My Favorite Web 2.0 Tools

Web 2.0 is the move from software-based applications downloaded onto computers to entirely web-based applications. These applications can be used to do just about everything that you used to need to download or buy software for, can be accessed from any computer with internet, and, in many cases, don't cost a dime.

Personal Productivity Tool: 4Shared


4Shared is a file hosting service similar to mediafire or megaupload. However, one key feature of 4shared that I have not found on any other file hosting service is the search feature. You can look for the files you want without being given a direct link to them. The interface is easy to use, and you can use up to 10 GB of space. Files can be organized into folders, and you can choose to share entire folders or individual files. Files can also be made private.

A major use for this tool is to send files to group members that are too large to attach to an e-mail. This could include large images, audio, or even video. It can also be used as a tool for backing up and storing files. Links to download relevant files could be placed in project blogs as well. Also, personally if I want to transfer a large file such as a lesson plan with from my personal computer and work on it on a school computer, I can use this program to do so without any additional hardware needed.



Screen Recorder Tool:  Screenr

Screenr is a highly easy to use screen recording program. You can select an area of your screen to record, and then it will record every mouse movement, file opened, etc. Everything you do on the screen can then be played back. You can also add audio, verbally explaining what you are doing as you are doing it. The screen-cast can then be uploaded to youtube, your computer, or anywhere else you want to send it.

This would definitely be useful in demonstrating to students how to use certain technologies. For visual learners, verbal explanations or written instructions of how to use a program can be highly confusing. If all they have to do is follow along with what is happening on the screen, they can learn to use the program much more quickly. Also, for online classes or students who have to be absent, entire lectures with both their audio and visual components can be recorded and shared. Students could also demonstrate their mastery of a skill by creating a screen recording of themselves demonstrating that skill and submitting it as an assignment.