Evidence: Cloud Tool Analysis Form
Learning Outcomes:
- Critically assess and evaluate resources for best practice in online learning
- Identify appropriate use of cloud tools in an online course
- Create assessment and evaluation methods/tools most suitable to the strengths and challenges of the specific environment
I have created a very simple word table to analyze cloud tools in an education setting. This form is not designed to state whether or not a tool should be used but to give an overview of the tool itself. To assess the viability of the form I have assessed 7 different cloud tools of a variety of types using this chart. Overall I found the table to work well, especially for the type of student that I teach. I teach in adult education so my typical student is between 20 and 60 with low computer skills. My on-line classes are run asynchronously with both collaborative and individual components. Here is the analysis of the 7 tool: Cloud Tool Analysis – 7 tools.
When the decision is made to use a particular online tool with your students it is important to analyze it fully. A tool that is suitable for one set of students may not be suitable for another as there are many factors that will affect whether or not it is appropriate, such as:
- The policies in your district or educational setting
- The age of your student
- The goal of the assignment
- The logistics of the class
Thus having an analysis form should help you to make a quick decision as to whether or not you wish to pursue using the cloud tool. If the tool seems appropriate given the student population then a lesson can be developed. An analysis form prevents educators from spending time developing a lesson when the tool used may have a critical flaw in it. By saving any analyzed tools in a document, educators can quickly find a suitable tool for a particular lesson rather than having to search for a new one every time (or using an old one that may not quite ‘fit’).
In my own personal practice, I tend to use the same tools over and over again. By having a list of analyzed tools I am saving myself time, preventing my students from becoming bored, and am able to use the correct tool for the lesson that I wish to teach. Pedagogy is driving the lesson, rather than the tool.
Here are some of my top picks from the seven tools that I analyzed
Edit: After using some of these tools I would move TEDEd up to the number 1 spot for students. I really is a great way to develop online lessons that are interesting for students