Web 2.0 Tools for Presentations

For my final assignment, I created a presentation inspired by one of my mini-research ideas: Online mindmapping services for use in medical education. I plan to present this idea my residency and clerkship directors.

Online Mindmapping in Medical Education on Prezi

Web 2.0 Tools for Reflection, Feedback, and Networking

This week, I chose to review Google Moderator.

My example of a series created in Google Moderator may be found at http://www.google.com/moderator/#16/e=209ca

Web 2.0 Tools for Collaboration

This week I had a great time with John Rodgers and Joyee Vachani while creating a presentation using VoiceThread.  We also utilized two other Web 2.0 tools in our efforts:  tokbox (video chatting) and Google Documents (online shared document creation).  We researched the following:  How do theoretical frameworks or perspectives influence distance education?  Our presentation and commentary can be viewed below:

Web 2.0 Tools for Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

This week, under the category of problem solving and critical thinking, I am reviewing Xmind, which can be found at http://www.xmind.net/.

Xmind is a software development company that creates applications for collaboration, brainstorming, and mind mapping. A mind map is a diagram used to connect brainstorming ideas, detailed concepts, or even project tasks to an overarching concept or idea. These maps are used as aides to organize thoughts and assist in problem solving and critical thinking. Using Xmind software, mind maps can be posted on their web 2.0 tool, Xmind Share at http://www.xmind.net/share/.

Before sharing, users must download the Xmind software to create mind maps used to manage projects, organize meetings, and brainstorm ideas. The basic software is available to download for free, while an upgraded version is available at the subscription rate of $49.95 per year. You will also need an Xmind ID to create maps.

After you have downloaded the software, you create and publicly share your map.

To share your map, simply click upload at the top of your screen.

There are some disadvantages to using this site. 1) You must download the software before using. 2) You may only post maps using Xmind software on the Xmind share site and 3) the $49.95 upgraded software package. With the upgrade, you can use several valuable features, such as exporting to PowerPoint, Word, or PDF, share your maps privately and merge your maps, but it is still a disadvantage to cash-strapped students.

Educationally, this is a fantastic tool. Students can map their thought processes to understand complex concepts. Educators can provide learners with scenarios to be mapped out, present concepts or topics providing detailed information. Multi-maps, attachments and hyperlinks can be inserted into the maps to indicate related information on any topic (upgrade features).

This is a great tool for use in medical education. I have created an example in which medical students are given a patient's history and symptoms and using this information, create a map of the possible diagnosis and treatment plan. This example may be viewed at http://www.xmind.net/share/evgerstner/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome/

Web 2.0 Tools for Creativity and Innovation

This week, I have chosen to review Dvolver MovieMaker.  I have an extensive background in filmmaking and considering my interest in education, I was enthusiastic about this assignment and attempting to discover uses for Dvolver in an educational environment.

My review appears in the video below.

Web 2.0 Tools for Communication

URL: http://www.teachertube.com/

TeacherTube, launched in 2007 and modeled after YouTube, is an educational resource website for educators to share instructional content with other educators for their professional development. This website is valuable to those whose firewalls restrict other similar sites such as YouTube.

To get started, you must have computer and internet access. The latest version of Macromedia Flash is necessary to view the videos.

Organized by content, the website is relatively simple to navigate. TeacherTube stores content by type such as video, audio, photos, and documents. There is also a blogging feature. The “search” feature makes locating content for a specific subject easy.



Membership is not necessary to view the content, but is mandatory to post. Membership is free and signing up is easy.

A rating system is in place for members to make commentary about resources they deem valuable (or not). The website is also monitored by users who have the ability to flag inappropriate content for removal.


To upload content, you simply click the upload button. Videos of the following file formats may be uploaded WMV, .AVI, .MOV, .MPG, .MP4 and .FLV. Other file formats accepted are .doc, .ppt, .pdf, .rtf, .txt, .csv, .xls, .mp3, .wav, .kmz, .swf, .zip and .gsp file formats. There is no limit to the amount of content a user may post.


Pros: Ease of access, ease of use, free, ability to search for content, organized content, ability to blog, ability to review content, multitudes of resources available for K-12

Cons: I had a difficult time locating educational resources for medical education. I located several videos that were merely advertising products. Videos have “pre-roll” advertisements placed before them (members can skip ads).

Final Word: I think TeacherTube is great for K-12 to obtain resources and ideas for teaching in classrooms. Unless you are a pioneer in creating and posting content for medical educators, I’d skip it for medical education.

This document may be viewed on TeacherTube at the following link:
http://www.teachertube.com/members/viewArticle.phparticle_id=2646&title=CUIN_7356_7376