seminar topic

Virtual Tools

            First and foremost a virtual classroom is a learning environment, therefore the tools offered to support this environment should ultimately support the learning goals. Depending on the goal, some tools perform better than others. Tools like blackboard collaborate, video conferencing, Prezi, Oovoo, plan board, Animoto, Kubbu are some among them.

a.      Blackboard collaborate: Blackboard(Bb) Collaborate Web Conferencing is an online classroom software where one can facilitate classes, meetings, presentations, discussion groups via an interactive web conferencing tool. It can be used in a diverse range of situations that can support teaching and learning between colleagues, instructors, students and staff.

b.      Prezi: Prezi is a cloud-based (SaaS) presentation software and storytelling tool for presenting ideas on a virtual canvas. It can be used as an alternative to traditional slide making programs such as power point.  It can be used by teachers and students to collaborate on presentations with multiple users having access and the ability to edit the same presentation,^[19] and to allow students to construct and present their knowledge in different learning styles.^[20] The product is also being used in e-learning and edutainment.

c.       Oovoo: OoVoo is a free web application which uses high quality audio and video technology, allowing you to connect with friends, family, and co-workers over the internet. It is very similar to Skype and Apple's iChat. ooVoo allows you to teach and meet live online, while providing students access to course material and live online learning. This tool allows teachers and students to interact face-to-face easily while being in different rooms, states and even continents. ooVoo mixes traditional teaching with the latest innovations in technology.

d.      Study Blue: Study Blue is an online studying platform for high school and college students. The website allows users to upload class study materials, create electronic flashcards to study and share with others, and practice quizzes. Study Blue allows students to store their notes in the cloud and connect with other students studying the same subjects. Study Blue content can be accessed online or on mobile phone applications.

e.      Animoto:  Animoto is a video-creation tool that teachers and pupils can use to make dynamic videos, either for the classroom, VLE or for special school events such as parents' evenings and open days. We can also  upload images, text, video and music in it.

f.        Video conferencing: Video conferencing (VC) is the conduct of a video conference (also known as a video conference or video teleconference) by a set of telecommunication technologies which allow two or more locations to communicate by simultaneous two-way video and audio transmissions. Videoconferencing provides students with the opportunity to learn by participating in two-way communication forums. Furthermore, teachers and lecturers worldwide can be brought to remote or otherwise isolated educational facilities. Students from diverse communities and backgrounds can come together to learn about one another, although language barriers will continue to persist. Such students are able to explore, communicate, analyze and share information and ideas with one another. Through videoconferencing, students can visit other parts of the world to speak with their peers, and visit museums and educational facilities. Such virtual field trips can provide enriched learning opportunities to students, especially those in geographically isolated locations, and to the economically disadvantaged. Small schools can use these technologies to pool resources and provide courses, such as in foreign languages, which could not otherwise be offered.

g.      Kubbu: Kubbu is an e-learning tool for teachers, instructors and homeschoolers designed to facilitate their work and enhance the learning process. Kubbu is the best way to make teaching attractive and interactive, help students to revise and assimilate new materials, stimulate students and improve their results, check students’ knowledge and track their progress.