Web 2.0 Tools: 11 Online File Converters

Converting from one file format to another is much easier than you think. Sharing a Word document file you'd like everyone to able to read? Make it a PDF. (Portable Document Format) Want to make a Flash media file from a PowerPoint presentation? There are over 50 different types of conversion combinations out there and lots of free programs to choose from. COOL FACT: Many teachers are using Zamzar to convert YouTube videos (Flash file) so they can view them in the classroom. Schools are publishing their school newspapers with Youblisher and ISSU, which make online viewing possible.


AuthorStream- convert your PowerPoint presentation into a Flash media file

CometDocs- free online file converter; 50 different file conversions

Convertpdftopowerpoint- easy steps

DocsPal- free online converter and viewer; converts audio, video, eBook and document files; view directly in browser or download through an emailed link

Issu-publish your document online; turn pages like a magazine

Online Convert- convert files from one format to another, including video, images, eBooks, documents and archives

PDF2Word- convert any PDF file to a Word document

PDF2WordExcel - covert your pdf file to an Excel spreadsheet

PDF Converter- convert to PDF online and they will email it to you

Web2PDF- convert a webpage to a PDF file

Youblisher- make your PDF document flippable online; turn pages like a magazine

Zamzar- coverts image, video, music, eBook and document files

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? Why not subscribe to this blog......or consider nominating us for an Edublog Award! (We won last year!!)

Read More

My 2011 Edublog Nominations

Best individual tweeter:  Shelly Terrell

Best ed tech / resource sharing blog: iLearn Technology

Best teacher blog: Teaching the Civil War with Technology

Best librarian / library blog: Neverending Search

Best School Administrator blog: A Principal's Reflections

Best free web tool: Edmodo

Best open PD / unconference / webinar series: EdCamp Philly

Lifetime achievement: Joyce Valenza

Read More

Thomas Suarez: 12 Year-Old App Developer

Every now and then you get to see an extraordinary kid doing extraordinary things, and Thomas Suarez is that young man. He taught himself how to create a few iPhone apps and started a club at his school called the App Club. He spoke at TEDxManhattanBeach in October 2011.

Read More

For Research: 13 Types of Citation Generators

A few days ago, my niece asked me for information about how to format a bibliography. I couldn't help but tell her the story of how "when I was in high school" we had to follow a formula which the teacher provided on a handout. Each book, newspaper article, magazine article done by hand and then typed on the typewriter for my research paper. "You are so fortunate, today.." I told my niece. There are free programs on the Internet which will practically do all the work for you, including putting your bibliography in a Microsoft Word document. So I sent her a small list of my favorite programs, and then expanded the list here. I've starred my personal favorites.

BIBMe*

Bibomatic- for books only; enter the ISBN number of a book for the citation

Citation Fox for APA

Citation Fox for MLA

Cite This For Me

CiteBite- link directly to specific quotes on web pages

CiteFast- covers MLA, APA, Chicago and newspaper, magazine, web site, journal, book

EasyBib*- also now has an iPhone app where you can scan the ISBN number on a book

GoBiblio- free bibliography and citation generator

KnightCite- enter the information in the blank fields and your citation is generated; covers MLA, APA, Chicago

NoodleBib Express- free version of Noodle Tools

OttoBib- for books only; enter the ISBN number of a book for the citation

Son of Citation Machine- for APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian formats

Zotero*- keep all your research in one spot

Read More

24 Infographics For Teacher-Librarians and Media Specialists

As I have mentioned many times before, I love infographics. Here are 24 I have added to the Media Specialists-Teacher Librarian page.




40 Years of E-books 

America's 100 Largest Libraries 

Anatomy of a Librarian 

Books VS eBooks 

eBooks: The Greener Choice 


The Evolution of the Book 

The Evolution of Classroom Technology 
 

Evolution of the Noble Librarian  

The Evolution of Story Telling 

The Evolution of Typography


The History of Science Fiction 

A History of Typography 


How Digital Devices are Replacing Textbooks 

How Google Works  

The Influential Power of Print


Is Print Dead? 

A Librarian's Worth Around the World

Most Targeted Books


Press Facts 

Publishing in the Digital Era


The Top 10 List of Mark Twain's Popular Quotes

U.S. Public Libraries at Risk 
 

A Visual Summary of Harry Potter 

What Makes Good Information Design? 


You Should Read This Before You Write That

Read More

Web 2.0 Tools: 10 Apps for Screencasting

 I'm a visual learner, how about you? I've personally used screencasting not only for my students, but for the faculty in my school. With Jing, I was able to show them how to use the calendars in FirstClass (our email program) to sign up for the computer lab. Students can view tutorials on how to use our library's database of books.. How about using one of these programs to create a lesson for your students when you are out sick? With so many to choose from, see what works best for you.

Camstudio- for Windows computers only; files are in AVI and SWF format.
 

Copernicus- for Macintosh computers only; captures stills and video with NO audio

.

FreeScreencast- download their software and create your screencast; embed in your site or share with the world

Jing- available for Windows or Macintosh, Jing lets you capture your screen; larger swf files and 5 minute limit in the free version. Pro version $$.

Screencast-o-matic- available for Windows or Macintosh; videos can be up to 15 minutes long in the free version; file is .mov format and stored on their website.

Screencastle- one click screencasting through your browser

Screenpresso- only available for Windows computers; screenshots in image formats jpg, png, bmp, gif. (no screen motion, just screen capture) You can edit your images within this program.

ScreenR- use your Twitter account to save your work and publish your screencast

Screentoaster- free online screen recorder

Webinaria- for Windows computers only; files can be downloaded in FLV (FLASH) format.

Read More

Web 2.0 Tools: 26 Survey and Poll Creation Resources

It's easier than ever to get instant feedback in the form of a survey or poll. Most of the free plans offer between 10 and 20 questions and up to 100 respondents. If you have a web site or blog, you can embed the survey/poll on the site, or you can usually email a link to the web page where your respondents can view your survey/poll. Pick which tool you like from the list below:


CreateSurvey- 7-day free trial; $$

Doodle- registration is not necessary

EasyPolls- it really is very easy!

Flisti- create free online polls without signing up

FluidSurveys- unlimited surveys with up to 20 questions each; up to 100 respondents per survey

Free Online Surveys

Google Forms-use a template or make your own; must be logged in with a Gmail account

Kwik Surveys- unlimited number of questions, answers and surveys

Micropoll- many features; free

Obsurvey- "unlimited surveys, responses, questions and pages, no ads and no cost."

Pollcode- up to 30 possible answers for your poll

Pollmo- very simple application

Poll Daddy-I have used this one; easy to set up

Poll Everywhere- free and $$ accounts

Qualtrics- survey design,analysis, reporting; free and $$

QuestionForm- limit to two surveys

QuestionPro- free and $$ accounts; offers many types of reports and a large choice of question types, even in the free account.

Quizsnack- online surveys and polls

Stellar Survey-10 surveys and up to 100 respondents

Survey Monkey-used this one and like it

Text the Mob- poll people through their cell phones

Thinkmeter- helps you make decisions

Urtak-question and answer tool

Vorbeo-basic format for simple poll

Yarp- simple invitations and surveys

Zoomerang

Read More

Web 2.0 Tools Pages Are Evolving......

As I continue to post my Web 2.0 resources, they will be added to the new pages at the top of my blog. As usual, your suggestions are always welcome.

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE ON THIS BLOG? Why not subscribe in a reader here.

Read More

Web 2.0 Tools: 30 FREE Photo Editing Programs

With so many free photo editing programs on the web, why worry that you can't afford to purchase Adobe Photoshop? This listing has programs which are online as well as those you need to download on your computer.



Amazifier- online photo retouching, effects, stamps and seals; free

Animoto- upload your photos, video and music and Animoto makes it into a slick video. Free for 30 second videos; educational prices available for longer video.

Aviary- online photo editing plus much more

Cellsea- draw on images,rotate, resize, fix brightness, special effects including distorting

Citrify-edit photos online using a Flash-based program

CleVR- online photo stitching software; make panoramas

Dr. Pic- basic online photo editing

FlauntR- add effects, blend world famous painting with yours, add fancy fonts and backgrounds

Fotobabble- add your voice to photos; student projects will come to life

FotoFlexer- fonts, effects, doodling, layers, retouching, distortions and advanced effects

Hornil StylePix- download the freeware and use the many editing functions 

ImageChef- customize photos and clip art

iPiccy- edit pictures with paint, text and many tools

Lunapic- supports many image and video types; 200+ effects including reflecting animation, retro color

Pixa-social photo sharing service

Panraven- online editing for photos plus lots of cool stuff

Photoscape- download for Windows only; batch editing, clone stamp, create animated GIFs

Photoshop.com- online version of the popular graphics program

Photovisi- create photo collages

Picasa- Google's photo editing; download for Windows or Mac

Picnik- cool online editor owned by Google

Pixer.us- basic online photo editing

Pixlr- online photo editing

ResizR- easy online image resize

Shape Collage- free automatic photo collage maker

Snipshot- basic adjustments are free; pro account required for most other effects

Splashup- multiple image editing, pixel-level control, and basic Photoshop-like tools. Try Splashup Light if you are a photographer and want more control. (download necessary)

SumoPaint- online interface resembles Photoshop; filters, effects, photo editing, drawing, cloning. blurring and more

Windows Live Photo Gallery- face recognition and retouching; for Windows only

Zoner Photo Studio- view, edit, manage photos; download for Windows only

Read More

2011 Edublog Awards Nominations Are Open!

Last year I was fortunate enough to win an Edublog Award (First Runner Up) in the Best Library blog category. It was such an honor just to be nominated!


Since 2004, The Edublog Awards ("Eddies") have been given to recognize the contributions that bloggers have contributed to education. Anyone who has a blog can nominate their favorites in 18 categories:

1. Best individual blog
2. Best individual tweeter
3. Best group blog
4. Best new blog
5. Best class blog
6. Best student blog
7. Best ed tech / resource sharing blog
8. Most influential blog post
9. Best twitter hashtag
10. Best teacher blog
11. Best librarian / library blog
12. Best School Administrator blog
13. Best free web tool
14. Best educational use of audio / video / visual / podcast
15. Best educational wiki
16. Best open PD / unconference / webinar series
17. Best educational use of a social network
18. Lifetime achievement

Here's how to nominate:

• Write a post with your nominations on your blog, link to them and link to the Edublogs Awards site
• Use the form at the bottom of the Nominations Page to send a link to your nominations

I will be posting my nominations in the next few weeks.

Read More

27 Sites to Create Comics and Animations Online

Aniboom-virtual animation studio

Animasher- create an animation

Animoto for Education- unlimited videos for you and your students

The New Animoto Creation Process (10/4/2011) from AnimotoPro on Vimeo.

Be Funky- change a photo into a cartoon; other cool effects

Bubblr- create a comic strip with Flickr photos

Cartoonist- from Creaza's suite of tools

Chogger- comic can be 3-12+ frames; draw your own picture or take a live picture to use

Comicbrush- use your own drawing or photo, their library of characters, backgrounds and balloons, then add your own text.

Comic Master- create an online graphic novel

Funny Times Cartoon Playground- choose body parts to create the characters for your cartoon

GoAnimate- create animated cartoon with their backgrounds, characters, voices and effects; free version is limited to 2 minutes. Here is the link for GoAnimate for Schools.

Hero Machine- create the hero of your dreams

Kerpoof!- for younger kids

Make Beliefs Comix-dialogue can be written in English, French, German, Italian, Latin, Portuguese and Spanish; edit size of balloons, characters.

My ComicStrip

Pixton- $$, works on Mac, Windows or Linux computers; just add characters to the layout of choice and add text.

ReadWriteThink Comic Creator- for younger kids

Sketch Star- create an animation

Stage'd- digital toy for creating comics

Strip Creator

Strip Generator-choose how many fromes you want and cfreate a black and white comic.

Super Action Comic Maker- create a 6-frame comic

Super Hero Squad- create a 1-3 frame comic with a choice of background, characters and special effects.

ToonDoo- "just a few clicks, drag and drops..."

Witty Comics-use background templates, add characters and text.

Write Comics-registration is not needed; choose a background, characters and add your own text.

Xtranormal for Education- special pricing for schools

Read More

36 Web Sites About Concept Maps (Also Known as Mind Maps)

With the new and great tools of Web 2.0, brainstorming is easier than ever. Not only can you visualize your thoughts, but you can collaborate with others in real time! Here are many applications to choose from. Next posting: Create Comics Online

Biggerplate- choose from a collection of mind maps for education

Bubbl.us-brainstorm and mind map online

Classroom Assessment Technique: Concept Maps- video from the Center Instructional Innovation and Assessment

Classroom Assessment Techniques: Concept Mapping- Michael Zielik shows how concept maps have helped him assess his students' understanding of the subject matter in his course.

Concept Mapping- from the Center for Teaching and Learning

Concept Maps: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words- from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Connected Mind- use with Google Chrome browser

Dabbleboard- interactive whiteboard

Diagrammr- very simple user interface

Edistorm- free and $$ plans; online brainstorming

Edraw Soft- "build, save, share and print arbitrary mind maps absolutely free"; download required

Exploratree- offers many "thinking guides" which you can use for creating your mind map

FolderBoy-"record ideas, collaborate on tasks and unscramble your workflow"

Free Resources for Thinking Maps

Gliffy-create flowcharts, diagrams, floor plans, technical drawings

HeadCase-import text from MS Office documents;Windows only

How to Build a Mind Map in Microsoft Word

How to Convert Text to a Mind Map

How to Mind Map with Tony Buzan-leading expert on the brain and learning

Knowcase- collaborative lists, save ideas, notes, to-dos

MAPMYself- free plan offers only 2 online maps per account

Mind42- browser-based online mind mapping

Mindmeister-mind mapping and brainstorming; available for iPhone and Android

Mindomo-collaborate-organize-share

Pinball

Quicklyst-create outlines; instant access to the Webster-Merriam dictionary, integrates with iPhone, Android and Kindle

Slatebox- create collaborative mind maps and organizational charts

SlickPlan- free flowcharts

Spiderscribe-online mind mapping and brainstorming; connects notes, files, events; PC World choice

Ten Takeaway Tips for Using Authentic Assessment in Your School- from Edutopia

Text to Mind Map Converter 

Thinklinkr-create and share outlines

View Your Mind

Whys and Hows of Assessment: Concept Maps- from Carnegie Mellon

Wisdomap

WiseMapping- create mind maps

Read More

10 Web 2.0 Tools For Collecting Information

Staying organized is something most of us find difficult to do. We are being hit with information left and right, and with all this wonderful technology at our fingertips, why not use it to make life easier? If you have a smartphone, you will love the fact that many programs offer a mobile app!  Please add your favorites and I will update this post when necessary. Next posting for Web 2.0 tools: Concept Maps (Mindmaps)


BagTheWeb- create bags "to collect, publish, and share any content from the Web."

CintaNotes- free personal notes manager; Windows only

Evernote-save urls, grab a screenshot and more; works with smartphones and iPad.

Inslices- collect articles, web sites, videos etc. and share with others

Listhings-sticky notes online

Only2Clicks- organize your sites with various tabs, (like folders) and thumbnails


Scoop.it- create a topic and Scoop.it will proceed to find you links on the Internet which are related to your topic

Spaaze- collect and organize web sites, videos etc. in one location, a giant corkboard.

Springpad- save information on your computer and it will sync with your mobile device (Android or iPhone)

Zotero- "free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources. It lives right where you do your work—in the web browser itself."

Read More

Professional Development Doesn't Have to Be Boring

This is a wonderful presentation from the TL Virtual Cafe by teacher-librarians Tamara Fox and Tiffany Whitehead. I love the use of Comic Life for the design!

PD with a Twist

View more presentations from Tiffany Whitehead

Read More

36 Web 2.0 Tools For Collaboration

My current Web 2.0 tools listing is divided into close to 25 categories. As I am in the process of moving to this website, I'm checking links and presenting each category on a different day. The first posting will be on collaboration tools. I've kept this list to only 36 because a. I don't want to overwhelm you;  b. A lot of them are pretty much the same. Next post: Collecting Information

30 Boxes- online collaborative calendar

The Awesome Highlighter- highlight text on webpages for sharing

Bounce- screen capture a page and share parts with others

Bubbl.us- brainstorm with the colleagues; create mindmaps

Cacoo- create online diagrams in real time with many collaborators

CoSketch- online whiteboard; visualize and share your thoughts as images

Crocodoc- share and review documents online

Dabbleboard- online whiteboard for collaboration; free and $$ plans

Doodle- schedule events, meetings or study groups.

Fill Any PDF- upload your pdf and share the form and the data

Flockdraw- collaborative drawing online

GoogleDocs- work with others on documents; each person is given a color so you can see who is adding what to your document

IDroo- online educational multiuser whiteboard; download needed (free for non-commercial use)

JoinMe-share computer screens with your colleague; requires program download

Layers.com-convert your website or blog into a meeting spot for you and your collaborators

Meetifyr-online shared calendar

Meet With Approval- arrange a meeting and access from any Internet device

ProBoards- free forums and discussion boards

Project2Manage- "online project management application that helps you stay up-to-date, on task and connected with your team."

Protonotes- "notes that you add to your prototype that allow project team members to discuss system functionality, design, and requirements directly on the prototype."

Reddynote- plan and share tasks

Scribblar- real-time image and drawing collaboration

SocialWok-exchange ideas, Google Apps and files with colleagues

Spiderscribe- brainstorm by connecting files, text notes, documents, images, events

Stixy-online bulletin board

Ta-da Lists- "web's easiest to-do list

Teachers Connecting- "A place for K-12 teachers to find other teachers for cross-classroom collaboration."

Thinklinkr- "web's first ever real-time, fully collaborative outliner. Create and share outlines in your web browser for free."

Titanpad- allows people to work on the same document simultaneously

Tokbox- chat with up to 20 people at the same time for free

Twiddla- web-based meeting place

Voicethread- collaborate and share ideas with other classrooms around the world

Vokle-host your show or live event online

Voo2do- to-do list which "checks priority, due date and time estimates for each task".

Voxopop- create an online message board (can be private) with real voices.

Vyew-real time visual collaboration

Read More