Module 3 Web 2.0 Tool Review

I chose to review a tool called Stormboard.  The URL for the site is www.stormboard.com

This seems to be a collaboration tool, though it could be seen as a critical thinking/problem solving tool in that it is meant to be used for collaborative work.  The name was derived from combining the terms “brainstorm” and “whiteboard”.  It has a free account, and also paid accounts that offer more options.  I have never used stormboard before, and I didn’t find it user-friendly.  Perhaps a person just needs more computer savvy or time than I have to find it usable, but I was not able to create a storm successfully.  When I clicked on “Help” I didn’t find anything to help me figure out how to create a storm properly, and it just wasn’t intuitive for me.  I did not need to download anything or install any programs for the tool to work properly, I just needed to set up an account.  In order to use this tool one needs basic computer skills and the ability to drag and drop, I think.  I did not need any devices other than a computer and internet connection. 

I got an email from the website asking how I liked the site and whether I needed help.  I responded that I couldn’t figure out how to use it effectively, but have not yet received a reply.  I think part of my problem is that I didn’t have a specific topic in mind for the storm, and I had no one that I wanted to include in the brainstorming process.  When you log onto the site, you see a prompt that asks you to sign in or make an account.  After I established an account, I could not get back to the initial page to do a screenshot.  Below is the greeting page, which gives you options for joining a current storm, accessing a storm you have created, or creating another storm, if you have a paid account.

 

There are three levels of accounts:

I could not locate any examples of educational resources created with this tool, but here is a shot of the storm that I attempted.  It is just sticky notes on a “board”

I don’t know of many educational or teaching environments that could benefit from using this tool.  Possibly a group that is collaborating on a project, and is in the beginning stages of planning might find this useful.  I can’t think of any cases in my work that I would find this useful, simply because it requires collaboration between several people.  I’m sure there are plenty of good tools to help one keep notes for projects or teaching exercises.  I can’t really think of any advantages in using this tool in a formal or informal teaching environment.  It seems cumbersome to me, though a more computer savvy person might really enjoy using it in collaboration with others on a team.  It’s not really designed for a single instructor to use in a normal teaching situation.  I could see it being used in distance learning for student feedback. 

I would not recommend this tool to others, I think there are probably better tools out there.