they are going to show to the class briefly. From this point on the student simply discusses each photo (who's in it, where they are at, etc.) at the end of the slideshow the student gives a short conclusion. This would help so many students feel more comfortable with speaking to their class, and moreover, it helps the class to get to know one another.

The Benefits of Flickr in the Classroom

The use of Flickr imagery enables teachers to design lessons that promote and build visual literacy skills in students. A wide variety of applications to learning exist by using Flickr photography, from using single photographs as writing prompts to using multiple image sets in digital storytelling projects. Other applications of Flickr include using Flickr to create virtual field trips and as a source of imagery to improve student presentations.
Flickr’s use in education settings does have some considerations to review. The Flickr site allwos users to upload any and all types of imagery. Some of this may not be appropriate in the classroom. Caution should be used when searching specific topics and a discussion with students about what should take place when inappropriate imagery is located should be done prior to use. As always, the use of Flickr, or any other resource like this, should be balanced against the climate and culture of the school or school district.