My Favorite Web 2.0 Tools

"What is Web 2.0?" is a great question, especially for me. Before today, I would have had NO idea how to answer this. I probably would have said something like "Web 2.0 is the latest version of the internet." I'm not really up on the latest and greatest in computer related technology, so don't laugh too hard. =) I now know that Web 2.0 is all the tools that are available to the populous. They are "floating in the sky". For FREE even! These tools range from tools that help us create video, slide shows, blogs, notes over pre-existing pages, and on and on. The possibilities are endless, and I for one am excited to use all these fantastic tools.

One of my favorite Web 2.0 tools is Dabbleboard. What is Dabbleboard you ask, well, let me tell you. It's an online program that acts as a white board. You can download any image to the page and then make notes on it without damaging the original image. For example you can add shapes or drawings to a diagram of the water cycle. You can also have more than one person "sketching" at a time. You don't have to be a great artist either. Dabbleboard will "guess" what shape you are trying to draw and make a perfect, say circle, for you. This application is great not only because it's free, but it's also very similar to a Smart Board. So, instead of paying thousands of dollars for a Smart Board, you can use Dabbleboard for free.

Another wonderful Web 2.0 tool to use at home, in the office, or your classroom, is Skype. I am in LOVE with Skype! It's video chatting, but almost like you were talking to the person face-to-face. The photo and sound quality are good, and there isn't much of a time delay. I can see myself using Skype in the classroom to talk to experts or knowledgeable people in various topics to add to our discussion or have our questions asked. I also feel this adds a "real life" aspect to textbooks. Often time, students can't relate to what has been written, but this allows students to see everyday people seeing, doing, and learning about what they are reading about.