I am drawn to this type of Web tool because the Common Core language standards are so demanding for kindergarten. As we have classroom discussions, students are able to verbally express important information and original ideas about topics we have explored. However, when it comes to writing about these topics they become frustrated as they are not yet ready to put pencil to paper to express these ideas. Little Birds Tales would help free them from the task of writing long sentences and allow them to write either shorter sentences or label their illustrations. As I have access to scanners and digital cameras, I could help them scan their illustrations in the computer and then have them narrate their page of the book.
Another simple tool I discovered was AudioPal. I would have liked to have embedded a sample here, but Weebly charges for that feature. One of the features that grabbed my attention was its ability to use foreign languages. This would be a great feature for my current class, as I have some students who speak two languages in their home. Also, it is simpler to use than Voice Thread, but it doesn’t have some of their features such as the ability to incorporate pictures and music.
Finally, another web 2.0 tool I will definitely use this year is Quizlet. This program just might take some of the drudgery out learning sight words as the audio feature speaks the word to students. Students could work at computer stations in teams to work on the words or work in small groups at the smart board.