concept mapping and other digi tools

 The group 4 technologies include many technologies
The first group are simulations and animations. As a learning manager I would consider these a useful addition to my knowledge of online tools as animations seem engaging to most people regardless of age. Simulations also seem to produce credible learning results with simulators used in many adult learning situations including highly skilled fields such as aviation.

Interactive learning objects are also included in this group of tools. Learning objects are generally resources that can be used to support learning. In this context they refer to digital technological resources. The ability of learning objects to be reused and used in different circumstances is one of the capabilities that make learning objects useful for teachers. In some situations learning objects have been shown to increase learning above and beyond the use of paper and pencil tasks.
Mathletics and associated games on rainforest maths provide learning objects that can be used by children in schools either by teachers using these resources on a smartboard in an instructional way or by children individually using them at their own computers.

Google earth

Google earth is a great digital resource that has many applications in the classroom. google earth has layers that allow exploration of more than simply the earth's surface. It may be useful in investigating human growth on our planet, the animal kingdom, geogrpahy subjects including volcanoes and earthquakes, not to mention using it to investigate places, map local areas and even create virtual tours. Google Earth also provides resources and tips for using this digital tool.
Similarly Google maps is another useful resource. Google maps can be easily manipulated using some other software, and photos and placemarks added to and then embedded into class Wikispaces. (Barrett, n.d.)
Google Documents
Google documents is an online digital tool that really supports collaboration.

As a teacher I can see Google documents being a useful tool as you are able to set who can access the document to make changes. Google docs can also be used to by teachers to publish documents that can easily be shared.
 Concept Mapping
Bubbl.us is a concept mapping tool.

ZooBurst Interactive digital story books.


 I loved using this web tool. As an early childhood teacher I really started to see how I could use these tools when I began to play with this. The way content could be tailored to stories designed by the learning manager to use in whole group situations to further reading practice, and then learners could also make their own stories through planning them, and producing them. These stories could also be used in simple sequencing lessons in an early childhood context as they can be made to a desired length by the author.  It is an easy interface to use, and the graphics are colourful and engaging. Upgrading to the full features so that audio could also be used would make this resources even more engaging.