Friday, December 9, 2016

8 Tech Tools Worth Checking Out

Click to visit the Google Chrome website
Pros: Chrome is a free web browsing tool that can be used on several platforms, including Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android, and web activity can be synced across devices.  The web browser is known for its speed and simplicity.  With the Chrome omnibox, not only can users quickly type in web addresses, but they can also use it as a search engine.  In addition, Chrome has a built-in flash player and PDF reader.  Users can customize browsers to fit needs and preferences using apps, extensions, and themes.
Google Chrome: Customizable Web Browser


Cons: Takes up a lot of memory space. 

Overall Rating:       
Click to create a Google account
Pros: Does it exhaust you to think about having to create a separate account for every single tool you wish to use?  Google gives you an assortment of free and reliable apps, including Gmail, Blogger, Docs, and Sheets, that can be conveniently accessed through your Google account.  Group collaboration is available.  Google Hangouts is another useful tool that features group conferencing and messaging.  Apps can be downloaded onto iOS and Android devices.   

Click to view full list of Google apps
Click to visit Google Hangouts
Cons: Requires Internet access.

Overall Rating:      


Click to visit the MOODLE website
Pros: Moodle is a secure platform designed for education.  Moodle helps students keep track of assignments.  The built-in calendar works as a virtual planner.  Text, documents, videos, audio, and other files can be uploaded and submitted to be graded. Students can also receive feedback, view grades, and interact with teachers and other students through chat and audio messaging. Students view and upload assignments using the free mobile app.  MoodleCloud can also be used to create teaching and learning opportunities.  There is a free version and a school version.

MOODLE Mobile App
Cons: Videos take a large amount of time to upload.

Overall Rating:      

Click to visit the Live Binders website
Pros: Live Binders is a neat organization tool for online resources.  Rather than just bookmarking a list of links for future reference, users can categorize, add context, and share online resources.  Once you create an account, you will see a binder titled "Your First Binder" to guide you in creating your first binder.  Binder tabs make for quick and easy navigation.  Binders can be set as either public or private.  Public binders created by other users can be viewed, and users can locate and browse through wide selections of binders under specific categories.  Its concept of saving online resources is similar to that of Pinterest, but with the look of a presentation tool.

"Your First Binder" tutorial

Users can locate and browse through wide selections of binders under specific categories. Click to view binders under "education."

Cons:  Although it is possible for users to create visually-appealing binders, the website itself is not very attractive.  It has an outdated look and feel.  In addition, users must pay for an account upgrade to create more than 5 binders and 2 levels of tabs.




Overall Rating:     


Click to visit the Emaze website
Pros: Emaze is a cloud-based online presentation creator.  Presentations can be accessed online, and can be set as public or private.  Users can view and edit presentations on computers and mobile devices.  Popular Emaze presentations are viewable.  Includes a translation tool.  In addition to presentations, users can create mini sites, E-cards, games, visual stories, and invitations.

Presentation Templates

Cons: Users must pay and upgrade their account to download presentations and edit collaboratively.


Overall Rating:      


Click to visit the Wiggio website
Pros: Wiggio is a free online group collaboration tool. It includes group messaging, virtual meetings and conference calls, file sharing, and other useful features.  Messages, calls, and meetings are recorded for future reference.  No download is required.  Video tutorials are available.

Features
Cons: Users may experience audio problems during a video conference call.  There is no mobile Wiggio app.

Overall Rating:      
Click to visit the Weebly website
Pros: Weebly is a user-friendly professional website-builder that offers a variety of customizable themes.  Users can easily create photo galleries and slideshows for their websites.  Weebly also supports YouTube videos and gifs.  Users can download the Weebly app to edit on mobile devices, and use other apps in conjunction with their website.  Users can choose to upgrade from the free version based on preferences. 

Click to view different features based on version

Cons: Internet connection required. 

Overall Rating:      


Click to view Filmora website
Pros: Filmora makes video editing easy.  Its design is simpler and more user-friendly than that of iMovie.  Users are provided with music, transition effects, and filters.  Also available are built-in screen-recorder and voice-over tools.  Users can format videos to fit a selection of devices, such as iPod, iPad, and Android.  A free version of Filmora is available to download on Mac and Windows. 






Video Formatting 

 Cons: With the free version of Filmora, exported videos will have a watermark.  The watermark would probably be bearable if it were positioned near the bottom, but it is right in the middle of the screen.  To get rid of the watermark, users must upgrade to a paid version.  * However, users of the free version can still use the screen-recorder and voice-over tools in conjunction with another video editor.


Filmora watermark
Click to view Filmora pricing
Example: video made using Filmora and iMovie

Overall Rating: