During our last class
meeting, we engaged in some group work using Padlet (padlet.com), which
enables users to create a virtual wall. Once this wall is created, the
users can share the wall with others (via a URL).
From there on, anyone with access to the wall can post "sticky notes" to
the wall, and see notes from others in real time. We used this
application during class time to post six words about metaliteracy, and
to see our other classmates' responses. I found the
application to be really fun, because it was quick and easy way to share
my ideas, and to see the ideas of my classmates. I also thought it was
cool that I could edit my responses even after I posted them.
Our assignment was to find a
new application that we could use to share information about
metaliteracy with others. I found an application called Poll Everywhere
(polleverywhere.com), which I also found to be pretty
awesome. It's very simple and it does not require user registration. The
user creates a poll, others participate in the poll, and then the
results can be seen in real time on the Web, or during a presentation.
I picked this application
because it reminded me of the I-Clicker System. For those of you who do
not know what that is, it is a way to poll students in a course, with a
remote for the student and a main device for
the professor. It was heavily in use on SUNY Albany's campus when I was
a freshman/sophomore, but I do not hear many who mention anything about
it anymore. I had to purchase a 30-40 dollar remote to participate in a
good amount of my larger classes, and the
professor usually used the system for quizzes, attendance, and extra
credit. I think the I-Clicker fell out of use for a couple of reasons.
First, that thing was expensive! I know a lot of people (including
myself) who couldn't justify buying a 30 dollar remote.
Second, it was battery operated, and the batteries would often die at
the worst times (like right before a quiz). I had a few professors who
brought extra batteries and clickers to class, but those were the nicer
ones. Third, we couldn't share remotes, as only
one student could be registered to a clicker per semester. Finally, the
remote soon became a highly inaccurate measuring tool for class
attendance and participation. I had many friends (and spotted many other
classmates) who would sit in the back of class and
whip out 4 or 5 remotes, clicking the same answers for friends who were
not there.
Back to the topic at hand, I
think that Poll Everywhere is a good idea for teaching metaliteracy
concepts. A teacher or student can easily gauge students' learning and
understanding by asking questions and polling
their feedback. It provides real time results, and can be run directly
from a Web browser. The application also allows the participants to
engage in "Free Response" where they can send feedback, or ask questions
for clarification. The responses can be sent
in via any electronic with internet access, and can also be sent in
through Twitter. The fact that we would be able to utilize social media
in this application further relates it to the concept of metaliteracy.
There are so many things to do with the application,
I encourage you all to check it out! It's pretty interesting. As for a
comparison between this application and Padlet, I do not favor one over
the other because they both do two different things. I still like
Padlet, but I think this is another great option
that we can use in class.
P.S.
I also explored Flisti, which is another polling system. I also liked
this option because it gives the user the ability to embed the poll on
their blog or website, which would be an easy way for us to gauge
feedback
from readers on our posts.
Poll Everywhere is definitely a powerful tool for sharing ideas within the participatory format metaliteracy adopts. I also like the fact that it makes use of social media like twitter which enhances the whole metaliterate learner experience! Brittany, good job on your thorough research! Flisti is also a powerful interactive tool for teaching and learning.
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