Delicious
Blogger
Wikispaces
PBWiki
Diigo
G-Mail
Google Docs
Google Earth
Wordpress
Kerpoof
Webspiration
EdTechTalk
Twitter
Plurk
Skype
Facebook
Bloglines
VoiceThread
Nings
ustream
YouTube
Flickr
Bubbleshare
Weebly
And the list could go on
The above list are tech tools that I use weekly (if not daily) at absolutely NO COST to me, at no cost to my students, at no cost to my school, at no cost to my others in my network. (some do have options for upgrades at a small cost — but all in all, I use them freely.)
I am not sure if it is the economy or just the realization that this tool could generate some revenue — but there are some rumors that these free tools might start having a price tag attached to them.
And it is interesting to watch the reaction of the educational network as they begin to realize that some great tools we have been using might suddently have a price tag attached.
Money is tight for many of us……so there is always the advantage of a free tool……very much so. But I also understand that nothing in life is ever free. (To be honest, each of us have paid for the tools listed above with the price of our email address and personal information.)
I find it ironic that the tools seem to be losing their value when a value is placed upon them.
Cries of outrage and “what will we do” are arising as teachers begin to wonder exactly what they will do if a free tool were to suddenly have a price tag. I am already looking at options that I would have to consider.
But I am also starting to wonder which of the tech tools have enough value and importance, longevity and usefulness, student usage and teacher helps, that would make me consider continuing the service if it were to become attached with a price tag?
Would I continue with skype? Would I continue to have a wiki? Would I continue using a microblogging opportunity?
In the next few months….these might be some questions that might need an answer. And I know there will be questions that will be asked from me by my staff and others.
What tech tools (which are free now) would you continue to use if they had a price tag attached??
Would enjoy hearing your thoughts.
Jen
I think we in the field of technology made a big mistake by not having administration and central office people realize that they were no longer paying big bucks for software anymore. (Think all of those yellow notebooks from Sunburst and other companies)! Now that those are removed form the budget (pretty much), those writing the checks are spoiled and do not realize that we who work with technology as well as classroom teachers might need to once again pay for some of the things that are the tools as software once was. Maybe we ought to get out some of the old accounts and let them see now how little we pay for software and what we may need in the future. It is a conversation that has to be had with those who control the $$$$.
I will lok forward to seeing other responses.
Jen, Have a very pleasant Easter Holiday.
Judi
Let’s not forget the benefits that these companies have accrued from educators using their products: free advertising.
Educators happily introduce thousands of students to these online apps and tools. Not only do we show them the product we teach them how to use it effectively.
My students used animoto this year. How many of them (or their parents) will go back and sign up for an account? If they want more than a 30-second video they’ll have to pay a fee. I think the partnership between teachers and free online apps has been win/win. We get to use incredible products with our students and they get free advertising.
What a great idea to point out the power of sites we can use without breaking our budgets! I will use this concept to make sure educators know what is out there should they so choose to use it!
Lesley -
You are completely right — and it would greatly benefit the companies if they took that truth and utilized it to both our benefits.
It will be interesting to come back to these thoughts in 6 months or one year to reflect.
Thanks for posting.
Jen