Web 2.0 Evaluation

1. The name and URL of the Web 2.0 tool you are evaluating.

I am evaluating the Web 2.0 tool called SimplyBox.

2. What can the Web 2.0 tool can do ?

SimplyBox is designed to capture, organize, and share content from the Internet. After downloading the SimplyBox toolbar, you can go to any website and capture text, images, videos, etc. and save them in your "box", which functions as a digital workspace to organize and share this content. The "box" can be shared with as many people as you want, from a couple of friends to the entire public. Other people can also write comments on the items in your "box". SimplyBox can also be linked to a Twitter account so that a new tweet will be generated whenever the you add new content to the "box".

3. What do you think it could be used for in the classroom ?

I feel this Web 2.0 tool has many uses in the classroom. It can be used to help students collaborate on group research projects. A group can make a "box" for their topic and students can individually compile information, images, or videos about the topic. Once entered in the "box", group members can comment on the additions and the teacher can also comment on any of the appropriateness and relevance of the content to the group's topic. The teacher can also use SimplyBox to share content with students and allow them to comment on it. For example, I could make a "box" with online applications of proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem. Students could then comment on which one they preferred and even add additional resources they have found like real-world applications.

4. What you like about the tool?

I like that the tool is very user friendly. There are several videos to teach new users the ins and outs of the tool and once you get started, it's nothing more than clicking and dragging content to your "box". I love the tool's sharing capabilities, especially the ability to comment and add to other people's "boxes".

5. What could be improved about the tool?

My only reservation about SimplyBox is that you need to download the toolbar in order to use it. While this is not a problem for a home computer, most schools do not give students access to download and install programs on the school computers. I assume this would have to be done at the computer administrator level. As a teacher, I would also want to make sure that students do not make their "boxes" public, thus inviting anyone from anywhere to view and comment. I would like to see if SimplyBox could develop a version for educators where teachers can create student accounts and limit sharing and commenting to just members from the class and the teacher.

6. Would you recommend it ?

I would definitely recommend this tool. I think it is very easy to use and can be extremely helpful when collaborating on an idea or project.

7. How many stars would you give it out of 5 ?

I woould give this tool 5 stars.