Group 4 Tools

Animations and Simulations: are Web based that allows students to have access to them anywhere and at anytime.  These tools are to be embedded into other learning experiences as on their own they do not constitute learning.  I have personally only recently engaged with one of these tools through the mathematics course that I have just completed.  This was a Learning Object that was through the Learning Federation.  Others that I have seen in action but so not have access to are through the Learning Place that is associated with Education Queensland. 
Google Earth: A resource that both teachers and students can use.  This tool I feel somewhat replaces that Altas that was always on  a primary school book list, and something when I think about it I have never had to buy for my own child who is completing Year 4 this year.  This resource  allows students to see images of the eart and even their own back yard all with the clip of a mouse.  This tool could readily be used in all KLA's. This tool does require you to download the software to be able to use but that was so simple and very quick.
Google Maps: Unlike Google Earth does not require software to be down loaded.  This tool can be used to create maps for your own personal use and then they can be uploaded to a Blog or Wiki.  Again a tool that could be used across all KLA's.
Google Documents for Collaboration: This tool is another tool that can be used anytime, anywhere.  Students can use this tool to have discussions with other students anywhere around the world. This is a great way for students to collaborate with each other.  Also a great way for student to teacher discussions to occur and what about teacher to teacher. 
Online Concept Mapping: The use of fun, easy to use and engaging online concept mapping tool has numerous benefits and many  free to down load versions are available. After exploring two free versions, and constructing a concept map of my own, the decision to explore more led to the finding of a third Mindomo.com. These tools are a great way to organise, collaborate and share the ideas for a learning task.  These tools can cater for a variety of learning styles and learning stages and can be used as a group tool, in pairs or individually.  The ICT skills that are required for the use of online concept mapping  is mostly acquired will interacting with the tool. Concept mapping whether on paper or online needs to be taught and this may be one of the draw backs of implementing the use of this tool, unless the learners have engaged with this thinking strategy before.  Consideration needs to be given to the how learners like to organise their thoughts and what other sorts of graphic organisers the learners may have previously explored before this tool can be used. 
Within the primary classroom context, concept mapping could benefit learners through engaging within the social context, developing an understanding of a body of knowledge,  explore new information and relationships,  access prior knowledge,  gather new knowledge and information, share knowledge and information generated,  problem solve options and design structures or processes such as written documents, constructions, web sites, web search, multimedia presentations.
Online Concept mapping: A interesting tool that I had never heard of nor thought that there would be such a thing!  Can incorporate video, audio, images, text, links and media.  Very engaging.
Zooburst: Again very engaging both for the teacher and the learner!  This free tool allows for the creation of 3D pop up books.