Glogster

In using Glogster (http://njlattimer.edu.glogster.com/), an online program used to create a virtual posterboard, I found many benefits and only a couple of downfalls. Glogster allows a student to put together pictures, links to websites, descriptions, and clever backgrounds for a posterboard-like page to help teach or present a certain topic. I really enjoy the fact that a student can so easily put together a "glog" on any topic. With the freedom on the internet confined to an online presentation the student does not have to buy supplies or spend as much time on a project as if he/she was using an actual posterboard. Since everthing is done online, no student can boast in resources used on a project, the playing field is leveled with Glogster.

In a middle school social studies classroom, Glogster is ideal. Because of the access to resources the internet provides, how easily it is used and the creativity it allows, Glogster could only help a middle school student put together a collection of facts and links. However, Glogster could pose a problem for certain students. Considering Glogster is a computer-accessed resource, the students must have access to a computer outside of a classroom. Also, an e-mail address is necessary for Glogster, something that most middle school students probably do not have.

On the upside, the two issues presented with Glogster can be overcome with a student going to a public library. Glogster is a great tool for a middle school social studies student!