Rough+Draft

** By: Cliff Kicklighter (University of West Georgia) ** Teachers are always looking for the latest and greatest web tools and software to actively engage their students and to promote learning in the classroom. The purpose of this study is to educate K-12 teachers on some of the new web 2.0 tools that are available to them. This study focuses on three web 2.0 tools that can be useful in a classroom setting. Each tool has been analyzed and tested using criteria relevant to a K-12 setting. The three programs I focused on for the study are //Prezi, Bubbl.us// and //SpicyNodes//. //SpicyNodes// and //Bubbl.us// are both concept mapping programs. //Prezi// is a zooming, non-linear presentation program. I feel that all of these tools are relevant to numerous disciplines, ages and ability levels in a K-12 setting. This study will show you how each tool can be used in the classroom and give you an idea of which disciplines each tool may be best suited for. //Prezi …Prezi// is a non-linear presentation program that has a user friendly visual interface. Being a non-linear presentation program means that instead of going from one slide to the next (ie..//PowerPoint//) all of the information is on one page or canvas. I like to think of //Prezi// as a //jazzed// up version of traditional presentation software. //Prezi// has a basic free membership but, educators receive the Gold membership (a $50 value) for free. //Bubbl.us…Bubbl.us// is a very simplistic concept mapping web 2.0 tool//. Bubbl.us// allows the user to print their concept map as well as export the files as a .jpg or .png file for free. //Bubbl.us// has a free membership that allows you to create and store 3 sheets (concept maps). The sites does offer paid memberships with discounts for educators. The paid memberships offer either 10 sheets storage or unlimited storage and creating ability for a set fee per month. In my opinion, //SpicyNodes// seems like a good mix between //Prezi// and //Bubbl.us. SpicyNodes// is a visually appealing concept mapping tool as well as presentation tool. //SpicyNodes// allows users to login with their //Google// account or //facebook// account which makes signing up for the program a breeze. The basic version of //SpicyNodes// is free to everyone. Like the other programs, they offer paid versions of their product and they do have educator discounts. //SpicyNodes// also offers a free teachers guide and sample lesson plans for K-12 teachers. The issue being discussed in this project is the application and effectiveness of three current web applications (Prezi, Bubbl.us and SpicyNodes) in a K-12 setting. This study analyzes each application using the criteria in Table 1.1. After reviewing Table 1.1 educators should be able to gauge the effectiveness of each web application and make an informed decision about implementing the applications in their classroom. It affects learning and thought processing of K-12 students. These new web applications can have positive affect on student learning. Problem: Helping students convey their thoughts and ideas through zooming presentations (Prezi) and concept maps (Bubbl.us and SpicyNodes).
 * Web 2.0 applications in the K-12 classroom (A review of Prezi, Bubbl.us and SpicyNodes) **
 * Literature Review**
 * Problem Statement**

To research the three web applications, I had to first figure out how my research was going to be conducted and measured. I decided to use qualitative research for the first part of this study. The second part of the study will be both qualitative and quantititative research. To start my research on the three programs I first had to download and install each program. After the programs were installed I spent time going through each software and notating the pros and con’s of each application. I then developed table 1.1 after reading peer reviewed articles on concept mapping and visual literacy. This table will be my only form of data collection in the first part of my research. Table 1.1 should help the reader determine which applications would be best for their situation. In the first of my research, I will be the only researcher. In phase 2 of research, I will survey high school technology students (grade 9-12) on the use of the three web applications. Quantitative data will be collected in phase 2 of this research project by means of a survey given to each student.
 * Research Methodology**
 * Data Analysis**
 * Table 1.1**

The applications that were research as well as the actual research that was conducted were limited in some aspects.
 * Limitations of the Study**


 * Conclusion**
 * References**
 * Appendix**