Collaboration and Communication Apps Review

Marie Blankenship

App # 1 for Personal, Pedagogical, or Professional Use - Zoom

Description:

Zoom was chosen for pedagogical reasons as I will begin instructing students through Zoom in two weeks. The utilization of Zoom was dictated by my organization. In the past, I participated in Zoom meetings as a student. This only required the activation of an emailed Zoom link. Now, I will be the teacher and host of the Zoom meetings. This will require a more intimate knowledge of the inner working of Zoom.

My students have not been established yet and there exist privacy concerns. I asked a relative and friend to participate within Zoom. This screen shot displays three participants in a Zoom meeting. We discussed how to utilize all the functions of Zoom. One screen shot includes annotations which were tested.

  

App # 2 for Personal, Pedagogical, or Professional Use - Teams

Description:

I am new to Teams and have recently began utilizing it for my employer. Mostly it is utilized for peer-to-peer collaboration or communication; although, other applications within Teams are utilized as well. Teams houses all of the center’s templates with limited user edit privileges. Additionally, I tutor as a side hustle. As I become more accustomed to utilizing Teams for my job, I realized the potential pedagogical benefits. So, I added an additional Teams account for my tutoring students. Some of my students will be virtual in two weeks and Teams will be a great resource. Teams allows for communication, lesson uploads, and file storage. I am currently exploring the integration of additional apps to Teams. This potential seems beneficial for educators. I am also considering a personal account for communication with friends and family.

My students have not been established yet and there exist privacy concerns. I asked a relative, a friend, and a colleague to participate within Teams. Additionally, I reached out to some public and private pedagogical teams which were already established. The pedagogical teams should be a beneficial resource moving forward. These screen shots display multiple interaction with others. We discussed setup and how to log into Teams. There is also a screen shoot of settings exploration within Teams.    

App # 1- Zoom

Description:

Zoom is a conferencing and collaborative tool for personal, pedagogical, and professional use (Correia et. al., 2020; CTG Tech, 2021; Nobre, 2018; Zoom Video Communications, 2021). It is a 24/7 app for anytime or anywhere service (Zoom Video Communications, 2021). Some of its functions include chat, video, screen share, and recording (Nobre, 2018; Zoom Video Communications, 2021). Zoom has both free and paid accounts available (Correia et. al., 2020; Nobre, 2018; Zoom Video Communications, 2021). Zoom boost the interactive features which allow annotation and lesson recordings for educators (Nobre, 2018). This includes remote and hybrid learning (Zoom Video Communications, 2021). Hosts can create breakout rooms for small group discussions (Nobre, 2018; Zoom Video Communications, 2021).

Warnings:

Parents, students, and educators should be aware of  potential safety concerns and drawbacks to Zoom. Safety concerns include privacy and security (Correia et. al., 2020; CTG Tech, 2021; De Leyn et. al., 2021; Greenhow & Askari, 2017; Indu, 2018; Madumere et. al., 2020; Nobre, 2018). Unwanted guests have been known to infiltrate Zoom meeting to be disruptive or for criminal behavior (CTG Tech, 2021). Drawbacks include connectivity for full functionality of Zoom (Nobre, 2018). This means a strong internet connection is required for audio and video to work properly. I have been in Zoom meeting which experienced freezing or interruption from poor internet connections. This can be frustrating for teachers and students.

Safeguards:

CTG Tech (2021) provided some safeguards for Zoom use which include:

·         Secure your Zoom account with a strong password.

·         Do not make personal meeting ID or conference links public.

·         Only utilize official Zoom app.

·         Enable the waiting room which allows the host the ability to approve or deny entrance.

·         Utilize screen share features to prevent or allow sharing.

·         Zoom chat should not be utilized for confidential discussions as transcript are viewable by others.

·         Make use of the mute and video off when necessary.

Educators should provide this list of safeguards to parents and students. Additional safeguards could be added for classroom use, such as classroom rules for Zoom, peer-to-peer conduct, student-to-teacher feedback, class scheduling, how to block offenders, how to report scams or offenders, and so on.

Link to the app and/or other helpful resources:

https://zoom.us/

https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=4c3290f6db5b845430ed1dca4896197f

App # 2- Microsoft Teams

Description:

Microsoft Teams or Teams as it is often referred is a collaborative and communication videoconferencing web-based systems (Correia & Xu, 2020). This collaborative environment allows teams to stay connect facilitating teamwork (Greenhow & Askari, 2017; Indu, 2018; Madumere et. al., 2020). Teams is free to download but it requires a Microsoft account to utilize (Correia & Xu, 2020). This type of system has experience significant improvements in image, sound, and connection. Improving teaching and learning in additional to enhancing personal communications (Correia & Xu, 2020). Educators can benefit from the screen share, application share, file transfer, annotation tools, whiteboard, and recording with playback in learning mode to enhance lesson understanding and the learning experience (Correia & Xu, 2020).

Warnings:

Teams have potential drawbacks which educators, parents, and student should be aware. First, user must have a Microsoft 365 account to operate this platform (Correia & Xu, 2020). Teams does not have small breakout rooms or virtual hand raising (Correia & Xu, 2020). This drawback does not allow for small group discussion which would be advantageous to students working on group projects. Some individuals regard the navigation menu as complicated and confusing (Correia & Xu, 2020). I found this to be the case as well. It took a great deal of trial and error to locate the appropriate settings to accomplish my person goals. Additionally, I am still trying to integrate one Team which is not included within my Teams location. Correia and Xu (2020) revealed that customer service and support remains lacking to assist with navigation or other problem issues.

Safeguards:

Microsoft Support (2021) suggests these safeguards to protect your account:

·         Create a strong password to protect your Teams account as hackers can gain access to your other accounts through your email.

·         Use official Microsoft apps and Microsoft authenticator.

·         Add extra security to your account to make it easier to recover if hacked.

·         Keep updates current to enhance security and performance.

·         Never give out your password or other information. Microsoft will not ask for it.

·         Always examine unusual activity on your account.

·         Keep your device safe and remove trusted status from old or discarded devices.

Educators should provide this list of safeguards to parents and students. Additional safeguards could be added for classroom use, such as classroom rules for Teams, peer-to-peer conduct, student-to-teacher feedback, class scheduling, how to block offenders, how to report scams or offenders, and so on.

Link to the app and/or other helpful resources:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/log-in

https://education.microsoft.com/en-us/resource/d5b62e3e

App # 3- TikTok

Description:

TikTok is a popular mobile social networking app for sharing short videos (Smuskiewicz, 2020). It utilizes lip-syncing and other amateur videos globally. The videos are 15 seconds long or multiple videos can be strung together creating a 60 second video. The videos can be uploaded to TikTok or embedded into other social media platforms with a smartphone (Smuskiewicz, 2020). It is owned by ByteDance Technology in China (Smuskiewicz, 2020). TikTok originated in Asia but gained popularity in Western markets in 2018 (Smuskiewicz, 2020).

Warnings:

Some TikTok concerns include privacy, child safety, inappropriate content, predators, cyberbullying, addition, and risky challenges (De Leyn et. al., 2021; Indu, 2018; Madumere et. al., 2020; Smuskiewicz, 2020). Some challenges posted on TikTok have led to serious injuries. Another concern is the political nature of TikTok leading to national security implications (Smuskiewicz, 2020). The use of TikTok by educator should be utilized with extreme caution as young children are greatly influenced by events seen on this platform. Other concerns for educators would be the occurance of cyberbullying and the possibility of addition. Social media addiction can affect student outcomes negatively (De Leyn et. al., 2021; Greenhow & Askari, 2017; Indu, 2018; Madumere et. al., 2020). I have viewed funny and disturbing TikToks. The disturbing far outweighed the funny, so I have chosen not to utilize TikTok as an educator currently. I may revise my opinion in the future if the app improves.

Safeguards:

Utilizing appropriate safeguards will allow TikTok to be a creative social outlet for students (Thurrott, 2019). Thurrott (2019) offered safeguards for parents and educators:

·         Watch for inappropriate content of self-harm, nudity, suggestive dancing, swearing, cutting, and offensive comments.

·         Limit who can access student videos by making accounts private.

·         Teach students how to stay safe online by keeping settings private and explaining the dangers.

·         Beware of bullying, cruel posts, and inappropriate comments.

·         Keep a close eye on students who want to be famous as they may make bad decisions or engage in risky behaviors.

·         Monitor student screen time with limitations for usage.

·         Parent and educators should check it out for themselves to determine if it is appropriate for their student.

TikTok can be great fun and a learning experience with supervision and constant monitoring. Educators must be vigilant if utilizing this application for pedagogical experiences.

Link to the app and/or other helpful resources:

https://www.tiktok.com/en/

https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/what-tiktok-guide-clueless-parents-ncna1066466

App # 4- WhatsApp

Description:

WhatsApp is a global videoconferencing system with a simple user interface, visually descriptive, user guidance for errors, while offering textual assistance (Birdsong et. al., 2020; Correia & Xu, 2020). Numerous university students utilize this platform for studying (Indu, 2018). This app remains user friendly and free of charge for up to four people (Correia & Xu, 2020; Indu, 2018). WhatsApp best serves small groups for audio, video, chat, and file transfer functions only (Correia & Xu, 2020). This could serve to supplement Teams which does not have a small group or breakout feature (Correia & Xu, 2020).

Warnings:

As with any other web-based app, WhatsApp has warnings and drawbacks. WhatsApp has been known for privacy and security issues, cyberbullying, scams, fake news, consistency, and customer service support which remains far below its competition (Birdsong et. al., 2020; Correia & Xu, 2020; De Leyn et. al., 2021). Often students were unaware of the privacy and security issues (Birdsong et. al., 2020; Greenhow & Askari, 2017). Young student particularly like this app due to its secretive nature and it is free (Birdsong et. al., 2020). Another noteworthy point regarding WhatsApp is its addictive potential (De Leyn et. al., 2021; Indu, 2018). Drawbacks include no desktop versions, only small group access, and difficulty for teacher/student or peer-to-peer communication within the education environment (Correia & Xu, 2020). Additionally, it lacks screen sharing, remote control, and annotation tools (Correia & Xu, 2020). Annotation tools remain crucial to improve the learning experience and enhance teaching for educators. The drawbacks outweigh the benefits for this educator. Additionally, there exist far better app with greater security. Parent, students, and educator should utilize care when employing this app.

Safeguards:

Numerous safegards should be taken when utilizing this app for pedogogical purposes. This would include strong passwords and security settings (De Leyn et. al., 2021; Madumere et. al., 2020). Additionally, talk to students regarding stranger danger warnings (Birdsong et. al., 2020; De Leyn et. al., 2021).

Birdsong et. al. (2020) suggests safeguards to protect students utilizing this app which include:

·         Discuss app with student before downloading.

·         Guide younger user on safety and create strong privacy settings and password.

·         Closely monitor student’s device, screen time, messages, and behavior.

·         Parents should control location sharing and be vigilant be keeping location detection off.

·         Tell students to avoid strangers and strange links being aware of unusual traffic.

Educators must be vigilant if utilizing this application for pedagogical experiences. Monitor students closely and inform parent of the warnings and safeguards to protect students.

Link to the app and/or other helpful resources:

https://www.whatsapp.com/download/?lang=en

https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/family-safety/is-whatsapp-safe-for-kids-heres-what-parents-need-to-know/

App # 5- VoiceThread

Description:

VoiceThread is a collaborative and communicative platform for slideshows and other multimedia (Edwards, 2021). The platform allows for storage of videos, images, documents, and lessons (Edwards, 2021; VoiceThread, 2020). An excellent feature of VoiceThread is feedback. It allows for commenting in real time and for past recordings (VoiceThread, 2020). Comments can be left through mic, telephone, text, audio files, and video as in webcams (Edwards, 2021; VoiceThread, 2020). The presenter can arrangement comments in order of their choosing and reply to comments left by student or other individuals (VoiceThread, 2020). VoiceThread is a great companion to Zoom to enhance pedagogical experiences.

Warnings:

VoiceThread has many of the same warning and drawbacks as other platforms such as Zoom since they can be utilized simultaneously. A drawback of VoiceThread is that students under 18 cannot open an educational account (Edwards, 2021; VoiceThread, 2020). Only a teacher with an educational license can create an account to invite students (VoiceThread, 2020). The platform tools are limited with the free account; however, I was able to create a slideshow with annotation and video that could receive comments and educator feedback.

Safeguards:

CTG Tech (2021) provided some safeguards which include:

·         Secure your account with a strong password.

·         Do not make VoiceThread links, personal meeting ID, or conference links public.

·         Only utilize official app.

·         Do not share password.

·         Limit who can access account.

Educators should provide this list of safeguards to parents and students. Additional safeguards should be added for classroom use of any technology which include classroom rules for VoiceThread, how to block offenders, how to report scams or offenders, commenting conduct, student-to-teacher feedback, class scheduling, and so on.

Link to the app and/or other helpful resources:

https://voicethread.com/howto/registering-for-a-new-account-2/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6seITAPzd4

https://www.macalester.edu/responsive-teaching-and-learning/teaching/teaching-with-voicethread/

Include the link to your findings:

https://mynewblogforedu271.blogspot.com/

 

  

 

 

 

 

References 

Birdsong et. al. (2020, March 7). Is whatsapp safe for kids? here's what parents need to know. McAfee Blogs. Retrieved September 17, 2021, from https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/family-safety/is-whatsapp-safe-for-kids-heres-what-parents-need-to-know/.

Correia, A., Liu, C., & Xu, F. (2020). Evaluating videoconferencing systems for the quality of the educational experience. Distance Education, 41(4), 429-452. https://doi.org/10.1080/01587919.2020.1821607

CTG Tech. (2021, May 13). Ensure your safety while connected on Zoom meetings. CTG Tech | Managed IT Services Provider DFW & Amarillo TX. Retrieved September 17, 2021, from https://www.ctgmanagedit.com/dangers-of-zoom-meetings/.

De Leyn, T., De Wolf, R., Vanden Abeele, M., & De Marez, L. (2021). In-between child’s play and teenage pop culture: Tweens, TikTok & privacy. Journal of Youth Studies, , 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2021.1939286

Edwards, L. (2021, June 2). What is voicethread for education? TechLearningMagazine. Retrieved September 17, 2021, from https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/what-is-voicethread-for-education.

Greenhow, C., & Askari, E. (2017). Learning and teaching with social network sites: A decade of research in K-12 related education. Education and Information Technologies, 22(2), 623-645. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-015-9446-9

Indu. (2018). Implications of social media (facebook and whats app) among the students of maharishi dayanand university, rohtak. Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing, 9(1), 50-52.

Madumere, C. P., Ekwelem, V., & Anike, C. J. (2020). Social media and smart phone usage among students in Nigeria: The implications to their academic activities. Library Philosophy and Practice, , 1-23.

Microsoft Support. (2021, August 4). How to help keep your Microsoft account safe and secure. Microsoft Support. Retrieved September 17, 2021, from https://support.microsoft.com/en/help/12410.

Nobre, C. (2018, October 10). Zoom A user-friendly video conference tool great for online lessons. The Digital Teacher | Cambridge English. Retrieved September 17, 2021, from https://thedigitalteacher.com/reviews/zoom#description.

Smuskiewicz, A. J. (2020). tiktok.

Thurrott, S. (2019, October 21). What is TikTok? and is it safe? A guide for clueless parents. NBCNews.com. Retrieved September 17, 2021, from https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/what-tiktok-guide-clueless-parents-ncna1066466.

VoiceThread. (2020, June 13). Zoom + VoiceThread. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6seITAPzd4.

Zoom Video Communications. (2021). Video conferencing, web conferencing, webinars, screen sharing. Zoom Video. Retrieved September 17, 2021, from https://explore.zoom.us/docs/en-us/education.html.

Instructional Video For EDUC 630

Instructional video for hand washing lesson.
EDUC 630

TECHNOLOGY PROFICIENCY ASSIGNMENT

You Tube URL – https://youtu.be/IWcFENfmNwk

TECHNOLOGY PROFICIENCY ASSIGNMENT

BrainPOP – http:// www.brainpopesl.com

            There exists a plethora of technology based educational tools and resources for educators today.  This includes instructional software which provide functions such as: drill and practice, tutorial, simulation, game or gamification, problem-solving, and personalized learning (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019).  Some software apps serve more than one or even multiple functions.  One popular function that research has established its benefits remains drill and practice which can be accomplished by numerous methods (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019).  Additionally, drill and practice allow for effective rehearsal of new knowledge into long-term memory.  Software drill and practice has the benefit of immediate feedback, increased motivation, and saves teacher time over traditional paper exercises (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019).  Drill and practice can present challenges as in instructional overuse or misuse, criticism by constructionists, and inequality in use (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019).  Despite these challenges drill and practice software remains useful in classrooms.  This fact necessitates that educators must analyze software to ensure it serves the appropriate purpose and supports teaching and learning needs of the student (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019).

BrainPOP (2019) is a resource for educators with drill and practice applications in addition to other features such as: ELL-specific graphic organizers, action images, learning strategies, lesson plans, vocabulary activities, and more.  Utilizing software like BrainPOP allows for “automaticity, or automatic recall of lower order prerequisite skills” (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019, p. 161).  Lessons include movies, quizzes, activities, and games (BrainPOP, 2019).  These types of lessons that utilize technology allow for prompt feedback of correctness (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019).  BrainPOP is not just for students.  Both educators and students can create individualized accounts that can be tracked and assessed by the teacher (BrainPOP, 2019).  Educators can access engaging professional development delivered through a blended approach and a wide variety of workshops.  This includes tech integration, differentiation, assessment, and STEM (BrainPOP, 2019).  BrainPOP is an excellent method for educators to introduce technology into the classroom or as a supplement at home.  It can be integrated into the educators existing lesson plan or one of BrainPOP’s lesson plans can be utilized.  An added benefit is that this type of technology assists students with special needs.  BrainPOP should be one of the resources in an educator’s toolbox.

References

BrainPOP. (2019). TODAY'S FEATURE. Retrieved from https://ell.brainpop.com/.

Roblyer, M. D., & Hughes, J. E. (2019). Integrating educational technology into teaching: Transforming learning across disciplines. New York: Pearson Education, Inc.

https://www.powtoon.com/c/fqxPufo0mHT/1/m

Blog 3: Article reflection: "How We Use and Are Used by Social Media in Education"

Article reflection: "How We Use and Are Used by Social Media in Education"

            The use of social media in our lives has exploded since its inception.  This article and the topic of social media in education is truly fascinating.  We are living in an incredible time where information is at our fingertips 24/7 and anywhere.  This access can be met with peril as technology remains a double edge sword.  In other words, there remains good and bad to the advent of social media.  This concept is what Burbules (2016) explores in his article.  First let us explore the good.

            Social media like Facebook and Twitter has brought the world together in a unique collaborative manner that could not have been imagined just a few short decades ago.  “People create, share, vet, organize, are entertained” (Burbules, 2016, p. 554).  Its possible implications are boundless.  Todays youth are consumed by social media, so educators are attempting to find ways to harness this enthrallment of social media for academic pursuits (Burbules, 2016).  As educators grapple to find interesting ways to incorporate social media into their classroom, manufacturers are creating apps to facilitate learning and physical activity.  Pokémon Go is one such popular app that increases physical activity of the user for achievement (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019).  Parents and educators also utilize social media to “check-in” for safety and monitoring educational activities (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019).  Social media can provide a direct teaching resource and “content is user‐generated or reposted from elsewhere; it is shared with others within a peer‐to‐peer community; and there is typically a crowdsourced process of curation, evaluation, and commentary” (Burbules, 2016, p. 554).  Clearly, social media could be utilized for posting of assignments; although, its collaborative affect in real time makes it beneficial for stimulating creativity among peers.  This is could replace traditional face to face time in the classroom when necessary.  Similar to forum or message boards.  Burbules (2016) explained that social media does more than supplement academic activity it can “build community, improve engagement, open up discussions, share resources, encourage student–student interaction, and project a certain online presence themselves” (p. 562).

            As a digital immigrant, most of my social media experiences have been through my personal educational journey.  Now, I attempt to incorporate the positive elements of technology and social media into my classroom.  Most of my colleagues tend to utilize social media to collaborate with other educators; however, some are entertaining the thought of incorporating it into the classroom.  To this point it is mostly for communication with families through a newsletter and the posting of assignments or upcoming events.

            With the good typically comes the bad and social media in education is no exception.  A negative aspect which most would realize is the privacy issue.  Educators must provide percussions for their students that utilize social media within the classroom.  This would include protections against bullying or other forms of harassment.  Some postings are sarcastic, hyperjudgmental, or just plain rude (Burbules, 2016).  Another point to remember regarding the use of social media for educational purposes is that it could contain bias (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019).  One should be aware of and on the lookout for bias.  Burbules (2016) is no fan of Twitter.  Explaining that it is full of bias with dismissive and rude comments.  Twitter allows for so few written characters that context and nuance can be missed or worse misconstrued.  On the other hand, some educators prefer Twitter as Roblyer and Hughes (2019) stated regarding its use in professional development for social studies teachers to “communicate with colleagues and community members, to be active in social issues or social justice, and to facilitate in-and out-of-class learning activities with students” (p. 444).  It is all just a matter of opinion and how one utilizes the tools and resources.  The importance is knowing the good and bad of social media to be able to more effectively utilize it in education.

References

Burbules, N. C. (2016). How we use and are used by social media in education. Educational Theory, 66(4), 551-565. doi:10.1111/edth.12188

Roblyer, M. D., & Hughes, J. E. (2019). Integrating educational technology into teaching: Transforming learning across disciplines. New York: Pearson Education, Inc.

Blog 2: Review of Two Presentation Tools

Review of Two Presentation Tools

Presentation Tool One:

Identify the App/Tool by Name, And Include The URL:

Knovio – https://knovio.com/

Provide an Overview of Tool.

The maker of this tool states that one can create presentations fast and easy.  Claiming that this platform can organize, share, and track knowledge for training and communication.  Presentations can be internal or external and shared via email or social media.  This tool is web based and does not require the user to download software.

What Did You Find Useful for Your Own Use?

This tool allows for the use of personal slides or pictures.  The personal images can then be processed through this tool to create high quality video and audio presentations.  The best benefit was that the basic version is free to the user.  To get more features, there are pricing plans for educators and students starting at five dollars a month.

Describe A Possible Assignment for Your Students/Adult Learners Using This Tool:

For students or adults that are not familiar with this tool, I would start with an easier assignment to get them use to the tool’s features.  Additionally, I would encourage utilizing the basic free version.  The assignment would include using existing photos and taking some new photos to create an introduction slideshow about the student.  The student would be given the option of what to include; however, current biography about the student would be required.  This assignment should be fun while encouraging a sense of community.  This assignment could be upload to a forum or social media site.  Another goal of the assignment would be to familiarize the student with a presentation tool.

Presentation Tool Two:

Identify the App/Tool by Name, And Include The URL

            Prezi – https://prezi.com/

Provide an Overview of Each Tool.

            This presentation tool can be utilized to enhance single images or multiple images to create a unique presentation.  The maker claims that this tool is quick to start and customize.  This tool can take existing PowerPoints and convert them to the Prezi format so one does not have to start from scratch.  The tools site provides opportunities for collaboration and analytic tools.

What Did You Find Useful for Your Own Use?

            As a student, I have utilized this tool for customizing personal images for another course in the past.  The quality of this tool has greatly increased since the last time I utilized it.  It now makes quality presentations and has enhanced customization features.  I find it useful that the tool can convert existing PowerPoints so one can enhance and customize a previously created PowerPoint presentation.  This way one can edit and bring new life to an old presentation with modern technology.  It still has a free basic version and now there is a free trail to try additional features.  With proof of student or educator status, this tool starts at seven dollars a month.

Describe A Possible Assignment for Your Students/Adult Learners Using This Tool.

            This assignment would be to learn how to utilize the PowerPoint converter.  Students would be asked to utilize any existing PowerPoint (preferably their own creation).  If it is not a PowerPoint they created, the student must cite its origin.  Use the Prezi PowerPoint converter to enhance and customize the presentation.  Submit both presentations explaining the differences and how the change was accomplished through the Prezi presentation tool.