SymbalooEDU

=**[|SymbalooEDU]** - David Raft=

__** About SymbalooEDU **__ =**SymbalooEDU is a customizable home page tool that supports users by housing their most frequently used web-based links in a format that is organized and easy to use. It is a web-based application that enables learners to organize, integrate and share online content in one setting. Users have the ability to drag and drop items to organize them in a way that the user finds most useful. Users search for items from the web or from the collection that SymbalooEDU offers. This also allows educators to create their own web mixes of tailored resources that can be shared with their students. It can be used by students and staff to create their own Personal Learning Environments (PLE). This tool can easily be shared with classmates, colleagues, parents and anyone who would like it! **=



** __Strengths:__ ** ** __Weaknesses:__ **
 * ** Easy to use! **
 * ** A Web based tool. **
 * ** A free version is available. **
 * ** Perfect for creating Personal Learning Environments. **
 * ** Never have to type in websites or try to remember them. **
 * ** Having multiple search engines on one page compared to only one. **
 * ** Sharing Web mixes are simple and easily sent via Email. **
 * ** Great way for teachers to share class resources with their students. **
 * ** Great for secondary students who are organizing multiple classes. **
 * ** Provides for a safe site for students when searching the Web. **
 * ** Items are stored in the Cloud so you don't risk losing settings. **
 * ** Could cut down on paper **
 * ** Healthy - No need to carry tons resources. Just a computer, I-pad, Smartphone, etc.. **


 * ** There is a cost for full accessibility. **
 * ** For SymbalooEDU best use it costs teachers $24.99 a year. **
 * ** There is a district / school cost that is per pupil. **
 * ** It does take time to actually set up web-mixes. **
 * ** Phone App is free, but you have to be 17 to download. **
 * ** Need access to internet. **
 * ** Lacks a calendar or check list component. **

** __Examples of Use:__ **
 * I am thinking of the similarities and contrasts between a one-room school-house where all the students had slate boards and the 21st century classroom where they all hold a single tool that links to the net. This shift could focus on green schools by cutting-down on paper, and on student health as we continue to be concerned with children carrying heavy books. If each teacher’s class resources were available to students on their main home screen it would make for quick and easy access. For example, if a teacher uses Youtube, online textbook, camtasia, etc. those links would appear. Teachers could share their site with their students and make student learning engaging and exciting. I really liked this organizational tool and the possibilities are endless. The original version of Symbaloo is a tool I use as my homepage. I discovered the EDU version while searching Web 2.0. Cool Tools for Schools. I initially thought of the tool for my personal use, but with the added feature of SymbalooEDU the opportunity to enhance student learning has grown. This is a going to be tech tip number one at Saline Middle School this August. **

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