LibGuides: Faculty Media Lab: Tools

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A video tutorial is available. Click to view.

Click to view a Bucks example of the resource.

Tool is in beta (under development). There may be bugs.

Resource will require a Bucks username and password to access.

Recommended.

Not free or not completely free.

Lists of tools from elsewhere

Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies Toolbox
List of 100 top tech tools for teachers each year.
Educause Learning Initiative 7 Things
7 thing you should know about each new technologies. Highly recommended.
Periodic Table of Visualization Methods
Many many different types of visualization with examples of each.

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If you know of something we missed, please add a comment. We want to hear from you!

Welcome to the Jungle

This is the long list of tools. If you are just starting out on your technology journey, you might try Most Used Tools first. Or better yet, give the Media Lab a call (x8050). We don't bite. Much. These tools may be in beta (under development) and they may not have tutorials or Bucks examples. This is for faculty looking for something specific or those that have mastered a few tools are want to know what else may be out there. If you want support for any of these or have any questions please contact Media Lab. If you have a suggestion for a tools that we missed, please add a comment.

Call us! (215) 968-8050 We like work.

Animation Tools

Toon Boom
Online tool for making animations.
xtranormal
Use preset backgrounds, characters and camera views to make an animation with text. Write in the text to get the speech.

Audio

Audacity
Audacity is a powerful free audio editor. Needs the LAME encoder to output MP3 files. View the video on installing LAME
Vocaroo
Very very very simple audio recording for the web. Hit record, then get a URL or embed code.

Data Visualization

Gephi
An open-source visualization software. Cross-platform, gorgeous and powerful, but significant knowledge of statistical manipulation and time to learn interface is required.
InfiView
Browser-based data visualization. Geolocation, gauges, charts, graphs and other types of viz. Free for educational use.
Tableau Public
Easy to use visualization tool with a graphic interface. Public is the free version, but there is a pay version as well.

Digital Storytelling

StoryBird
A collaboration way to make children's books online with included illustrations.

Gaming

A Planet in Peril: Plagiarism
An award-winning plagiarism game made by a librarian right here in PA. Link is a Facebook page; hit up info for the download.
Games for Changes
A collection of serious social games and research. Hit up play for the games arcade and learn for the research behind serious gaming.
iCivics
iCivics is a suite of civics games (Supreme Court, Executive Branch, etc) created under the guidance of Justice Sandra Day O'Conner. Made for 5th through 8th grades, so probably not appropriate for your students, but very interesting as a study of emerging serious games.
PeaceMaker
A game where one tries to bring peace to the Middle East. Based on real news events. Highly recommended.
Scratch
Very simple way to program games using puzzle pieces. Made for children, but fun for anyone. Good introduction to making games.

Mind Mapping and Brainstorming

SpiderScribe
An online mind mapping and brainstorming tool.

Presentation (slide shows)

Animoto
Free online tool for making visually appealing slide shows. Can also use video.
Prezi
Online presentation software with photo and YouTube embedding.
SlideRocket
Online presentation maker. Very nice integration with Creative Commons sources for media.

Timeline Tools

Dipity
Create and embed timelines with photos and videos.
TimeToast
Create interactive timelines by uploading facts and media to this tool.
xtimeline
Free online timeline creator with video and photo support.

Virtual Worlds

Active Worlds
Virtual world with educational use.
Minecraft
Minecraft is an open virtual world with vast customization. Want to have your student explore a computer...from the inside? Or do complex math with torch-wielding characters?