1st website explored:
Storify.com: Storify is a way to tell stories using social media such as Tweets, photos and videos. You search multiple social networks from one place, and then drag individual elements into your story. You can re-order the elements and also add text to give context to your readers. This seems like it might work with older students as an entry into an authentic writing lesson/assignment. I had a hard time understanding how to use the site to create my story, and I'm not sure how it would print out. It appears this is a free service with a twitter account.
2nd website:
CarrotSticks: http://www.go2web20.net/site/?a=CarrotSticks
I got to this site by clicking on the "game" tag in the go2web20.net website. I thought this would be a good site to explore since its brief description mentioned math games. The intended audience for this site is children. It allows them to practice their math skills (levels k-5) in a fun game format. Players can choose to practice alone or compete live with another user. For students who are motivated by competition this could be a good way to get them practicing their math skills. The site allows you to try the addition practice for free, but they charge for all others (subtraction, multiplication, and division). The cost is $3.95 per month for unlimited use (comprehensive: + − × ÷). I think a classroom could sign up for the same cost but would have unlimited student use. In the classroom I think I would allow students, during math, to use the game if they have finished their assignment early and need to work on something. Also, I could use it as a form of differentiation to change things up for students who are low level and need a little extra motivation. This could also be used with higher level students who need to be challenged.
3rd website:
StoryJumper: http://www.go2web20.net/site/?a=StoryJumper
I got to this website from the "kids" tag on the go2web20.net site. The name caught my attention and after reading its brief description about publishing your own children's book, I immediately thought of using it for an authentic writing activity. I went through the tutorial, and it seems simple to use. The service is free to create and publish online; however, there is a fee for a hardback book, which starts at $24.95. In the classroom I could have students create their own stories and share them online with each other. The site does have story templates and pictures to choose from, but I would not allow them to use those features, so that they could create the entire book themselves. Then again depending on students' needs, we could look at the site examples for ideas or as starting points for struggling students. Parents would have the option to purchase the books.
