Beeclip EDU- Create Online Scrapbooks and More

While searching for an alternative to the no-longer free Glogster EDU, I discovered Beeclip EDU.  Beeclip EDU is a simple platform that gives users the option to create an online scrapbook, collage, photo album, portfolio, or poster by adding photos and videos.  The EDU version is free to teachers, but it only allows for the addition of up to 30 student accounts and one project.  (Teachers can upgrade to the paid version for more features or to purchase additional accounts).  Once work is complete, students have a private environment to view other student projects and insert their comments.  Multiple students can work on the same project simultaneously by adding additional editors.  Work can be embedded, downloaded, and printed once completed.

While this is a nice, free alternative to Glogster, Beeclip's interactive features are limited.  For example, students cannot draw directly onto their scrapbook, search for clip art, add music, or even change the size of the text.  They can, however, add YouTube videos, borders to photos, and text bubbles.  If you are looking for a very simple way to create digital scrapbooks or posters, Beeclip EDU is worth a look.

ifaketext: Create your own fake text messages

ifaketext is a fun website.  Users enter the text from an imaginary conversation happening via text messages.  Once completed, ifaketext creates a screenshot which can be shared through a link or by embedding it in a website. (See my example below).  I imagine how much fun students would have creating conversations between book characters, historical figures, or practicing vocabulary. What other creative uses for this can you imagine?   

Create Infographics to Visually Share Research

Infograpics are trendy on the web.  Who doesn't love a good visual representation of statistics and research information?  Your students can become part of the trend by easily creating their own infographics using these great websites:

1.  Piktochart- With the free account, choose from one of five themes.  Add your images, text, and create charts.  A professional looking poster is instantly created!  Download and save the finished product.  Here's an example of one of their templates.

2.  Easelly- Similar to Piktochart, you can choose from one of their pre-made themes (called vhemes) or start with a blank canvas.  Add pictures, text, and modify as desired.  Easelly also supplies a variety of clip art from which to choose.  Here's an example of an Easelly template:

Infographics are ultimately a fantastic and creative way for students to present information on a topic.  It requires that students synthesize their information in a meaningful way while creating new knowledge.  This is only one of the many 21st century skills that will ensure success in the future.

Google Research Tool: New in Google Docs

Here's another reason why you want to be using Google Docs with your students: Google just added a new tool that gives students the power to conduct an instant Google search right in Google Docs.  Once information or a picture is used, Google will even create a citation or a link for the source.

Here's how to use the Google Research tool:

1.  Open a Google Doc, and go to Tools-Research.

2.  On the right a search box appears.  Type in the search topic.

3.  Underneath each result is the option to add a hyperlink or create a citation with a simple click!  Please note that citations are added to the bottom of each document as footnotes.  These can be moved to a Works Cited or Bibliography page, if desired.

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4.  Students can also choose to limit their searches to images, Google Scholar links, or quotes.

Research has suddenly become easier!

While I love the Google Research tool for its ease of use and quick formatting of citations, we must remember the importance of directing students to APPROPRIATE, RELEVANT, and RELIABLE sources of information.  I tend to caution teachers against using Google as a primary research tool.  We must teach students effective search strategies, website evaluation, and the difference between academic and non-academic sources when using search engines.  Students need to consider authority, bias, publisher, currency, and depth of information before using any website as a source of information.  While we may believe that students are savvy web searchers, the opposite is in fact true.  Although today's students have grown-up with the Internet, they need direct instruction on how to appropriately and effectively find information while navigating a vast variety of information on any topic.  They also need to learn how to effectively evaluate a website before accepting the information presented as truth.  I find it mildly entertaining and slightly disturbing at how easily students will believe the information found on fake websites such as All About Explorers or   Ban Dihydrogen Monoxide.  Your Instructional Resource Coach can provide lessons on Internet searching and website evaluation to help you better prepare your students to use the web effectively.  These are 21st century skills that are essential to success in a digital world.

Remember that we have many excellent subscription databases and library print materials that will lead students to appropriate, relevant, and reliable information.  We need to be guiding students to these resources before sending students off on an Internet hunt without proper guidance.