Twiddla Review

June 16, 2017

                                            Twiddla

      Twiddla is a basic blank whiteboard where several people can collaborate and share ideas, thoughts, comments, graphics, etc. in real time.  You don't need an account because it is web based, although it's not free.  It does offer a free trial for 30 days.  You simply invite people to join you on the project and go.  I find this suitable as an introductory tool for students who are just learning how to virtually collaborate and can see this working very well as a mapping or planning tool, visual problem solving, or to share ideas about a website, article, poem, etc.  This would also be a great exit ticket opportunity.  

Rubric for Twiddla

	Not Effective (1)	Partially Effective (2)	Effective (3)	Very Effective (4)
Easy to use for a novice	Could not use had to change tools.	Could use, but with limited ability. It was complicated or ineffective.	Used it with efficiency and effectiveness	Used it with efficiency and effectiveness with no glitches.
Accessible	Cannot be accessed by desktops, laptops, or mobile devices or too expensive.	Can be accessed by limited devices, moderate expense, requires large download.	Can be accessed by multiple devices including computers and mobile devices, little to no expense, web based platform	Can be accessed by all devices, is available for free in web based platform with no large file or app downloads.
Information sharing	Could not share information.	Sharing of information was difficult and ineffective at times.	Information was shared in an effective manner.	Information was shared efficiently and effectively with ease.
Communication/Collaboration Tools	Did not allow for good flow of communication of ideas	Flow of communication was interrupted and/ or it was difficult to collaborate.	Flow of communication was good and was able to keep collaboration going by sharing work samples with few interruptions.	Flow of communication was excellent. Collaboration was easy with the sharing of work samples was smooth with no interruptions
Support/Help Option	There was no help menu found.	Help menu was found, but had limited options and was not effective in resolving any issues.	Help menu was easy to find and understand.	Help menu was easy to find and understand. Had a lot of information that was easy to sort through and solve problems with efficiency and effectiveness
Archived/Searchable Topics	Did not archive Searchable topics	Date and time stamp only	Does archive text and transcript	Archives video, audio and text automatically
Fast Communication and Notices of New Data Input	No notice of new data input	Notifies user but does not do so immediately.	Immediate notice with access on device with email updates 24/7	Notifications in real time but they are also customizable: user can turn notifications on or off in his/her setting.
Participant Engagement	Did not hold participant engagement	Held participant engagement for a short time and/or short intervals	Held engagement long enough to complete required tasks	Held participant engagement long enough to complete required task and participants expressed the desire to use the tool again