2. URL of the Tool: http://titanpad.com
3. Primary category for this tool: Communication Tool
4. Description of Tool: TitanPad is a helpful tool that can be used to share ideas and create documents in real-time. It's essentially a combination of instant messaging and Google docs, allowing groups of people to collaborate on a document together. A great tool for brainstorming!
5. Prerequisite Skills:
Basic computer and internet skills are necessary. This is actually quite easy to use, even for the digital immigrant.
6. Prerequisite Resources:
Again basic - internet access.
7. Use of Tool:
1) go to website: http://titanpad.com
2) click on "Create public pad" (shown with red circle/arrow in screenshot above)
3) start typing
4) invite other users to join by clicking on Invite; you can paste link over email or IM OR send an email invitation (without ever opening your email account!)
5) create away!
Options/additional info (aka extra awesomeness):
7) chat on the side with your group
8) import/export info as html, word, text, or pdf files
9) save revisions
10) time slider with your progress
8. Example: http://titanpad.com/r4yrH1kpt6
9. Scenario:
This tool has several potential uses in my teaching. A few thoughts...
1) Brainstorming
This tool can be used to brainstorm for meetings, papers, presentations - you name it. Almost everyone these days has access to wifi/laptops or a phone with internet access. By sending the URL of the pad, people can easily work together and brainstorm INTERACTIVELY. This is especially useful in this day and age of advanced technology and short attention spans with our adult learners. I also see this being of special advantage in blended learning - as these brainstorming sessions can be face to face in the classroom or anywhere/anytime on the internet.
2) Feedback Sessions
Another use for this tool is for feedback sessions for learners. This can be feedback on a learner's performance or on a specific written work they've submitted. Immediate response can be given, questions answered, and solutions discussed.
3) Office hours
Finally, this is a great tool to use for office hours! "Wanna chat or discuss your paper? Meet me at this URL from 5-7pm." Again students can be anywhere and get help from their teacher.
In summary: I love this tool! I can see this being particularly useful to me for learners while they are on their clinical rotations in the hospital. I can give medical students feedback on their written history and physicals and give residents/fellows feedback and help on their research papers and clinical presentations. I love that I am not limited to being in the office or meeting face to face with them (as it's often impossible trying to coordinate everyone's schedules and locations). I will definitely be incorporating this tool into my teaching.
10. Advantages:
- quick and easy
- FREE!
- no sign-up or login/account
- start instantly
- each author's work is color-coded
- easily save your work
11. Disadvantages:
- worrisome future
This is a revised version of EtherPad, which terminated on May 14. On the website, it even quotes "We are rescuing EtherPad for your use."
- everything is public
Again on the website it clearly states pads are accessible to anyone who knows the URL. "We won't share your data with any 3rd party except as required by Austrian & European law. Please note that access to pads is possible for anyone who knows the URL, so do not keep sensitive information in pads."
It does seem, however, a private pad option is available by going to the "Get your own private space" section and following the directions.
From David Young:
ReplyDeleteI like the concept of realtime document sharing and the user friendly process for use. However, I'm concerned about the longterm stability of this tool.