Week 5 - My Glogster and SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis for Glogster as an Educational Tool

STRENGTHS –
- Easy to use and navigate
- Able to upload images, music, videos, files and insert links
- Helps to promote creativity and individuality with endless ways on how you are able to design and create it (no design layouts that you have to use)
- Glogs are able to be embedded to wikis, blogs, websites, email, facebook etc.
- Easy edit options, numerous graphics, animations and wall designs
- Can be password protected or shared to the public when registered
- Great way to present information to the class as it is engaging for students
- A rubric assessment tool is available when using Glogster in the classroom that can be easily modified to fit the criteria of a specific assignment.
- Using Glogster EDU stops students from being able to access the mainstream Glogster site which prevents them from being able to access inappropriate material.
- Able to add comments to Glogs when registered providing a good collaboration or reflection tool

WEAKNESSES –
- Can be slow when uploading if there is a lot of content or videos to upload
- To ensure you have all features including assessment tools and to prevent unwanted advertisements etc. you must upgrade to premium subscription
- Can be a distraction to students if they decide to play around with it instead of using it how it’s intended

OPPORTUNITIES –
- Suited for all ages as you are able to create simple or complex multimedia projects on any topic of choice
- Allows students to express themselves and add their own individualism to their work
- Able to be shared amongst teachers and peers which can provide new ideas for lesson planning and reflection
- Able to be used for assessments, class projects, portfolios and presentations etc.

THREATS –
- If trying to access YouTube or certain websites schools may have these blocked preventing students from being able to include these in there Glog
- Some schools may have Glogster blocked due to certain content
- If Glogs are made private they could have issues with who accesses them and makes inappropriate comments
- Risk of harassment and cyber bullying but strict guidelines would be in place to insure students in the class abide by these rules