Resource Review: Glogster

Glogster is an interactive poster creation tool that is available as a web based service as well as an app download. This is yet another creative tool that pushes students to go beyond regurgitating information to a place of deeper understanding. This is accomplished by allowing students to integrate media as well as text, giving them the ability to connect to their learning on a more personal level.

Glogster's full capabilities are only available through a paid subscription, however, it is possible to create a free account that has fewer resources. Once you have created an account, you have access to pre-built templates that allow the user to drag and drop or copy and paste content freely. These templates are relatively customizable and give plenty of freedom for students to express their individuality.

There are many exciting features in Glogster that go beyond the actual poster. For instance, there are multiple ways to save and share your glogsters. Users can simply save to Glogster, or they can embed their work, print, or add to a portfolio. These functions provide for easy sharing between students, teachers, and parents. It is easy to see how Glogster can be used for creating individual or group projects, but Glogster can also be used to flip your classroom. Teachers can create Glogsters for specific lessons and then push them to students through an LMS, blog, or by email.

Although Glogster is full of innovative solutions for poster creation, there are a few downfalls. First, adding media is a multi step process that makes the time needed from start to finish quite long. If you decide to use Glogster, you may want to consider doing some prep by gathering media such as pictures and videos beforehand. Second, the free service has a very limited number templates. There are other services like Glogster that are free and are actually easier to use (Padlet, Mural.ly). So, if your school is not big on spending money, Glogster is not worth  your time. Finally, whenever adding media to Glogster, it is typical to experience lag. In today's world of high speed internet, this becomes especially frustrating.

Overall, Glogster has great potential to be a versatile tool in the classroom. It can be used for assessment, presentation, and flipping your classroom. However, if you want Glogster to be worth your time, it is worth while to consider buying a subscription. In the end, that could make all the difference.

Check back soon for reviews on other web based and tablet applications.
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