In part 2 of this focus on tools for students to use to generate better products in electronic format for their work submissions I am focusing on graphs. While there are many free downloadable spreadsheet programs this edition of my blog is dedicated to true online tools which work in the browser making them more appropriate when you are working with students in a setting where they have limited permissions to download.
With each tool I graded on 3 points you can use when you evaluate it
1) is it easy to use?
2)does it allow students to showcase all types of information?
3)educationally appropriate material or uncontrolled?
NCES Create a Graph http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/
Creates Bar, Line, Area, Circle, and XY scatter plots in a web browser which kids can save as an image or print. While not the most user friendly I like this one because unlike some programs it requires the kids to actually think about what they are graphing and make conscious choices with what to fill in, and is less wizard and magicy than many programs.
1) B 2)C 3)A
Chart Tool http://www.onlinecharttool.com/graph.php
Creates a much more dynamic set of graphs than create a graph including Radar, Meter and Line/Bar combos. Trade off is so many options on the page that a low reading level student may get lost. Good tutorial use might help. Adds are targeted, but not guaranteed educationally appropriate.
1)C 2)B 3)D
Graph Tools http://www.graphtools.com/
Only does two graph types Line and Bar, presents you with five columns in which to enter data a simple set of just a few options to manipulate exports as a simple image file. What it lacks in sophistication makes it simple to use. If you don't need much from your graph except a graph this is your friend. Better for math than science as labeling options such as titles are minimal.
1)B 2)B 3)A
Cool Math http://www.coolmath.com/graphit/
This is a graphing calculator and it works like a TI. So great features if your kids are savvy enough to use a graphing calculator then this is a nice tool. However, print screen is the only export option and because this site has a lot else to offer student might get distracted.
1)B 2)B 3)A
WebGraphiing http://webgraphing.com/
Winner! Winner! Chicken dinner! This site offers a variety of options in graphing including simple number lines to 3d function manipulatable graphing. There is something for every mathematical graph you might need. This site gets a A+ for cool graphing and computation ability. What it lacks is simplicity, as a teacher I recommend finding the exact applet you want kids to use and embedding or linking directly to it. Sending kids to the mains site without a lot of directions may make for real confusion. Requires a subscription
1)B (A if you do as I suggested) 2)A 3)A
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