QuizStar is a free online tool that allows teachers to create quizzes and assign them to students. It instantly grades quizzes and notifies students of their scores. Strengths are that it's free, allows different quiz types, and includes multimedia. Weaknesses are that students don't need to be present to take exams and require an internet connection. Dropbox is a free cloud-based storage system. It can be used to share files between teachers and students or for students to access course materials from any computer. Strengths are that it's free, allows file synchronization, and works across platforms. Weaknesses include needing constant internet access and potential for files to be hacked due to cloud storage.

1. Mark Borkowski EdTech 522 Online teaching and learning tools

2. Tool #1QuizStar http://quizstar.4teachers.org/ Free Online Quiz and Grading Tool Image: http://is.nazarethasd.k12.pa.us/Student%20Links/quizstar.jpg

3. How it can be used Quizstar allows you to easily create your own online quizzes. You are able to create the quiz, create classes and assign quizzes to one or multiple classes. Quizstar takes care of the grading process and keeps track of students in class by using their secure logons. Image: http://quizstar.4teachers.org

4. Strengths Free Instantly grades quizzes and notifies the student of their grade Allows teacher to specify times that quiz is available Allows for creation of multiple types of quizzes Allows for inclusion of sound and video in quizzes Image: http://web.me.com/dbyrum/Ris/page36/files/blocks_image_1_1.png

5. Weaknesses Student does not have to be present in class to take exam (only applies to blended class). Student must have internet connection to take quiz. Student to computer ratio must be one to one. Image: http://lasgslausd.com/uploads/2/7/1/9/2719919/436169.jpg

6. Learning Resources Why Choose QuizStar - http://quizstar.4teachers.org/help/whyQuizStar.jsp QuizStar Tutorials - http://quizstar.4teachers.org/instructor/tutorial_overview.htm Image: http://www.powayusd.com/projects/edtechcentralnew/ToolsImages/QuizStar.gif

7. Tool #2Dropbox dropbox.com Free Cloud-based storage of all of your important documents.

8. How it can be used Require all students to have a Dropbox account. If students use Dropbox for their files, they always have backup copies and never have an excuse of “I left it at home” Public folder can be used to share files with the instructor or other students. Allows students to have access to their files from any internet connected computer.

9. Strengths Free Cross platform compatible Easily synchronize documents between computers Image: http://isagoksu.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/tour3aa.png

10. Weaknesses Constantly uploading and downloading files – doesn’t work well with slow internet connection. Cloud based so it has the potential to be hacked. Free account only gives 2GB of storage space. Image: http://theflickcast.com/tag/dropbox/

11. Learning Resources Dropbox Help - http://www.dropbox.com/help The Unquiet Librarian – http://theunquietlibrarian.wordpress.com/2011/04/18/noodlebib-assignment-dropbox-as-formative-assessment-part-2/ Reflections on Teaching and Learning - http://blogs.itap.purdue.edu/learning/2011/04/19/dropbox-hits-milestone/ Image: http://www.technologyrekor.eu/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Dropbox-Updates-Android-and-iOS-Users1.jpg