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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
Jun 08, 2012 by Teacher Education |
| Overview: |
Posterous is a mini blogging site. In contrast to other blogging applications this can be used with iPhones and other mobile devices. It allows posting of journal or blog type entries with inclusion of text, photos, and video.
Posterous application can be used to update multiple social networking sites as well as create emails to those following your account. |
| Learning Goals: |
Expand interpersonal communications through inclusion of digital multimedia
Develop digital literacy and digital citizenship skills through content development |
| Target Student Population: |
Adult learners, high school and middle school students |
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
Ability to use e-mail, and upload attached files. |
| Type of Material: |
Blogging and Social Networking Tool |
| Recommended Uses: |
This application falls between full fledged blogging and Twitter. It enables the teacher to create a private space for the classroom. Controls allow the teacher to select what type of access to give followers: open to all, read only, post, or post with teacher moderation first.
Posterous can be used by teachers to support student development of digital literacy skills by using audio-visual tools to enrich communications with family and close friends or classmates or with others worldwide. |
| Technical Requirements: |
Broadband Internet access or iPhone or Android phone. |
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| Strengths: |
Poserous makes it quick and easy to upload video and audio files and to add text to blog postings to convey ideas, concepts, feelings, and events. The site reduces the need for expert editing or management of multimedia files, allowing users to focus on the message to be conveyed. |
| Concerns: |
Tumblr is a competitive application that does the same thing. Reviews have stated that Posterous is better at sending information to Facebook and other social networking sites but that Tumblr is a better social network: "In terms of a built-in social network, Tumblr has a slight edge."
Computer World: "Microblogger shootout: Posterous Spaces vs. Tumblr", 10/14/2011 /http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9220503/Microblogger_shootout_Posterous_Spaces_vs._Tumblr 10/14/11
The ease of uploading files can also be accomplished without thought. Instructional guidance on the quality and appropriateness of the message most likely will be needed with younger users. |
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:    |
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| Strengths: |
Posterous can be used in a variety of ways that exploit the burgeoning filed of social networking, making it an effective tool to allow students to practice safe and effective digital communications on multiple levels. Apps are available for both iPhones and Android phone systems, and it allows cross posting to a wide variety of social networking sites. |
| Concerns: |
Because it is linked with social networking sites, it may be blocked for many K-12 users. |
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
| Rating: |
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| Strengths: |
The site is very easy to use, and there are multiple examples of quality postings available to provide new users with ideas of how to develop and present quality messages. For users used to digital communication and sharing, there is little to block their progress. For users less comfortable with social networking, the biggest block may be in clicking the button to get started. |
| Concerns: |
Copy/pasting from Word can result in extra characters. |
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
The array of examples of quality postings is a big plus for providing teachers examples and methods of helping students to analyze the characteristics of strong digital communication. |
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