A Closer Look at Web 2.0 Tools

We all rely on the internet quite a bit.  We use it to stay connected, look up information, entertain ourselves, and work.  This week we have been looking at Web 2.0 tools in class.  These are tools that allow a user to create a project or a task completely on the internet without using a separate program downloaded to the computer.  The great thing about Web 2.0 Tools is that they are accessible from almost anywhere and they are for the most part free.  You can start working on something on one computer and then go back and complete it on a different computer thousands of miles away, all without having to have some sort of special program.  All you need is the internet.  To better understand tools we were put into groups that were assigned different tools to research.  Some of these included Google Docs, Pixlr, and Wordle.  My group was assigned to research Strorybird.

A screen shot of my Storybird in progress.

Storybird is a tool that allows users to look at and read virtual storybooks.  It can be used by anyone, but could prove especially useful in the classroom.  Besides being able to read virtual storybooks you can also create your own!  You find artwork that you like on their website and then draft a story around that image, using other pictures from the same artist to complete your story.  Once you choose one image the tool automatically gives you images from the same artist that will go along well with the one you chose so that you can make multiple pages.

I really enjoyed getting to learn how to use Storybird, and am excited about being able to teach my class about it in a few weeks.  I am in the process of completing my first story and am having a lot of fun with it!  As a future elementary teacher I see Storybird as a valuable tool that I could use in my classroom.  I could find stories that relate to something I am teaching, or make my own that would be customized to my class.  Students could also search for Storybirds that they would enjoy, or get creative and make their own!