Frontline Tech

Author: marco

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  • pocstock

    Description

    pocstock is a global stock media platform providing photos, videos, and illustrations that focus on people of colour.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • These illustrations can be used on sector websites, flyers, event pages, as well as presentations, wherever visuals are used.
    • pocstock images can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to create representative visual information of diversity and Newcomers.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    Digital Subscriptions start at $30 (USD)/month.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    The pictures are easy to access and download.

    Mobile friendly

    The pictures can be used in mobile settings.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Not applicable.

    Multilingual capabilities

    Not applicable.

    Additional resources

  • Mauril

    Description

    Mauril is an English and French-learning website and app focused on listening and comprehension skills using audio and video content from CBC and Radio-Canada. Learners are exposed to a wide range of topics through clips or full versions of TV and radio shows, digital series and podcasts. Content is accompanied by comprehension-assessment questions to help users acquire a diverse vocabulary, with regional flavours from across the country.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • The app can be used to complement your courses and can serve as a tool to immerse your students in whichever language they are learning. The Teachers page provides helpful information on how to make the most of the app.
    • Mauril would mainly be used as a complement to Language Training. However, it could easily be used in other service contexts as a complement to those programs, in particular Community Connections. However, it could not be used as a Pre-Arrival tool: “Mauril was designed specifically to help people in Canada learn English and French. It is not available to users outside of Canada… If you are connecting to the app outside of Canada, the content will not be accessible.”

    Video overview

    Pricing

    Free.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    According to their site “Mauril was designed by a team of language learning experts, in collaboration with the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB)… Mauril levels are inspired by the CLB system and cover levels 1-8, or the equivalent of CEFR levels A1-B2. A placement test allows students to start at the appropriate level for their needs.”

    Mauril can be used with a screen reader.

    Mobile friendly

    Available both via the web and smartphone apps for mobile devices.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Users must create a profile in order to use Mauril. Privacy and Terms of Use fall under the CBC/Radio-Canada policies.

    Multilingual capabilities

    The interface is in English or French.

    Additional resources

  • SpatialChat

    Description

    SpatialChat is an immersive group or one-on-one video chat where you can host virtual meetings in spaces that you create. Users can move freely around the screen and have video conversations as they approach others or among small groups. A “metaverse”-type experience that overlays video conferencing on a virtual environment/space.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • SpatialChat could be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival as an alternative video conferencing and meeting approach.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    SpatialChat has a free version that allows you to meet with up to 25 people in one space. They have paid plans based on per use or monthly fees.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    SpatialChat indicates it is best used on a laptop or computer.

    Mobile friendly

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    SpatialChat indicates that it doesn’t “collect any data that is unnecessary to provide you with the best possible user experience.” They are also currently working to meet a high security/privacy industry standard. Find out more in their Security & Privacy section.

    Multilingual capabilities

    The interface is in English and SpatialChat does not appear to have multilingual capabilities.

    Additional resources

  • Slido

    Description

    Slido is an audience interaction online platform tool for
    meetings big or small, workshops, classrooms, events
    and conferences.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Slido can be used to brainstorm a concept, as an icebreaker, to test knowledge on learning, to create conversations, facilitate a checklist, conduct a reflection, rate satisfaction of a session, etc.
    • Slido is used during webinars for participants to ask questions anonymously. Other participants can vote questions up so session facilitators can choose what is of interest to the group.
    • Slido offers a number of additional ways to use their tools in meetings, conferences, training, classes, and more.
    • Slido can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to create engaging and interactive activities that can be used during live sessions to help inform, teach, and engage with Newcomers.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    Slido has a free version as well as various paid levels. The free version allows you to use 3 polls/event for up to 100 participants, with an Unlimited Audience Q&A feature.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Slido is easy to use for participants. They simply need a link provided, which can be done by copying the link into a chat box, or by sharing a QR code. Sli.do is also easy to use for practitioners, once you have become oriented to the tool and how it can be used.

    Slido can be integrated into other tools, such as Teams and Google Slides, or used as a standalone tool outside of presentations.

    Mobile friendly

    Slido is mobile friendly for participants, on any device, without having to download any apps.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    According to Slido “you can secure your event by adjusting its privacy settings. Basic events are visible in the search results and can be accessed by typing in the event code… You can hide your event code from the search suggestions. Only those participants who have the exact code will be able to access the event during the dates of the Slido event.”

    They have a useful overview of their security standards and practices. Note: they “provide organisers of the paid versions of the Slido Services with additional tools & settings to enable their own users to protect their data.”

    Multilingual capabilities

    Slido is multilingual and offers 30+ languages to choose from.

    Additional resources

  • H5P

    Description

    H5P (short for Html-5-Package) helps you to create interactive videos, interactive presentations, quizzes, interactive timelines and more that can be embedded (like a YouTube video) and added to Learning Management Systems and websites.

    H5P content can be shared/downloaded and uploaded to Moodle, Drupal or WordPress and other sites. H5P content can be created within these sites (through plugins), on the H5P.org site, or by using the Lumi desktop app and then uploaded into the sites where the content will be used. According to this article, there are three main areas of benefit relevant to learning activities that come with the integration of H5P: Gamification, Interactive activities, and Accessibility.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • H5P is used extensively by the language side of the sector to integrate activities into online language learning courses.
    • Many H5P curriculum activities can be downloaded on the Tutela.ca site for ESL/LINC Teachers.
    • It allows the integration of audio, video and text and as such is very effective in presentation and practice of different language skills and points.
    • H5P can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to create visual information, as well as engaging and interactive activities that can be used on websites or within LMS’ to help inform, teach, and engage with Newcomers.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    H5P is free to use and create with.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Many H5P content types are accessible. See this table listing the content type, if it’s accessible, and if it’s fully accessible in web browsers (including mobile versions).

    Mobile friendly

    H5P content is responsive and mobile friendly, providing the same experience and ability to interact with content on computers, smartphones and tablets alike.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    H5P has some useful information about data security here, including “If you are using the H5P plugin, it may send anonymized statistical information to us. This data helps us to learn about problems with H5P that will in turn help us to improve the software. It does not contain personal data.”

    Multilingual capabilities

    H5P has some support for different languages, find out more here.

    Additional resources

  • Flipgrid

    Description

    Flipgrid is a social learning platform that allows creators to ask a question either through a video or voice recording, then the participants/clients can respond in a video or voice recording, as well as by writing comments on videos.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Flipgrid can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to create visual and video information to help inform and engage with Newcomers visually.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    Free.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Easy to use for facilitators and participants. Find accessibility information here.

    Mobile friendly

    Flipgrid is accessible through their Android and iOS apps.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Flipgrid writes that they are committed to safety and accessibility: “We don’t sell your data to any third-party entities. We provide necessary controls to help ensure the content you share is only seen by the people you choose.”

    Multilingual capabilities

    According to Flipgrid, “By default, Topics will have closed captions turned on to caption English. Flipgrid offers 11 different languages video responses can be transcribed in.”

    Additional resources

  • Edpuzzle

    Description

    Edpuzzle is an online platform where you can make any video part of a lesson, session, webinar, etc. Edpuzzle allows you to pull in personal and web-based videos, as well as Edpuzzle’s content library, to be cropped and used with other content. You can add in additional voice overs, audio commentaries, extra resources, or even embedded assessment questions. You can then embed the finished video into an LMS system such as Moodle.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Edpuzzle can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to create visual and video information to help inform and engage with Newcomers visually.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    The free version has storage space for 20 video lessons. Edpuzzle has paid tiers with additional features.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Edpuzzle’s accessibility approach is guided by the leading global accessibility standards.

    Mobile friendly

    Compatible with mobile devices, and has an Android and iOS app.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Strong security and privacy protocols, with no tracking technology used. Read Common Sense Media’s Privacy Evaluation for Edpuzzle.

    Multilingual capabilities

    Additional resources

  • Quizlet

    Description

    Quizlet is a tools including flashcards, study and game modes. Instructors can creating their own study sets with terms and definitions. Instructors can use their own definitions, or use Quizlet’s built-in auto-define feature. It offers various ways of engagement and interaction with the study material including Flashcards, Learn, Spell, Test and Match modes.

    The site contains over 100 million sets of study materials created by other users that range in topics. Using Quizlet’s free study sets, study modes and in-class game, you can instantly create a more engaged classroom. You are note constrained to using just text – images and audio are easy to include in study materials. Mterials created can be shared with clients and others.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • In LINC classes Quizlet has been mainly used for vocabulary review; however, it can be used for learning of a variety of subjects.
    • Quizlet can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to create information to help inform and engage with Newcomers visually.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    The basic version of Quizlet is free. They also offer a paid version, Quizlet Plus.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Quizlet is considered easy to use, both for teachers and students. However, no information about accessibility could be found.

    Mobile friendly

    Quizlet is is optimized for mobile web use on any phone or tablet. Quizlet also has mobile apps for Android and iOS.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Quizlet is compliant with the requirements of the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and outlines what that means for data and personal privacy here. They also have Community Guidelines users are expected to follow.

    Multilingual capabilities

    Quizlet supports many international languages/keyboards for those wanting to input text from a wide array of languages.

    Additional resources

  • Piktochart

    Description

    Piktochart is helps you to easily create infographics, presentations, flyers, posters, social media graphics, and reports. You can embed interactive maps, charts, videos, and hyperlinks in a Piktochart infographic. To create an infographic, you start by choosing a blank or pre-designed template or theme, and then add information and media. Piktochart provides a library of icons, images, fonts, and other design tools. Icons and images are organized by subject, including education, entertainment, people, and shapes. Once completed, each infographic can be saved for future editing, and the finished product can be exported as a PNG, JPEG, or PDF file.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Students and teachers can create interactive, multimodal images that incorporate videos, maps, text, links, and graphics.
    • Students design an infographic on Piktochart rather than drawing on paper.
    • Piktochart can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to create visual information to help inform and engage with Newcomers visually.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    Piktochart has a Nonprofit pricing plan that includes a free plan and discounted Pro plan.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Piktochart does not currently have accessibility options.

    Mobile friendly

    Piktochart does not appear to be mobile friendly or offer a mobile app.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Piktochart appears to have good data protection and privacy. You can use two-factor authentication to protect your Piktochart account in addition to your password. They also have session timeout which will log you out of the site if you do not perform any action on Piktochart Editor for a prolonged period of time.

    Multilingual capabilities

    According to this Piktochart support article “Piktochart is only written in English, however, you can type in any language, that your computer and keyboard support, into a textbox on your canvas.”

    Additional resources