Beenpod is a Web browser add-on used for bookmarking and surfing the Web collaboratively. Users can create "Beens," which are similar to folders, and then fill these Been folders with annotated sites. To create a Been, a user downloads the add-on, visits a page, and clicks on the Been (conveniently located in the lower-left corner of the screen) to add it to the queue. They can then comment on the site and see each site they’ve added. Once they've got their Beens set up, users can share them with others. Take note that teachers can set up students accounts with ease (including uploading a .CSV file) and no student emails are required. Many people can collaborate on and add comments to a Been, much like instant messaging. This allows classes to surf the Web together, either in real time or in their own sessions at their own paces. Browsers can pause a session like a DVR, and see a record of surf history too. This is helpful for a teacher who wants to show her students how to search for something or to search things together, while allowing students the ability to follow at their own pace.
Instagrok is a website that describes itself as a "search engine for learners." Users can type any word into the search bar and an interactive map, or Grok, appears. Each grok is made of many bubbles. The site can be customized for different ages and ability levels. Student can click on words to get a definition or meaning of how they are related to the subject being searched. This introduces students to a nonlinear learning option. Some students will respond to having this kind of visual information. It is important to talk to students about reliable sources when using this site or any search engine for that matter. |
Categories
All
|