What is Popplet?
Today, I am reviewing a tool that can be used in the classroom. Popplet.com is a concept mapping tool that can be used in multiple ways in order to improve students cognition in the classroom. You can include words, drawings, links to webpages, and YouTube videos to concept maps on this site. Different colors can be used to separate thoughts and ideas. What I particularly like about this tool, is that you can add collaborators (students) to input thought bubbles (called popples on this site) on your popplet. The student's name will appear with their input. This YouTube video from eduTeacherTV shows a tutorial for Popplet.
How can we use Popplet in our Classroom?
Popplet can be used in any subject. I created a Popplet for a high school biology course. My main focus was on the mechanisms of evolution. I used a Popplet in order to help students visual the different methods of evolution. I included a definition on each, as well as a YouTube video to give an example of each type of evolution.
Basically, you can use this application anyway you may have used a traditional concept map, with the ability to insert videos and images into your concept map. It can be used for brainstorming, putting knowledge together, and for many other uses. You can pre-create a concept map for students to have for use, you can have students create their own concept maps, or you can work together as a class in order to create a concept map.
Why use this tool in the classroom?
This is an easy-to-use tool for the classroom. It can be incorporated into a lesson or can be done by students on their own time. Students can also collaborate on a concept map, making it easy to use for a group project. Concept maps are also a good tool for students to organize their thoughts.
Can students use this app? What are the positives and negatives to Popplet?
Students will be able to use this application on their own. It is very user friendly and with just a brief explanation, they should be able to incorporate different forms of technology into a project or homework assignment done with Popplet. On the positive side: the app is very user friendly, students can collaborate on projects, multiple forms of media can be incorporated. On the negative side: the concept maps can become cluttered or messy if too much information is included, and may be used for memorization instead of understanding material.
Would I recommend this in the Classroom?
Yes! This can be very useful in helping students organize their thoughts and information. I would recommend trying Popplet in the classroom.
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