MODULE 5: Web 2.0 Tools for Reflection, Feedback and Networking - Udemy

1. Name of the Tool: Udemy

2. URL of the Tool: http://www.udemy.com/

3. Primary category for this tool: Networking/Social Tool

4. Description of Tool: Udemy is a great networking tool for teaching and educating online.

This free tool has several great features for educators including the following:
- online course/webinar
- upload powerpoint/pdf/video files
- write articles on topics, upload links, create discussion boards
- import from other sources (i.e. slideshare, youtube, etc)
- presentation/video mashup = presenter/powerpoint at same time
- udemy live = customizable virtual classroom (including whiteboard, powerpoint view room, chatting)

5/6. Prerequisite Skills/Resources:
Basic computer and internet skills are necessary. You must also have the willingness to learn how to navigate through the tool.

7/8. Use of Tool/Example:

*Disclaimer: For some reason, this Screenr video sped up after being published. Either that or I had a little too much caffeine before recording and got way too excited about Udemy... Also, the screen seems to show up better if you directly go to the URL below (rather than viewing it off blogger).

http://screenr.com/gqO

9. Scenarios
The link between Web 2.0 and Distance Education couldn't be more clear cut than when I used this tool. What a great way to teach and learn online. Everything from lectures, to discussion boards, to a virtual classroom are incorporated into this amazing tool! Love it!

Again, a few scenarios for educators to utilize this tool. My favorite feature is definitely udemy live...
- online course/webinar
- upload powerpoint/pdf/video files
- write articles on topics, upload links, create discussion boards
- import from other sources (i.e. slideshare, youtube, etc)
- presentation/video mashup = presenter/powerpoint at same time
- udemy live = customizable virtual classroom (including whiteboard, powerpoint view room, chatting)

10. Advantages

• FREE
• you choose to invite users or to make public
  
• presentation tool, including live chat, is available at your fingertips
  
• possibilities are endless
  

11. What are the disadvantages of using this tool in a teaching environment?

• you must sign-up
  
• questionable future
  As with every awesome tool I've reviewed to date, this tool is in Beta which implies a questionable future.