TOP PICKS | 23 TOOLS
Social Networks for Students and Teachers
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For Students
twiducate
Safe social network for classroom communication somewhat limited
Bottom line: Twiducate has a few limitations, but the site provides a secure system for teachers and students to share work and communicate.
Grades: 1–12
Price: Free
The Wonderment
Ambitious global community aims for public good through student engagement
Bottom line: A powerful, improving social network for exploring the world and effecting positive change.
Grades: 1–12
Price: Free
DIY
Design, build, and share new things offline and online
Bottom line: DIY motivates kids to tackle a wide range of problems with independent and scientific thinking.
Grades: 3–8
Price: Free
Edublogs
Customizable classroom blogs get students writing and collaborating
Bottom line: This rich and safe blogging tool makes it easy for teachers and students to extend the classroom into a wider community.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free, Paid Basic free version. $7.95 per month or $39.95 per year for Pro account.
Project Noah
Engaging online community for relevant, hands-on science fieldwork
Bottom line: Project Noah is a free and easy way to take part in biodiversity research with the support of a knowledgeable and global community.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free
LitPick
Tweens' reviews of YA literature great for classroom use
Bottom line: LitPick is a safe, fun environment for YA lovers to read their favorite books while learning how to discuss literature.
Grades: 5–12
Price: Free
Sit With Us
Teen-created social tool boosts lunchtime inclusion and community
Bottom line: This app has the potential to help students make connections with other students they may not otherwise engage with.
Youth Voices
Vibrant online community hosts authentic student writing
Bottom line: Supported student writing, collaboration, and communication make this a healthy space for kids to express themselves.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free
Goodreads
Lively community for bookworms to share their love of lit
Bottom line: Using Goodreads can enhance teens' reading experience and help them become thoughtful, enthusiastic readers.
Grades: 8–12
Price: Free
Teen Ink
Get kids writing, publishing, critiquing in this valuable network
Bottom line: Teens will find a wealth of information and many opportunities to further interest in writing and the creative arts.
Grades: 8–12
Price: Free
My Experiment
Collaborative scientific social network best for advanced HS students
Bottom line: While not for everyone, this resource can be useful for advanced students conducting their own scientific research.
Grades: 11–12
Price: Free
For Students and Teachers
Skype
Live video communication has potential to open lots of doors
Bottom line: With a bit of work and a measure of patience, Skype can be an excellent classroom tool to expand students' horizons.
Grades: 1–12
Price: Free
Edmodo
Manage classes, content, and communication with social LMS platform
Bottom line: This free platform allows for teacher-monitored classroom communication but lacks excitement.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free This website is free to use for all features, but it does contain advertisements on the teacher side.
Google Hangouts
Communication, learning, and fun converge nicely in Google's slick platform
Bottom line: It runs like a dream, works on all devices, and can be used in so many ways to enhance interactive learning.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
Diigo
Social bookmarking encourages discovery, collaboration, and sharing
Bottom line: With a Diigo educator account, teachers and students have a safe space to organize, customize, and share Web content while learning about a variety of subjects.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free, Paid Users can mark and highlight 1,000 items a year with a free Diigo subscription; two paid versions, which cost from $20-$40 a year, provide unlimited bookmarking, screen capture, and highlighting capabilities.
The educator account, which is also free, lets teachers bookmark and save 20 cached pages a month (users are allowed to save multiple versions of the same page at different times to track changes) and provides unlimited highlighting capabilities
The Harry Potter Alliance
Fan site promotes real-world heroics with activism for social justice
Bottom line: A fun, empowering community for Potter fans who want to talk Hogwarts and make the world a better place while they're at it.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free
Stellar photo app promotes sharing, creativity but has risks
Bottom line: An absorbing, endless gallery of images that's fun to browse but tricky for classroom use due to privacy and content concerns.
Snapchat
Playful, social, and creative social network requires thoughtful use
Bottom line: A super-fun social media tool, but privacy issues may outweigh its classroom appeal.
Periscope
Instant-broadcasting tool is iffy for kids, might be boon for teachers
Bottom line: Used with purpose, this could be a game-changing, innovative tool for your classroom, but teachers need to be mindful of -- and take seriously -- the privacy pitfalls.
GroupTweet
Simple and safe way to use Twitter with your students
Bottom line: A great way to use social media in school without compromising student safety.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free to Try, Paid Discounted pricing for schools and teachers is $4.99 per month for up to 10 contributors, $7.99 for up to 30 contributors, and $12.99 for unlimited contributors.
Great for some college-bound kids; too much pressure for others
Bottom line: While it offers resources for kids headed to college, it's hard to envision them actually wanting a LinkedIn profile.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free, Paid
Visually appealing, endlessly creative gallery of images and ideas
Bottom line: An effective way to search for new ideas and save them for later use, but keep an eye on the source -- and on your watch.
Smart classroom tool if used with care; priceless for PLNs
Bottom line: Twitter offers something for everyone: information, resources, and an easy way to connect with just about anyone.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free
