This week I am reviewing some Web 2.0 tools that are available for free.  I am breaking the tools down into five categories and giving you two choices in each .  Check out my reviews to see if they could be any help to you.

Presentation Tools

Prezi

Prezi is one of my favorite presentation tools on the web.  It is free to use and can be upgraded for a small amount.  You can even do group projects with prezi.  The software is easy to use, and for those that struggle with technology they have a virtual tour that makes it even easier.  I use prezi over power point as often as possible.  It makes presentations look sharper and more professional.  I suggest it to anyone in need of a presentation tool.  This is a five star tool.  You should check it out.


Glogster

Glogster is a different type of presentation tool on the web in which you create "web posters."  The tool is free and makes a great option for a unique presentation.  The program lets you put links, photos, clip art, and videos on the "web posters."  The tool functions well and would be especially great option for student projects.  I highly recommend this tool for teachers introducing a topic to students as well.


Graphic Design Tools

Method Draw

Method Draw is a free online based tool that you can graphics with.  The tool is much like the SVG edit tool by google, but better in my opinion.  The tool is very basic but well laid out.  As many free tools have a few glitches, I found this had some as well.  Exporting the images as a png had a few technical problems.  If you don't want to pay any money and only have one or two simple graphics to make this could be a great option for you.  Don't expect to anything to complicated with the program though.

Wordle
  
Wordle is a free tool that creates "word clouds."  The best part about this tool is that you don't even have to register to use it.  The program lets you choose words, a format, and color option.  There aren't a lot of design options, but it requires little work and comes up with some fun designs.  It can be a different and fun way to present some words.  You should check it out.

Quizing and Polling Tools


Poll Every Where

Poll Every where is a fun way to interact with groups you are presenting to.  I fell in love with this tool when a teacher used it in class one time.  It is a simple tool that is free to use.  You simply load up a question and people text in there answers that is immediately turned into a graph of responses.  The only down side to the free version is that you can only have forty responses.  You can upgrade so that more people can respond to your poll.   It is a great toll that I would suggest to everyone.  It is unique and a great attention grabber in the classroom if the students are aloud to have phones.

Quizlet

Quizlet is a free study tool.  Students or teachers can create a  fun interactive quiz of materials that is going to be tested over.  The program is free and easy to use.  It can be a great way to engage a class.  If you are cramming for a final I suggest you try it.  It is much better than dieing of boredom reading over your notes the thousandth time.

Storage Options

Drop Box

Have you ever wished you had a back up of documents or photos on the cloud after your computer crashed and you realized that was the only place your information was stored?  Hopefully you haven't, but it never hurts to have storage on the cloud so you don't have to worry about it.  I mean if it was free you couldn't say no could you?  Drop Box can give you just that.  You can download the program onto your computer and you can automatically store items onto your Drop Box.  My pictures automatically copy into my Drop Box.  The only down side is that you only get a certain amount of storage if you are using the free version.  So, naturally I have a full drop box.  It is a great way to secure your items and it can be a great way to send large files to others as well.  You should get some security and check it out.

Ever Note

Ever Note is a great storage/organization option on the cloud as well.  The great part about this tool is that you can add or get information on your phone, computer, or on the web.  It boasts about getting your life in order.  You can take notes, take a picture of it, and it when you search items it will actually highlight the words in the picture.  I can't help but love that as a college student.  It is a great way to keep business cards virtually as well.  I love the product and would you it daily if I had a smart phone.  Since I don't its not quite as cool, but still just as free.  You should check it out and get your life in order.

Website

Google Sites

Google Sites is a free tool created by Google.  The product is very basic and easy to use.  Sadly the final product looks quite simple as well.  The website you make will be sub par.  If you want something professional look else where.  If you really just need a presents on the web some way some how this is a free alternative.  You have some choices on back ground and color scheme, but that is about it.  Go check it out for yourself though, you may like it.  There are plenty of google sites to view on the web.

Wordpress

Wordpress is a blog publishing application that has turned into so much more.  You can actually use it as a website creation tool as well.  Today I am just going to talk about the blog engine part for time.  It is much like blogger.  It runs a bit like pinterest, facebook, and blogger all put in one.  I personally prefer blogger just because of how long I have used it.  If you haven't ever blogged before that is another option to consider.  If you are looking into making a professional website definitely look into this product, it looks slick.  Check it all out to see what you think.