Monday, May 16, 2011

Let's Try Glogging!




During my wiki project, I wanted to make a poster including the work team photos, goal of the project, the tasks required and and my students' voices. Then, I remembered a tool that I have learned about it in one of EVO2011 courses. This tool is called Glogster. Let's know more about it.

What is a Glogster?

It an online tool that allows you to create digital, interactive posters. These posters incorporate text, audio, graphics and video. Here is the the glog that I have created during my wiki project:




How to use Glogster in the classroom?

Instead of using powerpoint to present your lecture- try using glogster! You can include text and images that relate to the material. You can link to additional web resources. It’s an easy, clean way to present information to students. When you finish lecturing, the glogs can be posted online for the students to refer back to later to study for the test.

Glogs can also be used as part of a webquest activity. Teachers can link to websites that contain valuable information. Videos and graphics can be embedded right into the glog so the information is neatly in one place. These webquests are easy to create and the students will have fun exploring the glog.

Students will also love to create their own glogs! Instead of printing our pictures and messing with scissors and glue, images and video can be added right to their glogs. They can express an event in history, a science concept, characters in a story, or math concepts. The value they will get out of the project will depend on the assignment they are given. Assignment should be structured so that they are providing valuable information, but can also use they creativity and express themselves!

How to Create a Poster on Glogster?

It is so easy to create your first glog. Please follow these instuctions and videos and you can do it in ten minutes:
  1. Go to Glogster.com and set up your account. The first screen you will see is your dashboard. Choose the "Create a new Glog" button.
  2. Select "Wall" from the magnet toolbar that sits on top of your Glog to the left. This changes the background art on your poster. There are several genres from which to choose, ranging from emo to goth to hippie.
  3. Select "Images" from the magnet toolbar. Choose a picture from your computer and upload it. Glogster also allows you to link to online media or using the Grab feature, Glogster will initialize the camera or video equipment on your computer to create new media.
  4. Position your photo by dragging it to the desired location within your Glog. A new toolbar will now appear, allowing you to add special effects, frames and experiment with color work.
  5. Add graphics to your Glog by selecting the button on the toolbar. Hundreds of themed graphic and animated images are available as stock options in Glogster. Simply drag and drop them where appropriate.
  6. Add text by selecting the button on your magnet toolbar. This will open a box allowing you to choose a text frame. Drag and drop it at the location you desire. Select Edit on the new toolbar that is found near the top of the frame. You will now be able to type in your text, change the font style and size, and use other special effects.
  7. Add video and sound in the same way as the other features. Select the appropriate feature from the toolbar. Select upload, link or grab. Add special effects.
  8. Continue adding images and other effect to create your Glog. Glogster has thousands of examples available from which to draw inspiration. Once you are pleased with your Glog, select the preview button and finally the publish button.

Glogster in 90 seconds


Adding Wall



Adding Text

Adding Graphics


Adding Sounds




Adding Videos



Adding Links




Examples of Educational Glogs:

Here are some glogs created by other teachers. You can use them with your students or consider them as a model for you:

By using this tool, I think that teachers can integrate all language skills in a way that make students feel very happy. This tool allows students to play with colors, texts, sounds and videos. Of course, this is what students need. Try it and find the difference.

Resources:
  1. http://cnx.org/content/m32202/latest/
  2. http://www.slideshare.net/catherinelambert/using-glogster-in-the-classroom-2550646
  3. http://www.ehow.com/how_5941261_create-poster-glogster.html

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