My students loved the idea of ThingLink. I showed my first ThingLink presentation about pit bull terriers. The students enjoyed the pictures, videos and simplicity of visiting various sites. We didn't watch all of the videos, but we did read some of the information pertaining to responsible ownership of pets. We talked about prejudices and misconceptions derived from media, gossip, and irresponsible individuals. The presentation was a great springboard for class discussion.
As a class, we also decided that ThingLink could be utilized as a digital concept map. Often times, students will use the classic paper and coloring utensils to create concepts maps. This enables them to digitally demonstrate their understanding of subject matter. Sadly, they cannot use ThingLink due to restrictions by the school district. Since they can operate a search engine within the site, they have the ability to access inappropriate material. I explained that they could access this site at home, but we would not, as class, use the ThingLink at school. I mentioned that future book reports could be created and the URL emailed to my district email.
Though ThingLink is a great way of combining material into a user-friendly environment, it doesn't truly display what a student knows, or what they learned. It allows them to display the knowledge of others, but it isn't a demonstration of what they actually know.
As a class, we also decided that ThingLink could be utilized as a digital concept map. Often times, students will use the classic paper and coloring utensils to create concepts maps. This enables them to digitally demonstrate their understanding of subject matter. Sadly, they cannot use ThingLink due to restrictions by the school district. Since they can operate a search engine within the site, they have the ability to access inappropriate material. I explained that they could access this site at home, but we would not, as class, use the ThingLink at school. I mentioned that future book reports could be created and the URL emailed to my district email.
Though ThingLink is a great way of combining material into a user-friendly environment, it doesn't truly display what a student knows, or what they learned. It allows them to display the knowledge of others, but it isn't a demonstration of what they actually know.
Below is my ThinkLink presentation on pit bull terrier
RSS Feed