Spinndle

Student-centered platform makes project organization, tracking easier

Learning rating

Community rating

Based on 3 reviews

Privacy rating

Not yet rated
Expert evaluation by Common Sense

Grades

6–12

Subjects & Skills

Communication & Collaboration, Creativity

Great for

Assessment, Classroom Management, Instructional Design, Instructional Strategies, PBL, Portfolios

Price: Free, Paid
Platforms: Web

Pros: Helpful tutorials, templates. Supports independent and collaborative work. Builds life and career skills.

Cons: Takes time to set up (and potentially reframe your curriculum). Teachers will need a clear picture of what they'd like for students to accomplish and how.

Bottom Line: This platform gives teachers options for structuring a learning experience that students truly own.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

Teachers can use Spinndle to make project-based learning (PBL) more manageable. If you have an existing PBL unit, or even a lesson with a project-based component, you might start by using Spinndle to re-create it. However, even so it might be best to explore the library of projects or templates to get a sense of the way Spinndle approaches project design. One thing you'll notice is that while teachers set up the experience, students drive it. Teachers provide the initial framework and instructions for projects in the form of Stages, Pathways, and Tasks, and then it's up to students to add and manage group tasks, communicate with their peers, and show specific evidence of learning and task completion. In this way, Spinndle does a good job of offering both teachers and students a flexible starting point for a learning journey that evolves over time based on student input. Teachers monitor things and provide feedback as needed.

Students can use Spinndle to design passion projects, analyze literature, present research to their peers, and more. These tasks can stretch from simple individual or group projects to extended PBL opportunities. Regardless of the type of project, students must use their social and emotional learning (SEL) and executive function skills. They'll need to communicate effectively, manage time and tasks, and take charge of their learning. Group members post content, communicate with peers and teachers, and track the group's progress through the project feed. This enables them to see group members' activities and provide feedback and reminders to keep things flowing.

Teachers can differentiate by assigning content to individuals or groups and/or by providing feedback and reference resources as needed. As projects evolve, teachers will want to check in on the project feeds regularly to see who's posting what and who might need support or a nudge in the right direction. This helps with accountability and targeted support. Ultimately, this is a tool that'll work best when well-structured by teachers and with appropriate student buy-in and responsible participation. This'll take some norm- and expectation-setting up front, especially because the design doesn't have a lot of flash, dash, and gamification to it. This means intrinsic motivation, driven by absorbing projects and meaningful collaboration, will be the key to success.

Learning Rating

Overall Rating
Engagement

The media upload options and social nature of the site give it a social media feel. The site encourages communication, creativity, and collaboration.

Pedagogy

There's a focus on both teacher and peer feedback. Students drive the experience. Combines SEL and executive function practice. Students build lifelong skills.

Support

Students can demonstrate learning via text or media. Students can lean on -- and learn from -- each other. Great tutorials and templates. Could use wraparound materials for prepping students to be responsible.

Common Sense reviewer
Marianne Rogowski
Marianne Rogowski Instructional Technology Facilitator

Community Rating

A resource that supports best practices for teachers and develops future-ready students.

Spinndle is an up-and-coming winner in the Ed Tech world. At the time of writing this, it is a beta product. The founders are incredibly receptive to feedback and quick to respond, react and incorporate ideas into the program. I see Spinndle as a huge support in developing executive functioning in my students - particularly after 2 years of learning through Covid.

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Privacy Rating

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