Kidblog is a blogging tool that is web-based or used as an IPad app. It
is $44 per year or $9per month for a teacher. It is a tool that students
can use to create blog posts incorporating pictures, videos, etc. It is
easiest if the teacher sets up student accounts and passwords as well
as passwords for parents so that they can access their child's account.
Digital portfolios are built automatically. This app has the ability to
post blogs publicly. Teachers can set the controls so that it is a
closed blog for security reasons. Also, teachers can also adjust the
settings to require approval before anything is posted.I rated this tool
29 out of 36.
| EDU 568 Communication Tool Rubric Group 4 | |||||
| Characteristics | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Score |
| Purpose | I can communicate with a global audience. | I can communicate with a select audience. | I can give information to a global audience but can not receive feedback. | I can give information to a select audience. | 4 |
| Usability and Navigation | I can easily navigate the tool the tool is very intuitive. | With a little practice the tool is easy to navigate. | The tool can be used and navigated with assistance. | Very hard to use even with practice. | 3 |
| Appropriateness | The communication tool is approrpriate for all 5 age levels included: Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Learners. | The communication tool is approrpriate for 4 of the age levels included: Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Learners. | The communication tool is approrpriate for 3of the age levels included: Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Learners. | The communication tool is approrpriate for 1-2 of the age levels included: Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Learners. | 3 |
| Help/Support | Support is readily available to guide you through using the tool. | Support can be found if searched for, but is not instantaneous. | Support is limited. | There is no support. | 3 |
| Information Sharing | The tool allows users to link to other sites such as Facebook, Twitter & Blogs and compresses URLs into shortened links (bitly). | The tool allows users to link to other sites such as Facebook, Twitter & Blogs. | The tool only allows limited links to other sites. | The tool does not allow linking to other sites. | 2 |
| Saftey/Monitoring | Allows monitoring & editing by teacher/gatekeeper. | Allows teacher monitoring but limited editing. | Allows teacher monitoring but no editing capabilities. | No ability for teacher to monitor or edit. | 4 |
| Cost | Unlimited free accounts for students, staff & parents. Unlimited cloud storage. | Some options are free or cost is minimal. | Minimal fee for all accounts. | Annual fee. | 2 |
| Design | The communication tool meets all of the criteria listed: It is neat and organized, simple and not overstuffed,the background does not interfere with the text, and the layout is visually appealing. | The communication tool meets 3 of the criteria listed: It is neat and organized, simple and not overstuffed,the background does not interfere with the text, and the layout is visually appealing. | The communication tool meets 2 of the criteria listed: It is neat and organized, simple and not overstuffed,the background does not interfere with the text, and the layout is visually appealing.. | The communication tool meets 1 or none of the criteria listed: It is neat and organized, simple and not overstuffed,the background does not interfere with the text, and the layout is visually appealing. | 4 |
| Accessability | I can access the tool from any device, does not require an application, and fast instant notification of communication. | I can access the tool from most common devices, may require an application to be download and receive notifications if the application is open. | I can access the tool from only one kind of device, application is required to be downloaded, and only can receive notifications if application is open and refreshed. | I can access the tool form only one kind of device and it is glitchy. It requires an application to be downloaded, no notifications or inconsistent. | 4 |
| Total: 29 | |||||
