Developing+a+Framework+for+How+to+Find+and+Select+tools

=**Cool Tools Carousel: Developing a Framework for How to Find and Select Tools**=
 * Facilitated by: Julian Wilson**
 * Room: BB&T**


 * Overview **

How often are you handed a "nice" web 2.0 tool to use that is "user friendly" "intuitive" "robust" and "free?" It is common practice within our profession to share the good news when we find free resources that will meet various needs. The only problem is, too often those resources shift from "free" to "paid subscription" OR they disappear altogether. What should you do?

Educators are expected to provide opportunities for students to engage in the process of research and information fluency. We encourage them to a) plan strategies to guide inquiry; b) locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media; c) evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based upon the appropriateness to specific tasks; and d) process data and report results. Are we as educators held to the same standards? When handed the latest and greatest “tool,” do you accept it as being the best for your needs, or do you use the concept as a guide for deeper exploration? Is it possible that a different solution will be better for you?


 * Goals **

The goals of this session are 1) To assist the participant in the development of search strategies; 2) To challenge the participant to engage in deeper thought about resources shared with them during workshops and conferences; 3) To provide a Web 2.0 Tools decision making model that may be utilized across all disciplines


 * Learning Outcomes **

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to formulate effective search strings/queries that will in turn populate relevant results. The participant will utilize relevant questions to guide the process of evaluating Web 2.0 tools for personal and professional use.


 * Essential Question **

How do you frame your query to attain the best results as you search for Web 2.0 Resources? What skills to educators need to be able to identify Web 2.0 tools that best fit a given need? Why is it important to be able to locate Web 2.0 resources on your own?

Tools
 * iRubric: Evaluation of Web 2.0 Tools Rubric Interactive Web 2.0 Rubric. Choose the "Test Run" button below the rubric in order to get interactivity. (This site requires you to join it to have working access to the rubrics. I think it is worth it!)
 * SimilarSites.com Easily find similar Websites
 * Information Fluency Wizards Provides on-demand help using Google's Search Engine, and evaluating online information.
 * Fishing for the Tools Presentation from Tuesday's session.


 * Below The Fold **

Here are resources for closer examination when you have time. There are SO Many resources listed, it is important to know how to determine which resource is best suited for your needs.. This is also an opportunity for you to practice your reflective skills. >
 * Cool Tools for Schools - A Merlot Winner --- this wiki publishes suggestions for tools broken up by type of activity.
 * The 100 Best Web 2.0 Tools Chosen by You --
 * Effective Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom
 * ListoTracks and reviews Web 2.0 Tools
 * Listo Product Comparisons - Compares similar tools.
 * Finding The Right Tools Wiki This wiki takes you through the thought process of tool selection. It also serves as a resource for locating tools.
 * Bare Bones Basic Search Tips Developed by University of South Carolina Beaufort Library. There are short lessons that describe search skills and procedures for locating what you are looking for.
 * Power Searching With Google "Power Searching with Google is a free online, community-based course showcasing search techniques and how to use them to solve real, everyday problems." Registration closes July 16th. The course began on July 10, 2012.
 * Choosing The Right Tools - A video that describes how we may evaluate Web 2.0 or 3.0 tools to best support teaching and learning.
 * Search-Cube "A visual search engine that presents web search results in a unique, three-dimensional cube interface. It shows previews of up to ninety-six websites, videos and images."