As I discover new technology tools I want to give readers a chance to see my critiques and insight on each tool. Through this blog I will give you ratings (5-point scale) and a brief description of the tool, followed by a personal review. Today I am featuring 8 technology tools: Moodle, Chrome, Google Apps, LiveBinder, Twiddla, Emaze, Squarespace and GetTimely. Feel free to comment below if you want more information on any of these tools. - Joy
1. Moodle
Rating: 4 out of 5
Description:
Moodle is a learning management system (LMS) that can be used to complement face-to-face courses or deliver courses completely online.
Review:
My interaction with Moodle is strictly limited to completing courses at the university level. It is a helpful tool that manages every component a student might need for a course. Professors and students can interact via Moodle without ever meeting face-to-face. My only challenge with this tool has to do with how proficient the user is. Some professors navigate well with Moodle, while others don't utilize it effectively - this leads to inconsistency.
2. Chrome
Rating: 5 out of 5
Description:
Google Chrome is a freeware web browser developed by Google. It
used the WebKit layout engine until version 27 and with the exception of
its iOS releases, from version 28 and beyond uses the WebKit fork
Blink.
Review:
I don't normally use Chrome to browse, but when I do I experience good speed and good security. In my opinion it functions just as efficiently as other browsers I use and it is also a benefit to have the built-in Flash player and PDF reader, eliminating those frustrating moments you need to stop browsing to download software.
3. Google Apps
Rating: 5 out of 5
Description:
Google Apps is a suite of cloud
computing productivity and collaboration software tools and software
offered on a subscription basis by Google.
Review:
This technology received an easy 5 out of 5 due to the sheer convenience of it all. Thanks to Google Apps, I no longer have to open docs, save, attach and email to others, but I now can easily open docs and work together with peers without ever being near each other. From email, to blogger, to sheets to docs - Google Apps is easily the best tool to use for any and all needs.
4. LiveBinders
Rating: 3 out of 5
Description:
Online digital binder.
Review:
LiveBinders is a simple tool to organize your resources, and is used often by educators. My personal review of LiveBinders 3 out 5. While it was simple to decipher and navigate through the site, it is dull and lacks appealing graphics and colors. Reviews state that it is an awesome tool, but I did not see nor envision ways I could use it beyond simple organization.
5. Twiddla
Rating: 4 out of 5
Description:
A web-conferencing tool that allows users to mark up websites, graphics, and photos, or start brainstorming on a
blank canvas. Browse the web with friends or make that conference
call more productive than ever. No plug-ins, downloads, or firewall
voodoo - it's all here, ready to go when you are. Browser-agnostic,
user-friendly.
Review:
Twiddla is a great tool to use when interacting with students and peers. Despite the aged graphics, the premise of the technology tool is useful in classroom settings. Live time revisions can be made along with presenting and highlighting key point of a particular webpage. Twiddla is definitely one of my favorite technology discoveries.
6. Emaze
Rating: 5 out of 5
Description:
Emaze is the next generation of online
presentation software. Select any of the professionally designed free
templates to create amazing presentations.
Review:
I have used several online presentation software to create and present, Emaze is far and beyond the best quality and easiest to use. Unlike other online presentation tools, Emaze is user friendly and has good supports to save and recall work. Excellent graphics and free templates allow users to create sharp and appealing presentations. I will likely be using Emaze for future presentations.
7. Squarespace
Rating: 4 out 5
Description:
Whether you need a powerful landing page, striking galleries, a
professional blog, or an online store, it's all included with your
Squarespace website. Best of all, everything is mobile-ready right from
the start.
Review:
Squarespace was my first introduction to building websites and it was a frustrating process figuring out how to maximize the site. Overall, Squarespace is an excellent tool to create and launch your online presence, but much of its limitations have a lot to do with the money you want to spend. Depending on the amount of dollars you invest, templates are equipped with limitations and features. If you are looking to create a professional site, this is definitely a go-to because of the supports and security, otherwise I recommend using free options such as Wix.
8. GetTimely
Rating 2 out of 5
Description:
Online appointment scheduling software
Review:
GetTimely provides individuals and businesses the means to conduct appointment scheduling and booking via secured, online means. However, GetTimely requires far too many steps to complete each task and is users attempting to book appointments encounter several issues that hinder the booking process. While it does its job, it requires a great deal of time to structure and organize each appointment.
Hi:
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing me to 'timely.' Your assessments were very concise and nicely written.
-j-