Week Five...

Digital Technologies 3

"Why blog when you can Glog?"

Fun motto...fun tool! As their site suggests, this technology is a 'graphic blog'; a 'visual' network. During my journey with e-Learning we have explored many technologies, some I've worked extensively with and others I'm investigating for the first time. Glogster is one of my favourites. I really appreciate it's power to capture it's audience and the ability to display a richness of information within a poster size layout. 

Users can express their originality by 'mashing up' photos, videos, music, images and text. Once published, authors can share their Glog within Glogster's community, on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Tumblr. The options to choose a private page is favourable for teachers. Learning managers are able to create a page with restricted access for their students only and access is free, however the Glogster Edu has minimal fees.

Glogster boasts that it is the #1 online learning tool in the U.S. and I recognize why. I appreciate it's format having one page to engage your learner. Authors can capture their audience with graphics, allowing them to explore further with audio/videos, bullet form or brief text explanations. The design and construction of this online multimedia poster arrangement is inspiring. It has a very easy to use interface featuring a basic drag & drop tool. It accommodates all learners as it has visuals, audio and allows students to interact. Another of their tags which I am personally inspired by;

Students are able to invent and create their own Glog. It's platform allows higher order thinking through it's freedom to create and encourages teamwork. This social constructivism develops student's creativity (an element I feel passionate about), expands their presentation skills and is adaptable to any program. 

"Promotes Independent Problem Solving - Glogster EDU creates an adaptable and innovative learning environment for all learners, regarless of age, gender, culture or learning style. Students are encouraged to be independent, inventive problem solving and lifelong learners." - Glogster

I would utilise this tool often as a textile teacher. A concept that I designed, reflected in my Glog is one example. It demonstrates how I would organise the participation of learners in the student's graduate showcase of the Melbourne Fashion Week. I have integrated the requirements, dates, a video of designers, a brief how to and inspirational images. Student's are encouraged to participate in the class discussion on entries, inspire and strengthen one another and develop/build resources on their own. Once their piece is complete I would challenge them to create a Glog of their process displayed on their poster. It would include fabric samples, discussion of stitch/cut/design, a taping of the student at work etc. Their creativity is limitless in this arena. 

For me personally I loved discovering this tool. It is one that is adaptable within any chosen field and provokes creativity. To fully appreciate the tool, below is a PMI I created. 

Plus  
Promotes creativity
Poster sized page                                               
Accommodates all learners                        
Many options for engagement                 

Minus 
Network restrictions
Price for better features
Server overload
Tech Support

Interesting
Glog vs Blog
Restricted to poster

http://edu.glogster.com
https://www.glogster.com
http://www.lmff.com.au