Creately

Resource, Links, and / or Class Examples: [] [] [] [] [] [] [] []

Strengths: - Easily linked to other webpages - No downloads are required when working with this web tool which is highly advantageous in an educational setting. - Easy to use layout with a large variety of objects which students can use. - Teacher can view student work and comment on their progress as they go. - Post it Notes an built in commentating allows for quick and easy feedback process. - Each time a student chances their creation it is saved so students never have to worry about losing their revisions. - Diagams can easily be published and saved to a class wiki; allowing everyone to view students work. - Students can create diagrams and include hyperlinks to other webpages related to their projects content. - Students can also create a link to take viewers to other diagrams which they have made. -Links can be saved so that the chart is view only or editable. -Creately has a free desktop app students and teachers can use

Weaknesses: - Users must pay for the tool, $4.95 per month for the Plus edition, $9.95 for the Pro edition. - This tool seems to be created with a business in mind rather than for students; this is evident through all of the multiple "plugs" for collaboration and sharing options. - The examples are not very "user friendly" unless the user is skilled in creating online documents,

Opportunities: - Students can create numerous documents and share then with practically everyone via easy to use web sharing. - This particular program is designed to promote creativity and expression. -This tool is designed for the use of older students and teachers of students of all ages.

Threats: - This site is open to everyone so there is no assurance that students might not find inappropriate material.

Ideas for Use in the Classroom: - Students can create a number of different types of documents including venn diagrams, concept maps, kwl charts. - Teachers can use this program to create graphs, charts, maps, etc. to use in the classroom. - Students and teachers can refer to the K-12 templates and create graphic organizers such as storyboards, "fishbone diagrams," T and Y charts, cycles diagrams, story graphic organizers, venn diagrams, etc. -Provides a great introduction to what certain types of charts and graphs look like -Teachers can use this site to demonstrate the flow of an assignment and deadlines -Students can use this site to create charts for both academic and personal use -Great tool for business students