Tool: Learning Tools, Powerpoint, Prezi or Glogster

Glogster
Glogster.com

Overview

Glogster is an online networking site which allows users to create and post interactive graphic logs known as Glogs online. Once a Glogster account is created, using Glogster’s online software you can import images, add text, sounds and videos to a page which is then exported to the internet. Your Glog can be found by other’s (if set to public) by using the URL provided when setting up your glog.  Glogster allows both students and teachers the ability to create an interactive blog quickly and easily with having to download anything to the computer.

Functionality

The basics of using Glogster to create a Glog can be found at: http://ktitraci.wikispaces.com/Glogster.

My example Glog which showcases the ability of Glogster can be found at: http://trevorschulze.glogster.com/.

Or embedded as shown below:

The Glog could be used by music students learning about String Orchestras. The page contains pictures of the instruments as well as imbedded audio examples of what each instrument sounds like. At the bottom of the page there is also an imbedded video hyperlinked from Youtube which shows what a String Orchestra looks and sounds like.

Analysis

Strengths	·        Visually Stimulating – both in creating and viewing ·        Easy to use ·        Widely Accessible ·        No need for installing on computer ·        Provides Interaction for Users ·        Can be seen by others from around the world ·        Has privacy settings ·        Non-editable pages ·        Links to Video, Audio and Text from other Pages ·        Allows for comments and peer input ·        Has its own public domain images, texts and buttons you can use
Weaknesses	·        Has only private or public settings – no medium ·        Needs tact in formatting otherwise can become over-the-top ·        When adding files from other websites, copyright is easy to infringe ·        Requires fast internet ·        Requires some previous knowledge of hyperlinks and pages ·        Can become overwhelming when publishing if wrong button is pressed ·        Some button functions need more refinement (i.e. moving images behind one another etc.)
Opportunities	·        You’re able to create very informative Glogs which are visually stimulating ·        Possibilities of Topics are endless ·        There is room for future development of tools
Threats	·        Slow Internet can inhibit the ability to produce effective Glog ·        If Internet connection is lost, there is no auto save option – all work is lost