Technology AssessmentPaul J. Cuaresma

ED271-02Fall 2010

Introduction

The following presentation discusses the viability of eight (8) different technologies discovered and introduced in our ED271-02 class discussions. A rating of 1-5 is given based on the following:

◦Usability, Features, Accessibility, Wow-factor and Possible Educational Use.

MOODLE

Rating: 4/5

I would really like to rate Moodle a 5/5 but I do not feel that we used the system to its full potential. For example, we didn’t get to try the discussion threads extensively. Nonetheless, as a centralized online space to track our agendas, rubrics, syllabus, assignments and grades, moodle does a fine job. What would make this system awesome would be an integrated online web-meeting function. Then again, with so many others available online such as dimdim.com, a web-meeting function does not discount Moodle’s other great features.

www.campus.uogdistance.edu

FireFox Web Browser

Rating: 5/5

Firefox web browser is definitely a must! Since I’ve moved to MAC’s from PC’s two years ago I divorced Internet Explorer and married Firefox. The browser renders most websites perfectly “normal” except for the few that are .ASP formatted for IE. Also, the additional Firefox plug-ins add so much flexibility. Some of my favorite plug-ins are E-bay tracking, Colored Tabs, Cooltris, Face book and many different themes. Firefox is even better than Safari!!

www.mozilla.com

Google Apps

Rating: 5/5

With so many different Google apps available it is almost unnecessary to purchase any productivity software. For example, we have the typical Office Suite: Spread Sheet, Word Processor and Presentation software all of which can be setup for collaborative use between other Gmail users. Then we have the search engine, maps, photo, video and web log software among so many others. On top of all that, it’s all free!

www.google.com

SlideShare.net

Rating: 5/5

For those of us that are still married to Microsoft Powerpoint there is another web app that can take your presentations to a whole newlevel. Slideshare.com allow users to create presentations on their favorite office application (including Keynote) and upload it online for storage and presentation from any computer that has internet access. Imagine being able to share a slideshow with people globally or giving an international presentation and have participants follow along with your slides.

The only downside is that each slide is viewable as screenshots so there is no ability to add transition effects, video or other visual effects. Nonetheless, for what it is designed for, any user than take advantage of persistently storing their presentations online.

www.slideshare.net

Prezi.com

Rating: 3/5

Although presentations created on Prezi are absolutely stunning and visually dazzling, the learning curve to create these projects is much too steep for casual computer users. For example, I feel that I am well versed in technology but even until today, I can’t seem to make a bedazzling presentation with creative visual effects. Perhaps it is my lack of creativity, but I feel the tool hinders my ability to just make a functional presentation.

www.prezi.com

Diigo.com

Rating: 5/5

This is a great web tool for “bookmarking” my favorite websites. Instead of bookmarking locally just on my browser, diigo allows users to save bookmarks online so that they are accessible no matter what computer you are using. In addition there is a feature which allows users to make a “webslide” presentation of bookmarked sites which are even useable during presentation. Finally, a toolbar which is available as a Firefox plug-in makes using diigo very easy and convenient for all levels of computer competences.

www.diigo.com

VoiceThread.com

Rating: 4/5

This is a true multi-media web based software which allows educators to share curriculum and other media with each other. Users can upload and share audio, video, slide-shows, text or any other multimedia. From there, viewers can comment via text, video or audio. The major downside is that the free account only allows for 3 uploads. Any more than that and a paid subscription is required.

www.voicethread.com

Camino Web Browser

Rating: 3/5

Although there is nothing really bad about the Camino Web Browser, there is nothing spectacular about it either. The interface is bland and unassuming like an early 2000’s Netscape. There are no outstanding features that would make me want to switch completely from IE, safari or my current favorite, Firefox. In fact, the browser is only available with MacOS so even that exclusivity gets a demerit. The developers say that it is a faster browser than others but under normal use, I have seen no speed gains. Camino is a simple, no frills browser that does exactly what is designed to do (browse the open source web), but does so very blandly.

http://caminobrowser.org

Conclusion

All eight of these technologies have potential for use in my classroom. Although apps such as the Camino web browser will not change the way I browse the web, apps such as slideshare.com will enhance my productivity towards curriculum sharing.