Review Productivity web2.0

Review Productivity web2.0

Zamzar Media Converter  Zamzar.com

Zamzar a media Converter tool used for productivity tool use to convert media from one form to another. The process to converting a file from one medium like YouTube to another for appropriate use and a PowerPoint or another presentation can be achieved with zamzar. The frustration of having a PowerPoint presentation and a planned YouTube video failed during the process is extremely frustrating to presenter and audience alike. Zamzar is the solution as easy as the screenshot below indicates.

Following the steps 1,2,3,4 once you sign on it will allow conversion of the YouTube file to indicated format for your presentation. The knowledge needed is minimal the converted file would be sent to your email address indicated to log in.

The advantage of this simple program allows you to have great video presentations every time on conversion is free up to five per day. The disadvantage is the limits of five per day.

Review of a Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Web 2.0 tool

Review of a Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Web 2.0 tool

Mapmyself

After being utterly frustrated with my experience of trying to use  Mapmyself  I thought I had better share a possible less bias opinion of the software, so I’ve included the review from wikid.edu. After signing  on with minimal difficulty, I say that because  that was no indication other than an information box that said I couldn’t sign on because my email address had been used by someone else kept appearing  it .took some time for the email to get to my inbox  and I knew I could sign on and use the program. Once on and not knowing what next I clicked to tutorial reading through 12 pages of a tutorial that was not helpful without complete concentrated reading was I able to move forward. The  bright colors and swiggly lines didn’t bother me immediately but the more information I entered the more distracting it became. The absolute end came where upon trying to save the document and move to another job the work was completely lost except the title point.  Maybe I’m more of a left Brain less creative person but this tool was not one I could recommend or ever use again. Thus inclusion of the Wikid .edu analysis for a review with a more neutral spin is submitted.

What is it?

Mapul’s MAPMYself is an online tool with an intuitive interface that helps you to document mind maps and brainstorms directly into a digital format. This makes it easier to recall the information in a later moment. The maps/organograms are built in simple but effective organic looking graphics, in which you are able to edit shape, colours and fonts. The digital format offers an important benefit compared to plain pen and paper; the free trial contains more than 3000 images that can be found and placed easily. If you are willing to pay $4.60 the image library will be extended with a Flickr add-in (www.flickr.com). As a premium user you are also able to add links to other media to the branches. The ability to add any kind of image to your map within a second adds interesting opportunities for brainstorm sessions.

How does it work?

MAPMYself is a web-based tool that you have to start with opening your browser and visit www.mapul.com. Click on the big image above the title. If Microsoft Silverlight is installed on your PC, a pop-up screen with content will appear. Log in with your account that can be created by simply signing up with your email address.

Once signed up and logged in you are able to start the tool. Begin by selecting an image that forms the origin of the map and fill the topic of the mind map. MAPMYself uses a Microsoft Office-like interface, with a limited amount of features. To change the scale of the images click on the lower right grey dot and choose the desired size.
There are two ways to build out the organogram. The quick way is to use the SpeedMindMap feature. Select a branch (or the centre image), press enter to a branch from the selected branch, type your text and press enter again to add a new branch. If you want to have more control in constructing your branches you can also add them by clicking a dragging. When hovering above the branch a white dot with a red edge appears. If you click on the inner white an extra branch will be added. By clicking on the red edge, you are able to drag the current branch to a new location.

Evaluation

MAPMYself has the potential to become a valuable tool in brainstorm sessions. The software offers a quick and logic interface that helps you to document your brainstorms in a digital format. The add-in image browser promises to be an interesting added value compared to normal pen and paper. With this feature you are able to find and paste images directly into your map and stimulate/support the creativity in a brainstorm with visual data.
The software offers quite some options to save the brainstorm. Beside .xml, .jpg and .pdf you are also able to save it as Microsoft Word document. This compatibility will make the maps easy to share.
Currently however, the software has to deal with three important issues:

1. Only one person is able to work on the sheet. To make it more interactive and intuitive, it could be interesting if it would be possible to log in with different accounts and work on the same file simultaneously.
2. The graphics of the software are quite informal. The options do not allow you to edit the lay out of the maps to make them more formal. This means you have to accept the bright, curvy and organic appearance.
3. The software lacks some standardized interactions. Scrolling with your mouse or track pad is not possible. Moreover, shortcuts like Ctrl-C, Ctrl-X, Ctrl-V do not work with graphics. This requires you to take extra steps in some cases.

References

http://wikid.eu/index.php/MAPMYself

• www.mapul.com
• www.flickr.com

Creativity & Innovation tool Screen casting Web 2.0

Review of Creativity & Innovation tool Web 2.0

Screenr  http://www.screenr.com/ Screen casting

Screenr a screen casting recording tool the most easy and simple way to do a web based recording of a picture or visual image.

The easiest tool I’ve used to date that allows you to add an audio to explain a picture on screen.  It provides you the ability to do a narration about the picture on screen.  It adds an audio element to your online still images.  Screenr gives you the ability to describe in detail complex subjects with the addition of a visual.  You’re adding a visual element to your conversation or presentation of still images that are on screen.   You’re then able to post to a site if your choice.  There is nothing to download or install it’s free without obvious limits to the number of screencast you are able to do.

Before attempting you might review a one minute online tutorial of how to use Screenr. Minimal computer skills are required to use the tool. Before starting the recording determine how you will record the audio; microphone web cam etc.

Scanner is as easy as described on the one minute tutorial four-5 clicks start to being done.

The steps included:

1.      Navigate to screenr.com

2.      Click the record button

3.      Position the recording frame on the area of the screen that you want to record about

4.      Adjust the position of the screen to the areas you are recording

5.      Choose your microphone

6.      Click record and start speaking.

I found it helpful for my demo to have a short script to read from. You are allowed to pause at any time during the recording click to resume. When complete click done. A text box appears to add a message or description of the specific screen cast done. Forward the finished product to the site of your choice, yahoo, Facebook, twitter.

Screen r might be used in the classroom virtual or face to face as I did in the screen cast to describe in detail the elements of a complete concept with a visual.

The advantages I found were all related to the ease of use. Instructions were simple, useful, and all intuitive so the tutorial wasn’t absolutely necessary for successful use of the product.

The disadvantages, of which I immediately had none, might be the tendency to talk too much about one image and lose your audience.

Click on the link below to see a sample of Sceenr

http://www.screenr.com/3fK8

web 2.0 communication tool Podomatic

Review of a communication Web 2.0 tool

 Podomatic http://www.podomatic.com Podcasting 

Podomatic is a podcasting web 2.0 communication tool. It is free and easy for a non-professional user.

It allows anyone with computer, internet access and microphone to distribute recorded information.  No other outside equipment needed to listen, record or distribute. With it comes 500MB of storage and Band with 15GB per month.

Signing up for free Podomatic  membership is easy as knowing your name, email address, birthdate, gender, create a user name and password and you’re off and recording. The welcome message will invite you to do try an episode, which is what the podcast are referred to.

You need only a computer, network connection and microphone. Once you follow the prompts to title your episode and write a description of the podcast you intend to make press continue; you are ready to record. No audacity or recording software needed only your microphone attached to your computer. Within seconds you are recording. My first attempt at using it was unsuccessful, thinking my description would be visible to use for my recording. After pressing continue I realized there was no visible script to prompt or read. My attempt after writing a short 45 second sentence was successful. Being able to save the podcast once created on my computer and with Podomatic was easy. (Once your first episode is done you are up graded to a 30 day free PRO membership).  Anyone can do it with basic click, follow the prompts and recording skills.

(Insert Screen shoots)

Like having a select radio broad cast at my deposal for free, on demand and available to all interested person .

Clicking on all the tools in Podomatic, under podcast I found a list by categories and ventured into education where I found a podcast I listen to and enjoyed.  After listening I thought how much more I would have enjoyed the episode if there had been some visuals associated with the presentation.    Subscribing to be a follower of a particular podcaster was just as easy as signing up for Podomatic. I was able to post a comment to the producer of the podcast.

How to Use the tool:

1.       Locate Podomatic from the web site http://www.podomatic.com

2.       Click on sign up for free membership

3.       Enter name ,email address ,password, gender

4.       In the welcome message click learn more

5.       Create an Episode

6.       Attach your microphone

7.       The next screen prompts you to enter a title

8.       Write a description of the episode( optional) writing one doesn’t provide information for you to use in recording

9.       Press save and  continue

10.   Next Select Audio or video clip

a. Upload a file

                          b. Selections from your Media Library

                          c. Record using webcam or Microphone

                       d. Transfer from your desktop using FTP(advanced)

                       e. I don’t want to select audio or video. Skip this step

             11.   Record

12.   Attach and Image

13.   Attach media to this episode

14.   Review and Publish

15.   Promote

The advantages of using Podomatic in a teaching environment

                Ease of use, free, fast

Ability of students to comment

Bring into the environments the element of music

Allow for communication and exchange on the students time

Way of interviewing outside speakers and having students listen review and comment

Disadvantages of using this tool in a teaching environment

                The lack of visuals during a pod cast.

 Even though there is the ability to attach an image or

Attach media to this episode it’s not done with the same easy the audio is done.