Tools
This section will show some of our own UWE systems and tools - as well as other online third party tools - that might be used to provide enhanced learning opportunities.
- Audio and podcasting
- Video and vodcasting
- Converting materials to web-friendly formats
- Social Networking and Web 2.0
- Adding interactivity to learning materials
- Demonstration Software
- Simulations
- Virtual Classroom and web conferencing
We've a guide to help you find the right tool for what you want to achieve. It looks at pedagogy as well as tutor and student expectations.
Audio and podcasting
Podcasting refers to recorded audio clips that are made available for users to listen to online and/or download to their personal players.
- Blackboard Collaborate Podcaster - easily record or upload audio, create podcasts and subscribe
- Blackboard Collaborate - audio tools (inc podcasts, voice email) and virtual classroom
Video and vodcasting
Vodcasting refers to making movie and video clips available for users to watch online and/or download to their personal players
- YouTube - easily upload video to this massive commercial third-party website
- UWE Streaming Server - upload video in various formats to UWE servers
Converting materials to web-friendly formats
How to convert Microsoft Office files (like Word and PowerPoint) into quick and effective web-friendly formats.
- Wimba Create - easily convert Word docs into a set of web pages with navigation
- Adobe Presenter - convert your PowerPoint presentations into interactive web media
- Hughes Presenter - similar to Adobe Presenter (no new UWE licences available)
- How to convert Microsoft Office documents to PDFs - no additional software needed
Social Networking and Web 2.0
We have a whole section of the website that looks at Social Networking and Web 2.0. This section also covers:
- Virtual Worlds - users can interact and learn in an online-simulated environment
- Profile Sites - users can share, form groups, target goals in sites (e.g. Facebook)
- Blogs - create articles, allow comments, and encourage information exchange
- Wikis - work collaboratively, or allow
Adding interactivity to learning materials
The tools described here will enable you to create stand-alone quizzes in a variety of formats, and logic/decision-making puzzles.
- Viewlet Quiz - allows the user to create customizable Flash-based surveys and assessments
- Hot potatoes - create interactive web-friendly questions and exercises
- Quandry - an application to create web-based interactive case studies
Demonstration Software
Capture screen shots or create software walk-throughs (with instructions, graphics, and audio) to help people see how software can work.
- Viewlet Builder - create animated online presentations and software tutorials
Simulations
Also check out or Simulations in Higher Education (SHE) part of the website that looks at innovative uses of technology to
- Second Life - 3D virtual world contains UWE islands and simulations
- Simita - innovative simulation of a 'real life' scenario using free UWE tools
Virtual Classroom
Real-time virtual classroom environments are designed for distance education and collaboration. Blackboard collaborate can allow instructors to create fully-featured live virtual classrooms.
- Blackboard Collaborate - Free to UWE, can be administered by a tutor within their Blackboard course
Featured tool: Wimba Create (Word Add-in)
Wimba Create (formerly Course Genie) converts Microsoft Word documents into sets of web pages.
Features:
- Create an entire site from Word
- Automatically create navigation
- Is Blackboard compliant
- Create tests and quizzes
- Needs no HTML skills
Page last updated 29 November 2012