BP8 Web2.0Tool- Protagonize

Okay guys, so I decided after hours of searching to go for a different type of tool here.  I decided that the intent of each one of us searching independently was to really contribute to our “community” and I felt that this was one that could really be of benefit.  Protagonize is an application that truly encourages collaboration and feedback amongst writers.  If you have followed my blog even in part, you have picked up on the fact that I have some experience with some reluctant learners and that I teach multiple subjects.  What I have not shared with you is that I love to teach English as it is a subject that my students are more “reluctant” to approach or open up in, and yet I found the most success in terms of accessing my students true selves. 

Photo retrieved from http://www.protagonize.com/help/media#media-screenshots on August 17, 2010

Okay so on to Protagonize, like many of the web 2.0 tools that I am sure you are all familiar with, it is FREE.  Unlike the past few tools I have introduced you to, this is far more dimensional.  The application encourages multi-level participation which is welcoming for tech savvy and ‘newbies’ like myself. 

Photo retrieved from http://www.protagonize.com/help/media#media-screenshots on August 17, 2010

As I know that a few of my colleagues have an interest in literacy, I was intrigued to find the depth at which this application promotes the fundamentals of good writing.  The ‘Planning and Brainstorming’ feature promotes an author to investigate individual “storyboard, outline, annotate, draft, and discuss (a) work's plot, characters, setting, history, intrigue” etc.  There is also a section to warm up and read other writers’ stories, poetry, suggest writing exercises, to read what is popular, what is new and what is “orphaned”.  At first, I have to admit, I was a bit overwhelmed with all the options, but when I put the choices in light of my teaching, my apprehension changed to excitement. 

Photo retrieved from http://www.protagonize.com/help/media#media-screenshots on August 17, 2010

For all the secondary and post-secondary educators out there, this is an amazing resource.  It combines the collaborative forums of groups, tracking and feedback that many of the effective web 2.0 tools offer and gear it all toward the writer and the process.  Other features include creating a profile, tracking of comments, invite of friends, activity updates, and topic specific groups.  The language used is extremely comfortable, which for my high school students would be a big draw-in.  The text speaks directly to you and is somewhat informal, inviting those who may be intimidated by the writing process; which is all too often presented in a rule-based and uppity fashion.  The help center supports the user with an FAQ section addressing nearly 65 common questions.  If that is not enough, there is a handy button, always available labeled “Umm, I need help” directing you to further question topics or active support discussions.  User helping user is a big self-help skill I encourage in my classroom and is being echoed in many of the web 2.0 tools out there.

Photo retrieved from http://www.protagonize.com/help/media#media-screenshots on August 17, 2010

I feel like I can not describe it better than they do themselves…” Protagonize.com is a creative writing community dedicated to writing various forms of collaborative, interactive fiction. One author writes a story, and others post branches or chapters to it in different directions. The result is an organic, evolving story where everyone can participate.”

Huge fan and have not fully immersed myself yet, once again if I have not sold you yet here is the LINK for yourself.

BP7 OMM Mind42

A quick one minute movie to highlight the capabilities and benefits of using Mind42 to support, enhance and invigorate your brainstorming and collaboration.

Any feedback or comments you might have would be greatly appreciated!

Follow this LINK to see the finalized map I created to use for this video, feel free to leave notes, or make adjustments! 

BP4 Web 2.0 Tool- Mind42

Okay, so like a little child in a candy shop, I am so excited.  Most people in most business who have ever sat in a corporate boardroom or in a classroom have probably come across some form of visual brainstorming.  Well, I have found an application that amps up any brainstorm or mind mapping that I have ever seen by a thousand times.  Mind42 allows you to not only visualize the links between ideas, but also allows you to do this collaboratively in real time.  Whether you are working with a partner, a group or the entirety of the world wide web, Mind42 makes collaboration so effective.  If that was all this tool did, it would still be fabulous due to its approachability in terms of the visual aspects like bubbles, colors and maneuverability of the screen and links you are currently working on.

Add Notes to Any Mind Map
image retrieved from http://mind42.com/ on August 12, 2010

But no folks, the people behind Mind42 go ten steps further.  As a teacher overseeing your students’ minds working together, you have the ability to add notes and give feedback or suggestions to critique or guide them.  As a collaborator you can add links with a visual preview of what will be found on the other end, which allows an initial brainstorm to evolve into a well developed, supportable and integrated project.  And as if that isn’t enough you are also able to insert visuals, icons and/or pictures to attract or support even more learning styles.

Having all the perks at your fingertips is an understatement.  Mind42 has the ease of click-drag-drop.  The flexibility to adjust, reformat and move your ideas around is almost as quick and easy as they occur from your synapses to your mouth our hand.  And as your account is free, it is also accessible anywhere at any time.  With concerns for privacy, you have the ability to make your maps private or published.

Add Links and/or Visuals to any Mind Map
image retrieved from http://mind42.com/ on August 12, 2010

I can easily see this being used as an initial introduction to an idea with a class, and then expanded or developed as an independent or small group assignment for home.  Students could then use their map as a visual support to present to larger groups.  Knowing what we do about the benefits and attributes of Flickr, being able to combine the benefits of both, lessons and learning is infinitely expanded.  I am envisioning creating image only mind maps, providing students with the topic and allowing them to find or create the connections.  Perhaps the opposite would be beneficial as well, provide the main ideas and allowing students to find supporting links and images.  This will encourage research and exploration of topics.  I am jumping up and down as I am about to share the next idea I have.  By introducing a topic over the first day or so of a unit, you provide students with the base knowledge or activate knowledge they may already have.  You can then send the students home independently to expand research and create their individual mind maps.  When they return to class you not only have the ability to assess where each students strength, weaknesses, and styles are, but you can then click, drag and drop their maps together to combine and create one overall completed piece of work. 

Good example of personal use for Mind42 comparing used vehicles
image retrieved from http://mind42.com/ on August 12, 2010

I know this is just the tip of the iceberg.  As teachers, trainers or any collaborating individual, this application is indispensible.  Mind42 is not only something you should give a “drive-by”, you should really take it for a test drive.  If you are anything like me, I am sure you have several if not millions of thoughts going through your head at one time.  This is a place where organization, clarity, connection and collaboration can do nothing but benefit all.