A New Kind of Current Event Project

A New Kind of Current Event

Project: Using Glogster in the

Social Studies Classroom

Kelly M. StoeckleSt. Mary’s College of Maryland,

United [email protected]

Lin Y. MuilenburgSt. Mary’s College of Maryland,

United [email protected]

What is Glogster? Glogster is an interactive site that allows students to

create an interactive poster that can creatively show their thoughts and ideas (Walter, 2009).

These interactive posters are referred to as “glogs” Glogs may contain a variety of interactive mediums

such as: Text Video Audio Graphics Links Special Effects

Why Social Studies? One of the major goals of social studies

classes is to help students grow into effective citizens (Acikalin, 2010). Being an effective citizen requires civic

participation. This requires that students develop appropriate

critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision making skills (Acikalin).

Research has shown a positive correlation between the discussion of current events with one’s peers and civic participation (Klofstad, 2010).

Why is Glogster appropriate for Social Studies? Student made glogs and glog presentations

are easy and exciting ways to initiate peer discussion of current events.

In creating glogs, students have the chance to experience a topic in a variety of different mediums, which may also expose them to different view points. Glogs are an exceptional way to evaluate and help

develop a student’s higher level thinking skills.

Suggested Use First, the teacher should sign up for an account on

http://edu.glogster.com/ Students may then create their own accounts, which can be

added to the teacher’s page. Before beginning their projects, students should be

taught how to create their glog by incorporating a variety of multimedia. Students should be encouraged to look for videos,

newscasts, photos, audio recordings, and other media, as well as print articles to enrich their Glogs.

In order to promote peer discussion of these current event projects, all glogs should be presented to the class.

What can you expect? This sample glog includes graphics, pictures, animations, article summaries, and a video.

Suggested Rubric Criteria Content Quality

Is the topic chosen current and does it appropriately relates to class?

Do the materials and articles presented provide relevant information to the topic?

Are the summaries descriptive and include all the important information?

Variety of Media Does the student use at least three different

technological mediums (e.g., video, podcast, article…)

Do the materials appropriately relate to the topic?

Suggested Rubric Criteria (cont.) Organization and Appearance

Is the information presented in an organized and visually appealing manner?

Are there any technological problems? Are the decorative displays and color schemes

distracting? Mechanics and Grammar

Are there any grammatical errors?

For more information: For more information about Gloster or to

sign up for an account, visit their website:

http://edu.glogster.com/

References Acikalin, M. (2010). Exemplary social studies

teachers use of computer-supported instruction in the classroom. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 9(4). 66-82.

Klofstad, C. (2010). The lasting effect of civic talk on civic participation: Evidence from a panel study. Social Forces, 88(5). 2353-2375.

Walter, C. (2009). Reading Comprehension 2.0. Saskatchewan School Library Association. 1-9.