Tool+Shed+Project

=  __ Tool Shed Project __ =

Web 2.0 Tools
Penzu StoryJumper CarrotSticks Quizinator Text 2 Mind Map StoryBird Songsterr Mindomo Game Classroom Simple Diagrams

 = Penzu =


 * __Author/Publisher/Creator__**- Alexander Mimran (President & Founder), Michael Lawlor (Co-founder & Lead Developer), Simon Wilkinson (Developer)

   **__Category__** - Blogging **__Technical Information__** - Penzu is currently supported on Firefox 3, Google Chrome, and Safari 4. It states that other browsers will work but there are some known bugs. **__Description__** - "Penzu is an online diary and personal journal that is focused on privacy. With a unique and compelling user experience, it makes writing online as easy and intuitive as writing on a pad of paper." Penzu has no storage limit and is private unless you would like to share. **__Use__** - I think this would be an interesting tool to use in an English language arts class. This would be a new way of journaling that may get the kids excited about writing. I would definitely need to have restrictions and decide how to set up the account to allow students to keep private journals, but still allowing me to view them. I really like the option to add pictures into your entry. What a great way to deliver writing prompts to the students. It would be fun for them to look back at what they have written also. I would like to try this with my class.
 * __URL__**- __@https://penzu.com/p__

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 = StoryJumper =

**__Author/Publisher/Creator__**- Co-founders- Peter Weck (CEO), Blake Williams (VP Product/Marketing), Kai Zhao (CTO) **__URL__**- @http://www.storyjumper.com/ **__Category__** - Writing **__Technical Information__**- I did not find any restrictions or specifications for this tool. **__Description__** -" StoryJumper is a site that gives parents, kids, and authors a fun set of intuitive tools for writing and illustrating kids stories. Our goal is to inspire anyone that's ever wanted to write a kids story to get started!" The site provides a free place where teachers can set up their classes to create and publish books online. Students could create books individually or as a class. **__Use__** - I found this to be an excellent tool that I would be able to use in the classroom. We currently create books in my class using paper and binding machines. This would be a great tool and I know the kids would really enjoy using it. What a fun way to share with friends and family too! I copied some of the benefits posted from the site for using StoryJumper in the classroom.

> We realize how intimidating a blank canvas can be. To that end, we've created several story templates that give students suggestions and ideas to get their mental gears turning. Just click on the "Create" button and you'll see what we mean. > Our art library is stocked with thousands of full-color props and scenes, including everything from simple shapes to complex mythological animals and characters. Kids can mix and match scenes, and share with stories with one another via email or on the website. > Your students can also draw their own pictures by hand, and then scan and upload them to their own story. You can also compile the pictures yourself for a class compilation. The completed stories can be shared for free online, or ordered as books (coming soon!). What better way to remember a class outing or field trip? You can also create a Treasure Map, re-tell an old classic, teach kids about the environment,.. the possibilities are endless. > Our basic platform is free for educators to use. No trial, limited versions or licensing... Nada. Enjoy!
 * Promote writing & literacy
 * Rich, colorful art library
 * Flexible platform
 * It's free

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 **CarrotSticks**

**__Author/Publisher/Creator__**- Founders- Dan Siroker, Brian Sze, Pete Koomen **__URL__**- http://www.go2web20.net/site/?a=CarrotSticks **__Category__** - Kids Educational Games **__Technical Information__** - Non specified **__Description__** - CarrotSticks is a site where kids can play math games to help improve their facts. The kids can log on and create their own person. They get to practice their facts while collecting carrots. As they collect carrots they receive awards. They can also compete against friends who are logged in. There is a free version of this tool available, however you are limited to the use of addition. A one month plan starts at $3.95. The website stated its goal <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">: "Our goal at CarrotSticks is to provide parents and educators with tools to make learning a more exciting and interactive experience for children. Research shows that peers have a tremendous influence on a child's attitudes towards learning. We want to harness this influence in a positive way by using technology to make the learning process a social one." <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Use__** - When I first logged on to this site I was really excited because I thought this would be a great tool for students to use to practice math facts with each other through the use of technology. I was a little put off by the fact that you had to pay for the service, however this could be something worth writing a grant for. I think the students would have a lot of fun playing the game with each other and competing to see what they could do. They may even forget they are practicing their facts.

Top  **QUIZinator**

**__Author/Publisher/Creator__**- The idea was born through a high school science competition. There are no authors/creators provided. **__URL__**- @http://www.quizinator.com/default.aspx <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Category__** - Teacher <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Technical Information__** - None specified <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Description__** - <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Worksheets, study sheets, exams, and quizzes are basically collections of questions and answers, arranged in some particular order, and grouped by one or more categories. Quizinator acts as a online resource library that organizes and manages these collections of questions, allowing you to group and categorize them in whatever way suits your needs. When you want to create a new exam for example, select from your question library what you want, arrange the questions with drag and drop, and save. Everything is conveniently centralized online. You can manage and print your documents and library components anytime, from any browser." <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Use__** -I think this could be an excellent tool for teachers and students. Teachers will love this tool, not only because it is free, but because it is a great online gallery of your quizzes and worksheets that you create. I don't know how many times I go into my file cabinet each day searching for the specific file that has that one worksheet in it that I want to use. This would be a nice tool to be able to just print off that worksheet whenever I need it. I would also be able to make changes easily, and then save those changes. I also like the idea of being able to access these files anywhere. I am always having to put my ZIP drive in to get files home. I am going to explore this tool more to decide if this is something that would work for me.

Top  = Text 2 Mind Map = **__Author/Publisher/Creator__**- None specified **__URL__**- @http://www.text2mindmap.com/ <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Category__** - Mind Mapping <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Technical Information__** - Non Specified <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Description__** - The website states, "Text 2 Mind Map is a web application that converts texts to mind maps. It takes a structured list of words or sentences, interprets it, and draws a mind map out of them." This is a free tool. When you first get to the page it displays how a mind map outline and diagram will look when created. You replace the text with your own information. This text will be inputed in outline format. The tool will then convert your text into a mind map. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Use__** - I think you would need to use with students who already have the concept of outlining down. I know my students would be very confused. I wish the tool allowed for you to add to the mind map, which would in turn add to your outline. This would be beneficial for students to see the relationship between outlining and mapping. I think this is a great way to show the different levels of information and outlines, and it would allow students to see their ideas in a different way.

Top  = Storybird  = **__Author/Publisher/Creator__**-Mark... doesn't say last name or anything else that I can find. **__URL__**- @http://storybird.com/ <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Category__** - Writing <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Technical Information__** - I see no restrictions or specifications for best use of site. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Description__** - "Storybird is a service that uses collaborative storytelling to connect kids and families. Two (or more) people create a Storybird in a round robin fashion by writing their own text and inserting pictures. They then have the option of sharing their Storybird privately or publicly on the network. The final product can be printed (soon), watched on screen, played with like a toy, or shared through a worldwide library. Storybird is also a simple publishing platform for writers and artists that allows them to experiment, publish their stories, and connect with their fans. It’s simple. Someone starts a Storybird by writing a few words or grabbing a few images. Then the other person takes a turn, adding more words and pictures. In as little as one or two turns they can finish and share a Storybird. It’s that easy. And they can do it sitting side-by-side or across the country from each other." Kids can create their own books by using Storybird. This site provides a video description on how the site works and how to create a story. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Use__** - I would definitely be able to use Storybird in my class. I could create a class account, in which each child would not need an individual email. I would be able to make class assignments to work on certain topics as well. I think the students would really enjoy using the Storybird site because of the tools available and the motivation of using technology in a new way. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Top <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> =<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Songsterr   = <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> **__Author/Publisher/Creator__**- Does not say (Songsterr?) <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> **__URL__**- @http://www.songsterr.com/ <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Category__** - Music <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> **__Technical Information__** - None stated <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> **__Description__** - Songsterr is an application in which you can get free guitar tabs and music to help you learn how to play many different types and styles of music. This site is not just for guitar, you can get tabs for the drums, piano, and many other instruments as well. What I really like about it is that it will play the notes with you as you are playing them. You can also slow down the playback if you are just learning how to play. "Songsterr is an online guitar tab playerthat solves the biggest problem of guitar tabs (absence of information on rhythm and duration) and allows one to actually listen to the guitar tab played by a realistic guitar engine." <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> **__Use__** - I have used and will continue to use this tool as I am learning to play the guitar. I have found that I do not get to practice as often as I should, but with this site I am able to play some simple songs that are current. I think this is a fun tool to use, and I have recommended it to friends who are also trying to learn how to play the guitar. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Top <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">﻿﻿**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;">Mindomo ** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> **__Author/Publisher/Creator__**- Doesn't give names of author or creators. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> **__URL__**- @http://www.mindomo.com/index.htm <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Category__** - Mind Mapping <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__Technical Information__** -The minimum system requirements are: <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">-Hardware Requirements: Pentium III at 600 MHz or higher processor, minimum 128 Mb RAM or MAC equivalent <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">-Operating system: Windows, OS X or Linux <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">-Browser: Any Flash 9 capable browser with Adobe Flash Player 9 installed. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">-Cookies need to be enabled in your browser in order to login to your account!
 * __<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Description __** - "<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">Mind mapping is a simple technique for drawing information in diagrams, instead of writing it in sentences. The diagrams always take the same basic format of a tree, with a single starting point in the middle that branches out, and divides again and again. The tree is made up of words or short sentences connected by lines. The lines that connect the words are part of the meaning." This tool is used to diagram the information in your head into a logical way and organize your ideas.

__**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Use **__- I would be able to use Mindomo as a brainstorming tool in my elementary classes. I would need to make sure the tools were user friendly enough so the students could easily manipulate the material, but I think they would love it. The students would be much more motivated to use the computers to map their ideas that pen and paper. I like the idea of doing the mind mapping together as a class to model the brainstorming. This way the students can see how the information stays focused before trying it on their own.

Top  ** Game Classroom ** __**Author/Publisher/Creator**__- None stated

__**URL**__- @http://www.gameclassroom.com/

__**Category**__ - Games for Education

__**Technical Informatio**__n - None stated

__**Description**__ - "<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Game Classroom was developed to address needs we witnessed firsthand as parents and educators. Too often educational materials and lesson plans fail to make learning an enjoyable experience for students. Our mission is to provide a fun and educational environment for students in Kindergarten through 6th grade." This site provides lessons and worksheets for multiple grade levels to assist teachers and parents in their children's learning process.

__**Use**__ - I think I would use this site as a resource for my student's parents. This would be a great practice tool for them to use at home. I would introduce the activities in class and then send directions home so they were able to access the games. In my experience, the kids are likely to get on these sites at least once when introduced to them.

Top  ** Simple Diagrams **
 * __Author/Publisher/Creator__**- Daniel McQuillen


 * __URL__**- @http://www.simplediagrams.com/

__**Category**__ - Mind Mapping

__**Technical Information**__ - None stated

__**Description**__ - "Simple Diagrams is a small desktop application that helps you express your ideas quickly and simply. There's just enough functionality to describe a thought or capture a process. Simple Diagrams keeps the visual expression clear through the simple design of library items and backgrounds." With this tool you are able to create simple diagrams that will express your thoughts visually.

__**Use**__ - I think this would be a simple tool to use in the classroom for a mind mapping activity. It would be a great way to show the sequence of events for stories. We could also develop a plan for our writings and discuss the writing process. I especially like the thought bubbles because you can include the things you should be thinking about during each step.

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