Glogster

This is my first attempt at using glogger.
To view it on the website go to: http://keisha92.glogster.com/managingelearning/

I found glogster engaging as there a range of graphics to choose from, such as various backgrounds text boxes and borders. As you can see I used my glogster for a brainstorming activity about digital tools for Managing E-learning.  I found this an effective way to brainstorm some ideas as I was able to support my ideas with images (eg. the word blog with a preview of my blog).From an early childhood perspective, I can imagine glogster could be used in a variety of ways to enrich childrens’ learning. For example:

·         As a brainstorming activity or a mind map similar to what I created – for example students could create a mindmap about a particular task such as writing a story. Students could include ideas about different story topics they would like to write about or create a scaffolded plan for their story. This information could be supported by visual images videos or website links as for students to refer back to

·         Many verbal presentations are accompanied by a poster. Glogster could be just as effective as a poster and also offer other features which could not be done by traditional pen and paper. For example, if students are presenting their favourite animal , they could incorporate visual images and writing (just as a poster would) however, other aspects which posters do not offer could be included such as:  website links about the animal, videos of the animal, and google earth links to explore the landscape where the animal lives. This could foster a well-informed presentation, supported by the use of ICT being a learning enhancement tool, as students are experiencing learning which would not usually occur without the use of ICT.  

·         It could also be used as a reflective tool. For example after a learning experience students could access glogster to create a collage displaying their new learnings. This could be particularly useful for children who are not able to write large amounts as visual images can be used to represent the child’s learning and if needed teachers can assist students in writing a sentence which describes this learning.

·         It could also be used as an extension activity/ reward activity. For example at one of my early childhood prac placements students who completed a task early were allowed to create a picture using paint – they seemed to appeal to this reward system, perhaps glogster could have the same effect!

Benefits:

·         Visually engaging

·         Fun and expresses creativity

·         Can be used to support and enhance various learning activities

·         Incorporates weblinks, videos, audio and text

·         It can be interactive as weblinks can be added

Challenges:

·         It appears that links such as voki and youtube cannot be added