Glogster: Interactive online posters

Glogster is “a social network that allows users to create free interactive posters, or glogs. The glog, short for graphical blog, is an interactive multimedia image” (Wikipedia). It has potential for both students as a medium for projects and instructors as a means of sharing information.













It is free to join and has educator accounts available (site was down Sunday due to a redesign, so I can't confirm any other details).

Glogster allows you to incorporate text, audio, video, photos and other graphics into one horizontal or vertical graphical blog. Flash animation is also an option for users to add to their designs. Linking to external websites or online activities is another prominent feature.

The site is fairly easy to use for anyone who has experience with Facebook or online gaming. You upload items you have, or link to versions found online. Many graphics are available like clip art that can be pulled onto the page and moved or resized at will.

Finished products are posted on the Glogster site, or can be embedded in blogs or shared using social media platforms such as Facebook.

Advantages:

• Display assignment information in a unique and interactive way.
• Allow students with limited computer skills to create something online.
• Easily shared via Facebook or embedded in blogs or Blackboard.
• Use as student alternative to a presentation or research paper.
• Online user community for exchange of ideas and materials: http://edu.glogster.com/glogpedia/

Disadvantages:

• Does require some computer familiarity.
• May not appeal to older students.
• Slight website unpredictability.

Works Cited:

"Glogster." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Nov. 2011. Web. 13 Nov. 2011.

Further information:

Danner-Kuhn, Cyndi. "Glogster-Great Tool for the Classroom and Info for Block B." Technology Bits Bytes & Nibbles. N.p., 4 Feb. 2011. Web. 14 Nov. 2011.

"Glogster: Creative Learning Tool in Classroom." YouTube. YouTube, 10 June 2009. Web. 14 Nov. 2011.