Activity 12.3a Evaluating Web 2.0 Tools
Criteria
1: Access
The
tool must be useable by all the students regardless of what hardware
and software they have access to. If the tool is an application it
must be usable for both Windows and Apple operating systems, and if
it is a website or online tool, it must be compatible with various
browsers. In any case it must not require cutting edge computers, as
most students will not have these, and it would be unreasonable for
the teacher to place such a burden on them.
Criteria
2: Usability
How
easy is the tool to use? If the tool has such complexity and nuance
that the students will spend all their time learning the tool and not
the lesson, then such a tool should be discarded. The objective is to
enhance the lesson with the Web 2.0 tool, not to make it overly
complex.
Criteria
3: Instructional Strategy
Does
the tool allow for the instructional strategy or strategies I would
like to use in conveying the lesson? This simple question will rule
out many tools that are unsuitable based on the mechanics of the tool
and whether or not they allow sharing and collaborations, should
those be needed for the lesson.
Criteria 4: Generalizability
Can
the tool be applied to future lessons? There is little point in
learning a tool and having all the students learn how to use it as
well if it is going to be used for only one lesson. Tools should be
valued for their ability to be reused in various lessons and even
different subjects.
Criteria
5: Terms of Use
Any
tool's terms of use are of critical importance for whether or not it
can be used in the classroom. Does the tool protect personal
information? Does it allow students to retain ownership of their
work?
Is
the program designed for a age group compatible with your class?
Before any tool is used, the teacher should read through the terms of
use and ensure that there are no conflicts with the school's
policies, no breaches of privacy or law, and that the tool is
appropriate for their class.
