Blendspace has become my go-to tool for organizing resources. You are going to LOVE it! It is a FREE web tool that allows you to collect resources in one place. You can also search the Gallery for Blendspace that other teachers have already created. Why reinvent the wheel? I love the gallery feature. I have found so many great resources this way to add to my curriculum.
You can pull resources from virtually anywhere. From within the app! You can pull from YouTube, websites, pictures, Flickr, Dropbox, powerpoints, Google images and Google Drive. It makes pulling together resources very quick and easy. You search, drag and drop right into the Blendspace tiles. It really is that easy!
Within Blendspace, you can create multiple choice quizzes. This allows you to assess the students' learning right alongside the content. Since you can add from Google Drive, you can add Google Forms for more in depth questions! The resources are numbered, so another way to use Blendspace is to add text (directions) to the first tile and create an assignment or WebQuest, and put your assessment or Google Form at the end.
You can create a unique URL code for your Blendspace. This can be shared with colleagues or with your students. I've been using this feature this past quarter. I shared resources on the Pythagorean Theorem with parents and students to supplement the curriculum. I've also used this to share with other teachers in our building that teach the same content.
Blendspace has a feature that allows you to create a class and add your students. This gives them password access to your Blendspace. It adds a whole new dimension to this already incredible tool! When you add students, you will be able to see who has accessed your lessons and you can gather data from the embedded assessments. Students can comment on resources - even videos. This can be invaluable feedback! Students can ask for help or tag areas that they need additional support. Students can even create their own Blendspace, as way to demonstrate their learning. Authentic assessment in its truest form!
Blendspace is a great tool for every teacher, regardless of your grade level or content area. You can use it as a way to organize resources, or to share with your colleagues. I like naming my Blendspaces by skill. This will make planning next year really easy! I also like how it's visual, with its large tile format. This is what gives it an edge over Google Drive or Dropbox, in my opinion. It's a perfect addition to your BYOD classroom or flipped classroom. It is accessible with any device that has internet access since it is web based. It is also an excellent way to differentiate lessons and for assessment.
Ready to get started? Watch this YouTube Video on Blendspace and enjoy!
