BP4_Ediscio

I was researching some new web 2.0 tools that I could use in conjunction with my Action Research project for Full Sail University using the 100 essential web 2.0 tools for teachers and came across many incredible tools that I could choose from. I wanted a tool that would actively involve students in the classroom. After looking through the general list I selected WordPress. WordPress boasts that their tool is a free and open source software that makes the students' life easier by keeping a classroom blog that holds about 3 GB of space. Easy and Free where the two words that caught my attention for this blogging site, since I would like the students to keep journals by blogging. Easy this was not. I had trouble downloading the software, even following the directions. Needless to say, if the teacher can't figure it out the students are going to have a hard time figuring it out. What does that meen for me? On to a new search.

Although I was searching for a new tool, I still wanted to focus on increasing student engagement, empowering the students by allowing them to use the tools based on their learning capabilities. Bingo!! I found a tool named Ediscio. This tool is a collaborative flashcard tool that has the additional benefit for the teacher and student of tracking learning statistics. Did I mention that it is FREE ! This is great news for all educators on a tight budget.

 I registered for Ediscio and created a class on this site.

In order for students to access the class they each need to have their own Ediscio account. This is a great way for me to do a tutorial on accessing specific sites and learning how to use tools effectively.

The students are given the class access code and the class password to be added to the class.

After creating an account and generating the class access information, you log on to the homepage.  This gives you access to any classes you created, and the ability to create a cardbox with all of the vocabulary words you want students to practice.

Your cardbox catalog is the list of words that you use to create the online flashcards you want students to focus on. These cardbox catalogs can be tailored to fit whatever class or subject you are covering.  You can even search other catalogs available and add them to your class. You can even create flash cards with media embedded.

This is an example of a students homepage. I don't have one yet because I don't have any students in my class yet.

Each students homepage shows their cardbox, a learning schedule of flashcards they need to work through, and a learning statistics tab that shows which terms the student needs to focus on. This is a great way for students to track their individual progress. This is a great way for teachers to differentiate instruction and gauge a students learning curve, and cardboxes that the class has difficulty with. Understanding what the learning statistics are of the class will enable me to tailor my instruction based on the students current level of understanding.

All in all I would say that this a great way to incorporate an online word wall of sorts to your classroom using technology. My students will enjoy the ability to focus on words that give them trouble rather than continuously reviewing words that the entire class is working on. As a special education teacher this is a great way for me to incorporate 21st century skills and allowing students to use technology to control their ability to learn. Ediscio is a great tool for me to use in conjunction with my Action Reasearch project, but more importantly as an educator in general.