What it is: Popling is a free website and desktop application. Their motto is “Learning without Studying”. The idea is to make your own Poplings (flash card sets) and every few minutes (you determine the amount of time) while you work at the computer, a window pops up on the screen with your question. Click on it to see the full question. That is all there is to it, studying without really studying.
How to integrate Popling into the classroom: Popling is a little goodie that could help students in their learning. Set up classroom computers with Poplings about any subject. As students are working they can also be practicing math facts, vocabulary, geography, etc. Better yet, have students create the Popling sets! In the computer lab setting, create Popling flash cards that will quiz students about Internet safety, terminology, or short cuts while they work. It is like sneaking in extra learning, gotta love that! Encourage students to use Popling as a study tool at home…they can study for tests for weeks without it feeling like studying. Install Popling on your interactive whiteboard or projector connected computer. As you are teaching, have related questions popup. This will keep your students engaged watching for the next Popling.
Tips: Tell parents about Popling, they are always looking for great ideas for helping their kids with studying.
Leave a comment and tell us how you are using Popling in your classroom.
What a wonderful idea. I have been looking for just this type of thing to integrate into my classroom. I particularly like the fact that students and parents can use this tool to study at home. It is important to encourage students to be responsible for their own learning. I will have a smart board in my classroom next year and I like the idea of using poplings to grab students’ attention throughout the lesson. I would be very interested in hearing from anyone that has used this application in their classrooms.
I am using it with an interactive whiteboard and the students are very attentive waiting to be ‘the first’ to see the Popling and come up with the answer. It is a fun way to review material that may not be fun to study.