FOLD is an open-source tool for anyone who want to tell a story. It is a "reading, authoring, and publishing platform" that can be used to structure and contextualize stories. The tool comes from the MIT Media Lab and the MIT Center for Civic Mediate. Material you create is Creative Commons licensed by default, but this can be changed.
Type of Material:
Development Tool
Recommended Uses:
This platform could be used as a vehicle for creating lessons for teachers to use or it could also be a vehicle for students to design reports or projects for classes at multiple levels and in multiple disciplines.
FOLD's use of linking media cards can be used by individuals and teams to capture information and stories in-class, as homework, and as a developing project over time.
Technical Requirements:
Technical needs will vary with the desired content of the story. The site recommends the Chrome browser, although it works in other browsers as well.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
1. To provide a platform for creating stories that may be non-linear.
2. To provide a platform for creating stories that include multi-media.
Target Student Population:
Middle School, High School, College General Ed
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
No prerequisite knowledge is required. However, it would be helpful to create a web or map of the content to be shared. There is a minimap feature in FOLD that can help with this.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
FOLD provides the online tools for users to create their stories, content, and interactive offerings. The non-linear aspect of FOLD (much like hyperstacks from the 1990s) allows for deep dives into content, but also supports the inclusion of images, video clips, gifs, diagrams, etc. by links from the written text. This ability to connect word to media allows for development and presentation of concepts and/or models within the curricular discipline being addressed. There is a gallery of materials that users can browse.
Concerns:
The use of copyrighted materials in the FOLD stories is unknown. There is no statement on the FOLD site about the being aware of the appropriate use of copyright material.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The FOLD platform structure allows for story line development and rearrangement. Sequencing of cards and linking media to key words in the stories helps students demonstrate their understanding of content. Assessment of story content can be read and seen in the card layout. FOLD can be used with any curricular area.
As a free, open-source platform, Fold provides users with an effective way to "show what they know" about a given topic.
Concerns:
Educators would need to school their students in the proper use of materials regarding copyright and use privileges.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
This open-source tool is easy to navigate and use. New members receive an email with ideas for getting started. A "how-to" link provides visual tips for using FOLD. There are FOLD stories that can be viewed for ideas. A search slot allows users to find FOLD stories that may be of interest to them.
Creative Commons:
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