BP3_2009112_Web_2.0_tools

After reviewing a variety of Web 2.0 collections, sifting through cooking, dating, fuel usage, tweeting, storytelling, lesson planning, a visual thesaurus, language learning communities, and Anime photo sharing technologies, I decided to go with YacaPaca. Created by Chalkface Project, YacaPaca can be an invaluable reference, resource, lesson planner, and assessment tool for both educators and students. First time visitors need to create a login and password. Subjects range across the curriculum, including exit exams, homework assignments, surveys and other specialized tests. Teachers can make their own tests, or choose from previously created exams posted in their subject area. This Web 2.0 includes comments and reviews; I appreciate the option for feedback regarding created assignments so all viewers can see other people’s thoughts about the lessons.

Some of the assignment templates would be applicable for small group learning, independent study, or self directed learning. Students can easily go on the website to take a practice test, a quiz for extra credit work, to review for exit exams, or the teacher could throw the test up on the screen and take it with the entire class, using guided instruction and her computer.

For resource students, second language learners, and right-brain learners, this site will prove appealing. They can maneuver easily through the website as it is user friendly. The colors, graphics and animations are aesthetically pleasing and amusing- even the name is fun to say!

This site incorporates whole brain learning, according to Eric Jensen’s Theory of Brain Based Learning:

“Current brain research tells us that we generally use both sides of the brain most of the time. Nevertheless, the right-brain emphasis produced the proverbial pendulum swing, which resulted in a hyperawareness of the brain’s lateral processing tendencies. To ensure optimal learning, we must facilitate learning activities that include the strengths of both hemispheres. Ideally, our efforts ought to be focused on whole brain learning” (2008).

Not only does this site provide visual stimulation, but also it is a helpful resource, especially for standards and assessments. I have already set up my user name and password, and I plan on making up a few poetry quizzes for American Literature. The Shakespeare workshops and activities seem engaging. I had a good time with The Mice and Men Test, and I want to try and find a Hamlet test next. There are a few bugs I want to work out, but I foresee good results with this in both my regular classes and my tutorial for my AR/CBL Project.

Jensen, E. (2008). Brain based learning: The new paradigm of teaching. California: Corwin Press.

YacaPaca Photo logo courtesy of YacaPaca website.