Cacoo Review - Module 3

1.     Name of the Tool: Cacoo Review - Module 3

2.     URL of the Tool: https://cacoo.com/

3.     Category for this tool: Critical Thinking /Problem Solving Tool

4.     Describe the tool: Cacoo is a web cloud 2.0 tool that allows the user to collaboratively create meaningful diagrams, mind maps, network charts, creative diagrams, seating charts organize and share diagrams and much more, all from a library of catalogue of symbols and stencils. The bridging of stencils is easy to manipulate by bridging connectors. Cacoo organizes and has the ability to share diagrams in real time with its online chat option. This is advantageous to students who can collaboratively work together in editing and conversing about their work. Although diagrams can be openly shared, you have the ability to mark as “private” if the need arises. Cacoo offers it basic stencils free but can be upgraded for a monthly or annual fee. By purchasing the upgraded version, you have the ability to save diagrams in PNG, SVG and Adobe format. However, with Cacoo’s basic, you can only save in PNG and Adobe. In addition, you receive even more detailed and complex stencils if you purchase the upgrade.

5.     Cacoo Web 2.0 Tool

6.     What do you need to know before using this tool?

7.     You need basic computer skills such as; clicking and dragging selected items to desired place to effectively navigate the tool.

8.     What do you need to have before using this tool?

You must have a computer to use this tool with an updated web browser. (It seems that web browsers such as Firefox and safari work better with the web 2.0 tools).

9.     How do you use this tool?

a.      Log in to Cacoo

b.     Select your stencil of choice for your diagram

c.      Drag selected stencil and drop onto background

d.     Organized stencils into desired format

e.      Apply connectors to associate stencils to

f.      Chose to share diagram or mark as private

g.     Collaborate with others and edit diagrams if not marked as private

10.  If applicable, please create an example with this tool and either embed it in your blog or submit the URL if the example is located on another website.
 http://screenr.com/zV48

11.  Include screenshots, audio podcasts, screencasts, or other multimedia elements that help describe the tool and how you used it. (Please indicate what program you used for this task.)

Add caption

 
  
 
 

12.  Please describe a scenario of how you might use this tool in a teaching environment.

Cacoo is an appropriate tool that can be utilized in a teaching environment. However there are some limitations. One such limitation is the inability to export into Adobe, excel and word. With that said it allows for real time sharing and collaboration among students with its online chat feature. It can be used in computer science programming and networking, by sharing and creating flowcharts and computer network designing. Cacoo can also be used as a digital media for story-boarding short films. Cocoo would also be useful in math for students who can create and draw out a process on how to solve a problem, or for language arts on how to map out their arguments. This process is very supportive of visual learners.

13.  What are the advantages of using this tool in a teaching environment?

§  Easy registration

§  Access to more detailed and complex stencils

§  Some of the advantages of using this tool are: You can share it out with other students.

§  Can collaborate in real time with other students

§  You can add images and web links

§  Has an extensive library of stencils

§  You have access to create 25 diagrams before having to pay

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

Although the initial download is free; Cacoo has set a price on their tool. I discovered that after you have created about 25 diagrams, you are to show up the money. In other words the free ride is over and you need to pay up. Secondly, since the initial trial period is free you can only save your document as a PNG file. This limits ones option. Thirdly after trying and trying I discovered that you cannot embed your diagram into your blog, but you are able to share a link to the diagram.