Two tools of Web2.0 that I explored a little are Teamviewer and UStream. Teamviewer allows someone (that you give permission to) to access your computer remotely. Let's say you are having problems with your computer and you have a friend who is a techie and you know could fix it, but you are both away at college. With Teamviewer you can give your friend remote access to your computer so they can control it and help you to figure out what the problem is. You didn't have to take your computer in anywhere and be without it for days and it was free (the program is free to download and I'm assuming this hypothetical friend didn't charge you)! This could increase productivity because, in the example above, you got your computer fixed quickly and conveniently. You could also use this tool to remotely show students how to do things on their own at home if they were absent or are just having a hard time figuring out the technology you are asking them to use. Many of us are familiar with Skype so to make it relatable, Teamviewer reminds me a little of Screen Share on Skype. However, instead of simply being able to view your screen on the other side of the connection they can also manipulate your computer from their end. Even with all its cool features this tool does make me a little nervous. I get the feeling it would be very easy for someone to convince you, either online or over the phone, that they are some sort of technical support person and ask you to give them access to your computer through Teamviewer and then basically you are hacked. Other than that it seems like a potentially useful tool.
UStream is a tool for broadcasting audio and video. This broadcast can be done live and can also be recorded and saved. I really like this tool and it seems very simple to use! In comparison to Yodio, which we have used in class, UStream records video and audio which I personally think is a major bonus. UStream can be used as an educational tool where you can watch news streams live from all over the world and it can also be used as entertainment. For example, there are some NFL players that do UStreams and their fans can watch them live giving a very personal connection and feel. I can see this being useful in a classroom setting for something like presentations. I like examples so...a student is going to be absent on the day they are supposed to give a presentation. You don't want to have to take time out of class when that student comes back to have them give their presentation so you have them create a UStream to give their presentation that you can show the class. Best case senario you would be able to set up a time for that student to broadcast live to the class so they are participating with the rest of the class and don't have the advantage of re-recording until the presentation is "perfect".
While both of these tools have potential use, I could really see myself using UStream in the classroom as an educational tool. Look for a UStream post reflecting on my first couple days of pre-student teaching soon!!
