Formerly EdCanvas, BlendSpace is an online presentation tool that allows users to collect various types of media from across the web and present the resources as an interactive grid or playable slideshow. Original content can be blended with videos, images, simulations and full webpages. Each resource can be annotated with text or, in the Pro version, with audio narration. Users can browse through the BlendSpace and leave comments on the individual resources, or they can collaborate on the creation of a BlendSpace with their peers.
Type of Material:
Development tool
Recommended Uses:
In the hands of teachers, BlendSpace is a perfect tool for supporting flipped classroom models, particularly where differentiated instruction is vital for student success. For students, group projects, ePortfolios and class presentations could make great use of the BlendSpace software.
Technical Requirements:
An App for the iPad and Android is not presently available but soon will be.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
BlendSpace aims to help students and teachers alike organize thoughts, make comparisons between core ideas, and inspire creativity in developing presentations. It attempts to streamline the process of creating class content that will engage digital natives while at the same time meeting learning outcomes. It allows teachers to create presentations for their students. The basic version is free, but if you sign up for the advanced version, you can add voice to the presentation.
Target Student Population:
K-12 or Post-Secondary instructors, Pre-Service instructors
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Ability to collect resources on the web. An ability to prepare content as a presentation (PowerPoint) or short video would also come in handy in extending the potential of the application. There are drag and drop features. At sign up, a tech support person contacts new members---a nice touch!
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This application takes into account the best practices of the 21st century classroom and combines these principles with innovative technology to create a presentation tool that supports learners of all kinds. Given that BlendSpace is suited for all disciplines and technical skill levels, its potential as a classroom fixture is great.
Concerns:
There is a fee to add voice, which is a feature most teachers want, but the cost in December 2013 was $8 monthly (paid annually), although frequent "specials" are offered at half price.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
While the application has the ability to prepare tried-and-true lessons in new and exciting ways, where BlendSpace excels is in its ability to be leveraged by students. From individual projects, informal learning, collaborative work and concept-mapping, students interact with material in all stages of learning. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the tool and the low-learning curve, there are myriad ways that this application might be adapted to any classroom. Educators can enroll their students and collaborate on projects with the advanced feature.
Concerns:
Teachers may prefer the iPad or Android app for this, and it is coming soon. Many teachers want to add voice. Perhaps their institution will pay the fee for the extended version.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The beauty of BlendSpace is in its simplicity - users can begin working on their presentations with a mere click of the mouse. The program leverages Google and Facebook authentication to save users the creation of yet another user account. Best of all, the application looks and functions great on multiple browsers, OS and mobile devices. The Knowledge Base, Feedback, Help Desk and Lesson Tracker are big helps. An email with a special video on how to create a presentation and an offer to attend online training sessions are a nice touch.
Concerns:
It would be great if the presentation mode worked as seamlessly on Google Chrome as it does on Firefox and IE. Also, making the demonstrations of how to use the product a little more prominent on the home page would be a great move - some users might mistake the simplicity of the interface as indicative of a lack of tools, when in actuality, the program is flush with functionality.
Creative Commons:
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