SYMBALOO
These photos are screenshots of my work on Symbaloo, demonstrating how teachers would use this tool and providing evidence of my mastery of the tool. Click on the slideshow for a better look.
DESCRIPTION
Symbaloo is a visual and social bookmarking tool that would be a great for teacher use. Users create individual and customizable tiles, and each tile is a web link. These tiles can be organized into Webmixes, which are similar to folders that display all of the tiles you put into that specific Webmix. Webmixes can be shared via Facebook, Twitter, or email. Users can even search the Symbaloo website for specific Webmixes and add other users’ Webmixes to their own Symbaloo profile. I actually found a Symbaloo that linked to various Web 2.0 tools which correlated to Bloom’s taxonomy. Teachers can utilize this tool to create lesson plans, compile and organize online resources, collaborate with other teachers, and share resources with students.
SUMMARY OF USAGE
Corresponding ALCOS Standard:
6) Identify characteristics of animals, including behavior, size, and body covering
• Comparing existing animals to extinct animals
Examples: iguana to stegosaurus, elephant to wooly mammoth
• Identifying migration and hibernation as survival strategies
I created a Symbaloo that compiled all of the lesson plans, resources, assessments, and other activities I needed to teach my students a unit about the characteristics of animals. The students would describe and identify tangible models of various animals and categorize them into groups based on those characteristics. They would then be grouped to complete a PowerPoint project on an extinct animal of their choice. The Symbaloo not only organizes resources for the teacher, but the students can utilize it as well to view videos, find links, or review criteria for this assignment. Teachers can create a Webmix for each lesson unit to be used in the same way as this lesson plan was, so this tool is versatile for all subjects.
BLOOM'S TAXONOMY
-
Remember: The lesson plan that I inserted into Symbaloo requires students to remember which animal characteristics make up animal groups.
-
Understand: Students must also understand how these animal groups are similar and different from each other based on the various characteristics.
-
Apply: Students apply their knowledge in the PowerPoint project. They must use what they know and have learned to identify and classify an extinct animal on their own.
TOOL SELECTION CRITERIA
-
Free: This tool did not cost money to sign up or use its features.
-
Easy to use: The website has clear tutorials and it is easy to create tiles and Webmixes in a visually pleasing way, plus it is customizable.
-
Accessibility: The website is available as an app, so teachers, students, and even parents can view the resources and Webmixes that are created on computers, tablets, or cell phones.
ISTE-T STANDARDS
3) Model digital age work and learning: Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.
a) Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
This tool allows teachers to exhibit their work processes and transfer their knowledge, resources, and teaching materials to their students and other teachers. Teachers can also collaborate on Symbaloo, working together to construct Webmixes or add web links. A teacher using this tool would demonstrate fluency in technology and would represent innovation in a digital society.