Cloud Based Tools

1. Cloud Based Tools By Jane Jacek

2. Cloud Based Tools DropBox: Collaborative Tool, Organizing Tool, File Storage Edmodo: Instruction, Collaborative Tools Evernote: Organizing Tool Google+ Communities: Collaboration Google Forms: Quiz and Poll Tool Twiducate: Collaboration Prezi: Presentation Tool Powtoon: Presentation Tool Weebly: File Storage and Web Page Vocaroo: Audio Tool

3. Asynchronous or Synchronous Asynchronous • Evernote • Edmodo • Google Forms • Powtoon • Weebly • Vocaroo Asynchronous and Synchronous • Dropbox • Google Communities • Prezi • Twiducate

4. Server Location Canada • Twiducate United States • Dropbox • Edmodo • Evernote • Google Communities • Google Forms • Prezi • Weebly Other • Powtoon-United Kingdom • Vocaroo-Interweb

5. DropboxTool URL: https://www.dropbox.com • Description: Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. Dropbox also offers easy ways  to share files or folders. When you create a shared folder and add other people to it, its files will appear in their Dropbox just as they do in yours. Any member of the folder can add, delete, or edit files within that folder. Can email docs, photos, presentations and videos to non-Dropbox users and they can preview the file or folders through their browser. to can view the file. Free account stores up to 2G. Can pay for larger storage. This site gives you information on all the different options in Dropbox and how to use them.. https://www.dropbox.com/help/ • Asynchronous and Synchronous Tool: Students and teachers can use this tool to access, receive and share their stored information anytime and anywhere. Collaborate by creating a shared folder and add other people who have Dropbox accounts. They will see it in their Dropbox as you do in yours and you can collaborate synchronously. • Age Required for Owning An Account: Our Services are not directed to persons under 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 13. If a parent or guardian becomes aware that his or her child has provided us with Personal Information without their consent, he or she should contact us at privacy@dropbox.com. If we become aware that a child under 13 has provided us with Personal Information, we will take steps to delete such information from our files. https://www.dropbox.com/privacy • Pros: Mobile app for Android, IPhone, IPad and IPod Touch. Able to access it from any location and any device. Able to share large files that often will not go through email. Allows email sharing for viewing files and folders in the browser of non-Dropbox users. Those who have Dropbox accounts can collaborate at the same time. • Cons: Limit to 2G of storage in the free account. Ability to gain more for free through promotions. Hosted in the US so account subject to their privacy laws. • Sever Location; Hosted on in the United States so account subject to their privacy laws. • Sample: Email me and request meto share directly from Dropbox to your email address or if you have a Dropbox account let me know, I can share directly with you. Go back to : • Cloud Based Tools • Asynchronous or Synchronous • Server Location

6. EdmodoToolURL:https://www.edmodo.com Description: Edmodo is a social learning platform for teachers, students, and parents. It is commonly thought of as the Facebook of schools. Teachers have access to a community of educators in Edmodo. It provides a safe and easy way for the class to connect and collaborate, share content, and access homework and school notices. Assignments can be posted by the teacher and submitted by students. Parents can access and keep track of their child’s progress and assignments, and class updates can be seen either in posts and /or a class calendar. Check out the following link for an even more detailed description http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmodo. Student Edmodo tutorial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxrty5j8MS4 . The following site explains how students sign uphttps://support.edmodo.com/home#forums/20898860-sign-up-as-a-studentThe following site explains “parent account s”, which allows them to view just their child’s specific class account: https://support.edmodo.com/home#entries/21680905-how-to-sign-up-parents-teacher Asynchronous : Edmodo contents can be accessed anytime and anywhere. Group posts allows for comments, discussions and collaboration to occur asynchronously. Age Required for Owning an Account: If you are not of legal age to form a binding contract (in many places, this is 18 years old), then you must get your parent or guardian to read these terms and agree to them for you, before you use Edmodo or provide any information to us. Please review this agreement with your parent or guardian so that you both understand how Edmodo works and what restrictions apply to your use of our websites and services. Remember, always get an adult’s permission before going online. https://www.edmodo.com/corporate/terms-of-service Pros: Students need only create an account once even if changing schools or a different class. An email address is not required to sign up for a student account. Closed system, class code required for students to access specific class or course. Edmodo app available for Iphone, IPod Touch or IPad. Teacher can easily reset student password. Teachers can choose subject focus and be part of a community accessed under their teacher account , great professional development opportunity. Cons: Adding images to the stage can only be accomplished by loading an image’s URL address.Hosted on in the US so account subject to their privacy laws. Username and password case sensitive. Server Location: Hosted in the United States so account subject to their privacy laws. Sample Site: URL https://edmo.do/j/mhm3s3Username: TestStudentOLTD507 Password: oltd507 Go back to : Cloud Based Tools Asynchronous or Synchronous Server Location

7. EvernoteTOOL URL: http://evernote.com • Description:Evernote helps you remember everything across all the computers, phones and tablets you use. Capture anything. Save your ideas, tasks, projects, files, research, and more. Access anywhere. Evernotemakes all of your memories available anywhere you go. Find everything fast. Search by keyword, tag, and even find text inside images. With the”Clip to Evernote” function you can easily upload a website link or copy a full page to your Evernote account. You can easily share a “note” through email, on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkIn or you can share the link to a specific note. Using Evernote generated account address send email notes, audio clips and snapshots directly to the account. Create a free account or go premium for a monthly or yearly fee. https://www.evernote.com/Login.action?targetUrl=%2FHome.action#st=p • Asynchronous: Students and teachers can use this tool to access, receive and share their stored information anytime and anywhere. • Age Required For Owning an Account: Kids can use Evernote, but it is not currently directed to children . The expected use by children will only be done with the guidance, supervision and consent of their parents, guardians and/or authorized school officials. Further if wishing minors, those under the age of 13, to create an account Evernote relies on parents and guardians to ensure minors only use the Service if they can understand their rights and responsibilities as stated in these Terms and our Privacy Policy. Teachers must notify those students’ parents/guardians of the personally identifiable information Evernote will collect and obtain parental/guardian consent before students establish accounts or use the Service. When obtaining such consent, you must provide parents/guardians with a copy of Evernote’sPrivacy Policy. Teacher must keep all consents on file and provide them to Evernote if requested. http://evernote.com/legal/tos.php • Pros: Store your notes, audio files and snapshots in one easy access location and access it anytime and anywhere. Easily upload important links or screen shots of web pages. Allows sharing in multiple ways. Can email notes, audio files and snapshots to account through Evernote generated email address. If spam sent to account you can hit reset under account setting and Evernote will generate you a new incoming email address and send you a confirmation. Mobile App option for Smartphone, Iphone, IPod Touch and IPad. • Cons: In looking under account setting in relation to email being sent to Evernote generated account stated, “ if you receive spam”. Hosted in the United States so account subject to their privacy laws. • Server Location: Hosted in the United States • Go back to : • Cloud Based Tools • Asynchronous or Synchronous • Server Location

8. Google+ CommunitiesToolURL: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/communities/ Descriptions: Google+Communities gives a home base for the specific group. Individual account created using gmail address, access through google communities link. Community can be a closed or open group. Closed account requires you to request access and be given it by site creator. As the creator of the community you can have specific tabs within the community such as discussion, class announcements, FAQs, teacher contact information to name a few. Those in the community can post photos and videos, and web links or even have face-to-face discussions using Hangouts. Stay connected to your communities on the go from your mobile phone. Exchange news and ideas, and make new connections in the public communities. Link to how to create a google community: https://support.google.com/plus/answer/2872671?hl=en Asynchronous and SynchronousTool: Contents can be accessed anytime and anywhere. Group posts allows for comments, discussions and collaboration to occur asynchronously. Using “Hangouts” can have face-to-face discussions, Age Required To Create An Account: 13 years or older . 13 is the minimum age to own a google account. https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1350409?hl=en Pros: Class site can be closed/private , access to those given permission. Share the class site link with students , then using gmail account student’s go and request access. Public communities allow for great professional development. You choose the communities to join. Mobile app for Android, Iphone, and IPad Cons: If you create a community as closed/private cannot then make it public. Hosted on in the US so account subject to their privacy laws. Server Location: Hosted in the United States so account subject to their privacy laws. Sample Site: https://plus.google.com/communities/116347326246841032706If I know you please request access. Go back to : Cloud Based Tools Asynchronous or Synchronous Server Location

9. Google Forms Tool URL: http://www.google.com/google-d-s/createforms.html Description: Google Forms is a useful tool to help you plan events, send a survey, give students a quiz, or collect other information in an easy, streamlined way. A Google form can be connected to a Google spreadsheet. If a spreadsheet is linked to the form, responses will automatically be sent to the spreadsheet. Otherwise, users can view them on the “Summary of Responses” page accessible from the Responses menu. https://support.google.com/drive/answer/87809?hl=en Asynchronous Tool: Teachers and students can use this tool to present information that can be accessed anytime and anywhere . Age Required To Create An Account: 13 years or older . 13 is the minimum age to own a google account. https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1350409?hl=en Pros: Allows for creation of a multitude of questions types such as text, paragraph text, multiple choice, checkboxes, choose from a list. Just need to post link or email it to participants and it can be accessed. Offers a number of different template choices. Cons: If you are wishing students under the age of 13 to use this tool then an parent/guardian will need to create an account. Make sure you are fully happy with the layout before releasing as once released changing questions and deleting answers in the spreadsheet does not change the results in the summary of responses. I recommend you view live form and fill in as a participant to see if you get the results you are looking for in the “Summary of Responses”. I find spreadsheet format can be hard to read as you need to click and scroll some columns to see answers. Hosted in the United States to subject to their privacy laws. Sever Location: Hosted in the United States so account subject to their privacy laws. Sample: http://bit.ly/19feow2 Go back to : Cloud Based Tools Asynchronous or Synchronous Server Location Go back to : Cloud Based Tools Asynchronous or Synchronous Server Location

10. PowtoonTool URL: http://www.powtoon.com/ • Description: PowToon is a brand new presentation software that is so simple and intuitive, it allows anyone who ever used PowerPoint or KeyNote to easily evolve their presentations to AWESOMENESS! PowToon contains themes of animated characters, props and cool transitions which you can just drag and drop into a slide to create eye catching and fun presentations that can be presented in person, or turned into animated videos at the click of a button.http://www.linkedin.com/company/powtoon-ltd • Asynchronous Tool :Can be used to present information that can be accessed anytime and anywhere . • Age Required To Create an Account: Users under the age of 18 may only use the “for Education” version of PowToon. http://www.powtoon.com/blog/terms-and-conditions-of-use/ • Pros: Presently adults can get a free membership. Great for creating engaging presentations, see sample below. App available for IPad. • Cons: Voice over, does not allow you to add voice to individual pages, it runs from the start of the presentation to the end. Once added to presentation only way to delete is add a new recording. Hyperlinking is not an option. For those under the age of 18 it is not free as must use the “for education” version . This is not evident unless you read terms and conditions of use, as it offers a free account option that lets you identify self as a student grades K-12. http://www.powtoon.com/account/signup/ Cost outlined here: http://www.powtoon.com/pricing/edu/ • Server Location: Hosted in the United Kingdom • Sample: http://www.powtoon.com/p/bkNUKhrLaGw/ Go back to : • Cloud Based Tools • Asynchronous or Synchronous • Server Location

11. PreziTool URL: http://prezi.com/ • Description: An online presentation builder that allows users to add content in a non-linear fashion (like a mind-map or web). It has an infinite canvas that can be added to at any time either by the original designer or collaboratively (in a group discussion or inquiry based lesson). You can add images, videos, links and more as well as customize fonts, colours, layout, etc. The presentation is shown as zooming, rather than slide after slide- it is very eye-catching. Free for the basic account but can purchase upgrades at a yearly rate. • Asynchronous and Synchronous Tool : Asynchronous: Teachers and students can use this tool to present information that can be accessed anytime and anywhere. Synchronous: can be added to collaboratively in a group discussion . • Age Required to Create an Account: Minors under the age of 13 not permitted. If the laws of your country of residence so permit, minor children may utilize a Prezi account established by their parent or legal guardian, with such parent or guardian’s approval. http://prezi.com/terms-of-use/ • Pros: Allows for more engaging presentations than powerpoint. Free for the basic account, can purchase upgrades at a yearly rate. Can add voice to each frame individually and easily delete and re-record if needed. Templates to choose from. Allows you to embed videos, hyperlinks, images. App to view on IPhone and IPod. App on IPad to create and view Prezi. • Cons: For those younger than 13 years of age a parent/guardian would need to establish the account. Hosted in the United States to subject to their privacy laws. • Server Location : Hosted in the United States so account subject to their privacy laws. • Samples:http://prezi.com/vzkayq10m-8x/web-20-tools/http://jjaceklearnsonline.weebly.com/summary-of-learning-oltd-505.html Go back to : • Cloud Based Tools • Asynchronous or Synchronous • Server Location

12. TwiducateTool URL: http://www.twiducate.com/ Description: Good way to introduce students to social networking and the many ways it can be used other than chatting and sharing photos. Sign-up for a teacher account and then add your students. Teacher enters student’s choice of name and a specific password is generated. Students then access the course using the classroom code and personal password. Teacher and students “post to the class” on the main page, options are asynchronous discussions or synchronous chat. Communication can also be private, teacher to student or student to student messaging. There is a fully functional HTML toolbar for students and teachers to embed images, links, documents and videos. Other functions, teachers can post important dates and class bookmarks, that link directly to sites. Within one account teachers can create separate classes. Collaborate with other teachers and students by inviting them to your network. Asynchronous and Synchronous : Teacher and students “post to the class” on the main page, options are asynchronous discussions or synchronous chat. Communication can also be private, teacher to student or student to student messaging. Age Required To Create an Account: If you are under the age of majority where you live, you acknowledge that your parent, teacher or guardian has reviewed and accepted these Terms on your behalf. If you are a teacher, you represent that you have the authority to accept these Terms on your students' behalf. By continuing to use the site, you indicate your acceptance of the Terms, and all related policies and guidelines of twiducate.com, if any, as indicated in these Terms and which are incorporated by reference. http://www.twiducate.com/termsofservice.php Pros: Students do not need to create own accounts, once permission is received teachers creates the account in a specific Twiducate classroom. Teacher can assign the same user name and password for a student for a number of classes. Allows collaboration with others classes with teacher invitation. It is a closed system allowing only those with accounts to access. Cons: Links at the top of the page, ”store” where merchandise can be purchased and “explore” that takes you to a page where a number of different cloud tools are listed. Do not want students shopping on a class site. The latter has some sites that students may look to make accounts without proper knowledge and consent. Server Location: Hosted in Canada Sample: created demonstration account for a student: class code : jacek204 password: 707114 Go back to : Cloud Based Tools Asynchronous or Synchronous Server Location

13. WeeblyTool URL: http://www.weebly.com/ • Description:Weeblyis a popular web hosting service that features a drop and drag website builder . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weebly Creating an account is free but if you want an upgraded account, with more features, you can pay a monthly fee. See this site for a more detailed description of Weebly. ://www.cmscritic.com/weebly-review/#.UpLUF8RzGSo • Asynchronous Tool: Can be accessed anytime and anywhere. Teachers and students can use this tool to present information as well ,if using the blog pages, allows for comments and discussions to occur asynchronously. • Age Required for Creating an Account: Individuals under the age of 13 are prohibited from creating or using accounts through Weebly.com. Students under the age of 13 may, however, use Weebly through special student accounts created by their teachers through education.weebly.com, provided the teacher has obtained signed parental consent from the student's parents. http://www.weebly.com/terms-of-service/ • Pros: Free. Easy to use and edit. Have a choice of different templates and page types. Plus add photos of your choice for backdrops. Able to have multiple tabs with attached pages. Teacher creates student accounts, no email required, publicly viewable or password protected. Mobile App for Android, IPhone and Ipad, post and manage, and view . • Cons: When upgrades occur in the Weebly they do not inform you, so have to reorient yourself when going to do edits. Hosted in the United States to subject to their privacy laws. • Server Location: Hosted in the United States so account subject to their privacy laws. • Sample: Teacher: http://pe9-12janej.weebly.com/ Student: http://jjaceklearnsonline.weebly.com/ • Go back to : • Cloud Based Tools • Asynchronous or Synchronous • Server Location

14. VocarooTool URL: http://vocaroo.com/ Description: Free, simple audio recorder, no uploading required. Once you have made your recording in Vocaroo it is saved automatically and then immediately produces both an embed code , URL and QR Code. Teacher and student can embed into any webpage or LMS or if embedding not an option then include URL, just needs to be copy and paste to browser to hear recording. URL recording available for a month or so, want longer download it or embed. Can easily email the recording directly from the Vocaroo site . Once received the email click on link to listen to recording and you have the option once again to embed, download or email to someone else. Great way for teacher to create audio instructions and for students to do oral assignment. To keep longer just download or embed in a website or assignment. Download as MP3, Ogg, FLAC or WAV. Asynchronous Tool: Make and share your recording on your own time. It can be listened to at any time. Age Required For Owning An Account: Not an account based product. No age mentioned for usage. Pros: No size limit for recording. Specifically says on site not to record copyright music etc. Cons: Recording available through URL for a month or so. If wish it permanent from URL then need to download it to your own computer. Server Location: on the interweb Sample: Click on the following link to hear my test recording: http://vocaroo.com/i/s1Et5sWeVNJv Go back to : Cloud Based Tools Asynchronous or Synchronous Server Location