Ms. Jenni Parker

I used to use Delicious many moons ago, but since I came across Diigo I'm a convert. I once read somewhere (I can't remember where, my apologies to the author) that "Diigo was like Delicious on steroids". I agree, you can o so much more with it. You can bookmark and website and add multiple "tags" so you can quickly find relevant information on any topic, you can create your own lists (e.g., for a specific topic, or class), you can create your own groups so you can share specific resources with specific groups of people (e.g., different classes). You can add sticky notes and comments that others in your group can see. Others can comment on your bookmarks. In groups, you can set permission about who can add bookmarks etc. etc.

I use this tool with most of my online (& on-campus classes). I start a class group and provide students with instructions about how to join the group. Anyone can see the bookmarks but only group members can comment and add bookmarks. My teaching focuses on integrating technology in the classroom When I add resources to the group, students receive an email advising them a new resource has been added. I encourage students to add their own resources to the group. However, unless I make it a compulsory assessment task most do not add anything. I do get lots of comments from students on the resources I add which indicates they are looking at them. I am also thinking of using it as a "recommend reading list" as you can set the option to add new bookmarks under the existing ones. Therefore my original recommended readings will always be at the top and "additional readings" can be added below – by any group member.

Yes, I have recommended this tool to colleagues.

Symbaloo is my personal learning environment where I store frequently used web links. I have created tabs for different topics of interest e.g., web tools, conferences, blogs, student websites etc.

Strengths – you can create a link to any web URL. You can arrange the icons in whatever order you wish, you can create multiple tabs for different types of information. It has a large range of icons to choose from. You can share each Symbaloo separately. You can access Symbaloo from any computer on the Internet.

Weaknesses – You need to be connected to the Internet. You can't add comments about the URL. Others cannot add tiles to your Symbaloo they can only view it and add it to their own Symbaloo collection.

Classroom use – I create an example Symbaloo to demonstrate to students how they can create their own personal learning environment.

Recommend to a colleague – Yes, I have. When colleagues or students say they have found so many new tools and interesting websites but they have trouble remembering where they were. I advise them to start a Symbaloo library so they can easily find them again and access them from anywhere.

Great tool for having students record their screen to show you what the problem is. Very easy to use.

Easy to use tool for creating digital stories.