SymbalooEDU

The technology I chose to research and focus on today is a new website I came across called SymbalooEDU. This is a personal learning community that, "organizes teaching resources all in one place, encourages student to student communications, and promotes innovation while maintaining simplicity in teaching".

This time saving online environment seems like a great teaching tool. The CK aspect of Symbaloo is that students are able to search the web using multiple applications right in front of them. They are able to have all of their research organized and by choosing the right apps they can take notes, make powerpoints, and do other things to share with others about what they have learned. In the middle of Symbaloo, there is an area provided for uploading assignments and sharing them with the class and teachers. The PK aspect of Symbaloo is that it allows students to have freedom in how they go about their learning styles online while maintaining the task at hand. It give them choices on what programs they feel comfortable using without the mess of having multiple accounts all of the web.

I feel there are more strengths to this technology than weaknesses. It is an area for students to personally feel connected to the tasks at hand. There are public and private options and students are able to communicate with each other. There is so much for students to do that it is important their classmates see their work as well. They can fed off of each other and incorporate many other online learning tools into their Symbaloo. As with any online learning tool, students may get off task or distracted by the other opportunities available to them. However, with the creative learning options on here I think many of them would not have a problem focusing on what is assigned.

I would use this technology in my classroom for research projects and presentations. The search engine tools and note taking applications are very helpful in keeping track of where students have gone and what they take note of. Students are able to upload their work and share their presentations with the class. I think this is a timely way to organize their work. This enables all students access to their projects at all time and we are able to make sure each presentation is viewed. I like the way this is organized especially so that students are not overwhelmed by the internet.