Productivity Tools, Place

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able of Contents

Table of Contents

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ICTE –Information and Communication Technologies for Education

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PLACE: an acronym for understanding Information & Communication Technologies for Education

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P for Productivity TOOLS SUPPORTING TEXT-BASED COMMUNICATION Tools for Improving Written Communication Typing Tools Scheduling and Bibliographical Tools TOOLS TO SUPPORT DATA PROCESSING Online surveys and descriptive statistics Statistical Data Analysis Tools TOOLS THAT SUPPORT GRAPHIC EXPRESSION Graphic Processing Tools Tools for Making Multimedia Presentations Establishing a PLACE for teaching technologies 

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TOOLS FOR MULTIMEDIA DATA PROCESSING Tools for Processing Video and Digital Sound Tools for Sharing digital products on Internet Tools for threading voice comments on digital objects Tools for Building web pages TOOLS FOR TIME AND ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT

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L  for Learning Environments CONSTRUCTION OF CONCEPTUAL AND MIND MAPS CONSTRUCTION OF CAUSE-EFFECT MAPS MATHEMATIC MODELS: CONSTRUCTION AND EXPLORATION SIMULATIONS AND GAMES: CONSTRUCTION AND EXPLORATION LECTURE NOTES AND FLASH CARDS: BUILDING AND USE CREATION OF DIGITAL PORTFOLIOS CREATION AND USE OF RUBRICS

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A  for Access to cultural, and intellectual capital SEARCH ENGINES AND DIGITAL TAGGING ELECTRONIC ENCYCLOPEDIAS SUBSCRIPTION TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION SERVICES List Serves RSS Channels DICTIONARIES, TRANSLATORS AND THESAURUSES EDUCATIONAL PORTALS DIGITAL TOURS THROUGH MUSEUMS AND COLLECTIONS

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C  for Communication TOOLS FOR INTERACTING ASYNCHRONOUSLY Email (electronic mail) Text messaging and chat rooms Social messaging via Twitter Social/virtual networking in education Digital Diaries, also called, Blogs The Wiki and collaborative knowledge building Collaborative productivity tools Network Forums Video lecture capturing TOOLS FOR SYNCHRONOUS INTERACTION Chat rooms Multimedia Instant Messaging Systems Video Conferencing Systems

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for Productivity

What has made ICTE famous in the dominions of human activity is their capacity to simplify routine tasks, and at the same time, extend the potential of those who carry them out. This is done with informational productivity tools which act as computational systems that benefit many areas of human activity. The following sections include a review of distinctive productivity tools that have not been created for education, but are potentially useful in educational activities.

Tools Supporting Text-based Communication One of the greatest necessities that educators and students have is being able to properly express themselves in writing and make references to the documentary sources that are required for footnotes and references. This group of tools can support such functions. Tools for Improving Written Communication One of the basic activities in a large number of domains is written communication. Word processors and other tools like spell checkers, and reference and bibliography organizers allow writers to concentrate on what they want to say. Establishing a PLACE for teaching technologies 

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Writers can concentrate on the quality of the message when word processing tools are used such as WORD from Microsoft Office [1] or WRITER from the free Open Office [2] from Sun Microsystems.

Typing Tools Typing systems merit special attention. Knowing how to use ten fingers to type well without looking at the keyboard makes a big difference in category P every time we try to correlate what we think with what we type. There are tools on the Internet that help to improve typing. For example, LEARN 2 TYPE [3] is a free program designed for adult users to simultaneously exercise while handling the keyboard and the mouse. On the other hand, NAIL IT NOW [4] offers a free solution for children.

Scheduling and Bibliographical Tools The development of footnotes and references is a time-consuming task that can be largely eliminated when a data base of sources has been created. This type of system allows the presentation of footnotes and bibliographic references in the format that is required (e.g. APA, ACM). Moreover, bibliographic data bases are generated which may be converted into shareable resources among members of the educational community. Bibliographic reference management software like ENDNOTE [5] becomes a wonderful ally that permits researchers and authors to capture, to publish and to find references and include them in documents in the appropriate format. Your scholarly references and articles can be organized and shared with CiteULike [6], a free service from Springer.

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http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/default.aspx http://www.download-new.com/openoffice/1/ http://www.learn2type.com/ http://www.nailitnow.com.au/typingtutor/children.html http://www.endnote.com http://www.citeulike.org

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The most current version of MS-WORD [2] includes features for managing citations and references as part of the word processor utilities.

Tools to Support Data Processing Knowing how to organize, store, recover and process numerical data using a statistical analysis package is another challenge for educators. This group of tools designed to alleviate these problems is best categorized as follows: Calculation and Analysis tools The calculation and analysis of numerical data is another common activity in many fields. Thanks to spreadsheets, the processing of numerical data is focused on organizing the data and defining the operations that the spreadsheet should do. Once the data is captured, the program makes processing, grouping, ordering and visual representation possible in many different ways. The great gain here is linked to the possibility of supporting the analysis of data matched with variables. It is like asking “What happens if…?” while visually and numerically analyzing the data. Let’s think for a moment about what a teacher can do when using a spreadsheet to calculate his students’ grades or to group and order other information. This tool allows him to utilize various criteria and depict graphic results in one way or another. The possibilities increase even more with considerations of diverse views on assessment or varying the weight of certain components, when student results are calculated. We should consider as well, what students can do when they are analyzing the results that they obtain following a certain course of study without limiting themselves to mere tabulation, but acquiring knowledge derived from digital data. Consequently, the calculation process is simplified and knowledge is increased. Applications like Microsoft’s EXCEL [1] or CALC from Sun Microsystem’s Open Office [2] simplify the calculation and analysis of numerical data Establishing a PLACE for teaching technologies 

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Data-Base Management Tools Data processing available in organized digital repositories (databases) makes it possible to generate aggregate information with distinct “views” (content and level of detail) defined according to the needs of the user. The functions of these tools allow data to be accessed via comprehensive searches of available registries or just segments of the database. It does not simply store, organize and search for information in an efficient manner, but these tools also permit the generation of new knowledge (cross listing and aggregate views) that without technology would be very difficult to obtain. Tools like Microsoft Office’s ACCESS [1] and BASE [2] from Sun Microsystem’s Open Office are user friendly and very powerful, permitting competent users to manage, design, administer and to take advantage of collections of organized digital information.

Online surveys and descriptive statistics Collecting data and feedback from customers is an important task for educators and researchers. Many LMS (Learning Management Systems) include their own survey creation and management tools, but in many cases this function needs to be accomplished independently. SURVEYMONKEY [7] is self-defined as the simple way to create, apply, and get results from surveys. It has a single purpose: to enable anyone to create professional online surveys quickly and easily. The free version allows 100 answers per survey.

Statistical Data Analysis Tools Usually databases contain very valuable information. Nevertheless, beyond the data, at times, it is necessary to find commonalities, or to test hypotheses about cause and effect issues allotting for diverse criteria. Statistical data processing packages, for example SPSS [8] Statistical Package for the Social Sciences or SAS [9] Statistical Analysis System,

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http://www.surveymonkey.com/Default.aspx http://www.spss.com/ http://www.sas.com/technologies/analytics/statistics/index.html

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make this type of analysis possible giving control of the types of aggregations, cross-listings, statistical tests, etc. to whomever manages the tool. They also resolve quantitative questions that guide research.

Tools that Support Graphic Expression Oral and written communication is largely supported by the visualization of what we mean. This group of tools can improve our productivity in creating and editing images as well as presentations that utilize a variety of techniques. Graphic Processing Tools Graphic expression is another activity where productivity software tools can add a lot of value to various fields. The creation, capture and editing of images can help to express what we say and feel. This task is relatively easy when one knows how to use the appropriate graphic software. It is said that an image is worth a thousand words. Those who have chosen to use graphics to support their work surely feel compelled to work on “rough drafts” whenever they process an image, then publish it to give it “the touch” that it merits without major effort. This function is not the only benefit of using graphic processing tools. These technology tools make it possible to go beyond conventional graphics design limits. Not only are artistic options increased, but the opportunities to share and critique are made more available to the creator of the work. This reality gives new possibilities to the artist. Applications like Microsoft’s PAINT [10] as well as FIREWORKS [11] developed by Macromedia, now owned by Adobe are praised for their ability to enhance their users’ graphic expression as well as offering the possibility of doing the graphic processing of digital images. As far as tools for children, it is possible to emphasize KIDPIX [12] an intuitive and powerful application developed by Broderbund Software and sold by The Learning Company.

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http://www.fayette.k12.il.us/99/paint/paint.htm http://www.adobe.com/products/ http://www.kidsdomain.com/down/mac/kidpix.html

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Tools for Making Multimedia Presentations The creation of multimedia presentations is also enhanced by the use of productivity tools that allow easy manufacture and presentation of digital materials. The new presentation softwares when used optimally, render a finished product that is effective in conveying both content and appeal. Tools like Microsoft Office’s PowerPoint [1] and Sun Microsystem’s Open Office IMPRESS [2] have made multimedia presentations very simple.

Tools for Multimedia Data processing We often have film registries of video and sound recordings of audio that we want to use in our educational activity. This group of tools can efficiently support this process. Tools for Processing Video and Digital Sound Sound and video editing has stopped being the domain of audiovisual specialists. Nowadays it is possible to become a fan of these arts and do digital, audio and video processing including texts, special effects, sound and visual credits, subtitles, multiple audio tracks (by language or with the original sound and commentary). Digital audio editing is doable with AUDACITY [13], an open access multiplatform tool that allows basic to professional treatment of digital sound; it imports and produces files in a variety of audio wave forms. Tools like LAS VEGAS MOVIE STUDIO [14] by Sony or QUICKTIME PROFESSIONAL [15] by Apple make it possible for educators and students to edit digital audio and video. CAMTASIA STUDIO [16] by TechSmith allows the creation of screen videos from the computer and the editing of videos you have already created. All of these tools make it possible to create archives in

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http://audacity.sourceforge.net/manual-1.2/index.html http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudio http://www.apple.com/es/quicktime/download/ http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp

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more than one format. CAMSTUDIO OPEN SOURCE is a free version of Camtasia Studio 6 [17]. JING [18] by TechSmith and GOVIEW [19] by Citrix Online are open access software that allow users to screen capture and screen video recording with audio. Both applications upload captured information to the Web, FTP, computer or clipboard. A URL is automatically created and can be shared with others to view or access the uploaded file. There is no video or picture editing with JING or GOVIEW. You can add titles with GOVIEW. ScreenR [20] allows instant screencasting for Twitter and it is free. This web-based tool works both in Mac or PC. It generates MP4 files that can be played everywhere on the web.

Tools for Sharing digital products on Internet The Internet is a good way to share what we create as educators and to benefit from what others have published. Depending on what you want to share, there are very interesting tools and web services at your disposition. The following is not an exhaustive list. Your favorite URLs (Internet addresses) with the corresponding tags can be organized and shared with DELICIOUS [21], a free service from Yahoo. Your pictures and albums can be shared with PICASA [22] from Google or FLICKR [23] from Yahoo. Images can be uploaded and organized in groups. Their free services permit a limited number of groups.

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http://camstudio.org/ http://www.jingproject.com/ http://goview.com/goldwyn/spring/play?method=indexPage http://screenr.com/ http://delicious.com/ http://picasa.google.com/ http://www.flickr.com/

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If you want to publish slides or digital documents in different type of formats you can consider using SLIDESHARE [24]. It is a free publishing service. If you have created digital video and want to make it available in video episodes no longer that 10 minutes each, YOUTUBE [25] from Google is appropriate; it is one of the best known digital video free publishing services. If you want your digital video to be part of an educational collection, then SCHOOLTUBE [26] may be of interest to you. It is an online community of educators that want to share videos produced by students or educators, all of them approved by a certified educator and organized in categories. If you want your digital video or audio to be watched or listened to on mobile devices as well as Internet browsers, then ITUNES U [27] is a good partner. This is a free service from Apple; it allows sharing content produced by universities, museums, or world leaders and thinkers. Each one of the pieces becomes a track that can be played with iTunes. Using TEACHERTUBE [28] or eSNIPS [29] you can share video, audio, documents, or pictures, organized by channels or topics of interest. While TeacherTube is a community of educators, eSnips is an open community.

All of the aforementioned services include tagging, which allows members to surf through each collection of digital objects by using tags created by non experts, instead of classifications that follow well defined rules. According to Wikipedia this practice of collaboratively tagging, social classification or social indexing, is called “folksonomy”. Some web sites include tag clouds as a way to visualize tags in a folksonomy.

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http://www.slideshare.net/ http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.schooltube.com/ http://www.apple.com/education/mobile-learning/ http://www.teachertube.com/ http://www.esnips.com/

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Tools for threading voice comments on digital objects Digital objects (images, videos, documents, presentations) especially those which are more complex, often require feedback that goes beyond the written comment. Imagine being able to comment on your students’ proposals using voice-based remarks. Imagine online collaboration around media where you and your colleagues can asynchronously share ideas on digital objects by using voice, text, and hand written drawings, all on one page. VOICETHREAD [30] is a tool for having group oral interactions around images, documents, videos or presentations or a combination of them. A VoiceThread can securely capture and hold an entirely group discussion on one simple page. `

Tools for Building web pages Many people have their own web sites that they use as information servers. This particular use of the internet builds on web authoring languages such as HTML—Hyper Text Markup Language. There are hypertext authoring systems that let the creator express himself through integration of texts, graphics, links, and videos. These systems also permit you to generate the corresponding HTML codes. Hypertext authoring systems such as Macromedia-Adobe’s DREAMWEAVER [31] or Microsoft’s FRONTPAGE [32] minimize the effort to create hypertexts. Many Learning Management Systems—LMS—and Content Management Systems—CMS—provide online course creators the opportunity to use a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) human-computer interface that generates editable HTML code. This type of WYSIWYG interface is also behind many of the so-called “Social networking” tools that include blogs, wikis, and communitybuilding systems. We will comment on them under the C type ICTE.

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http://voicethread.com/ http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/ http://www.microsoft.com/products/

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Tools for time and activity management Effective collaboration with others is not an easy task as long as it requires a lot of coordination and time management. Beyond this, project management, which involves coordinating goals, activities, resources, and reporting, is even more challenging. Fortunately there are open access tools that can alleviate these processes. Some are referenced below. DOODLE [33] is a free on-the-web event scheduler and poll manager. It allows users to create, edit, apply, and analyze poll results. PROJECT2MANAGE [34] is a free hosted project management solution. It assigns multiple levels of permission to different clients & users, manages projects from anywhere, posts messages to keep everyone up to date, manage tasks with to-do lists, creates milestones to stay on task.

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http://doodle.com/ http://www.project2manage.com/

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