Glogster

Review:

Gloster is a program that allows its users to create interactive posters or “glogs.”  Unlike a traditional poster, which is simply a visual reference, Glogster’s posters are designed to be interactive.  Users can insert text, video, sound clips, and photos to create a multimedia presentation. 

Glogster can be used in ELA classrooms in a number of ways.  Students can create posters for book reviews, vocabulary lists, and character descriptions.  Students can visually display their knowledge and understanding of a particular subject/unit for others to utilize and access as a resource.  Glogster is beneficial as a resource for differentiated instruction.  Visual learners can use this program as a way of organizing and exhibiting what they have learned.  

Educational “Affordances”

Feature of the Technology - Glogster	Affordances
Commenting capabilities on the glogs.	Interaction between students will help facilitate a student centered educational environment.   Students can receive immediate feedback on their work not only from the teacher, but other interested parties, ie. Students, administrators, and parents. Encourages ongoing communication on a particular subject.
Communication through a variety of resources, text, image, audio, special effects, and videos.	Student use of technology for communication purposes and can learn to understand how and what makes communication successful.   Students become aware of and use of multi-sensory, multi-modal forms of communication.
Creativity through design.	Students can create visual representations of an idea, emphasizing communication and personal creativity.
Interactive component, sharing through social networks.	Student learning and engagement is occurring outside the traditional model and traditional time.   Feedback can be received from other users of Glogster outside of the student’s classroom.
Students can share media resources	Student can add links to their glog presentations, providing a means for sharing links and resources.
Security Settings - privacy	Teachers can control who has access to student information and can make groups private.