Web 2.0 Tools Research

               I researched several Web 2.0 tools, trying to find the ones I thought would be most useful to me in the classroom.  One tool I found is called Penzu.  This is a great application for online journaling.  It provides students with a place to put their thoughts down in writing without having to use a traditional paper journal.  This tool gives students a blank virtual notebook page.  Each page has the date the journal was started printed on the top.  There is even the option to insert photos into the journal entry.  After entries are written, they can be shared through email.  The person who receives the email can then make comments on the entry.  The author of the journal can also go back and write comments on previous writings. Entries can also be shared anonymously if you do not want your name to appear in the email. This application also allows you to print off journal entries.  An email reminder could also be set to remind you to write in your journal.  An upgraded version of Penzu will allow you to change the color and style of your journal pad, as well as look at previous versions of your entry as you were writing it. 

                Many language arts teachers like to have their students  journal on a daily basis to reflect on what they have learned in class.  This is a great way to do that without the teacher having to look through endless amounts of notebooks to see if students are actually completing the assignment.  Students can write their journals and then share, through email, the finished product.  The teacher can then write comments on it for the student.  If the teacher prefers, the journal pages could also be printed and graded that way as well.  Students could be assigned to write a reflective journal for homework, and they can set up an email reminder to complete their assignment on Penzu.  Students can assess their journals from any computer or mobile device.  This means journaling can be done whenever an interesting thought pops into a student’s head.  They don’t have to wait until they have a physical notebook with them. Another great thing about this tool is students will not lose their writings.  They will all be kept together and dated in one online location.  Students have the ability to go back and reflect on their previous writings. 

                I would recommend Penzu, especially if you are a language arts teacher.  This seems like a good way to get students more motivated to write.  This is also a great way for organizing previous journal entries.  It also saves on paper if teachers receive the journal entries via email.  If students would like to write down more personal thoughts, they are welcome to do that as well.  Students can choose which entries they wish to share.  Others can remain private.  This would also work to serve as an online writing portfolio.  At the end of the school year, students can go back and reflect on their writings throughout the year.

                You can check out this tool at:  https://penzu.com/p.