Whrrl is a new social networking site that allows you to create chronologically and geographically connected “stories”. My first thoughts were what a great tool to use for exploring neighborhoods or document a class trip. The more I thought about it, I was really struck with the idea of using this tool to help your students do a bit of local history. Using a classroom Whrrl account students can work individually or in groups to create historic walking tours and then present them in class or have peers visit them online and provide critiques of the work.
Now a couple of disclaimers:
1. I just got an IPhone and was looking for great APPs and that is how I stumbled across this. In a just and verdant world everyone would have an IPhone—but alas no. BUT, Whrrl works great with a laptop and digital camera, you use text messaging (what student does not have that these days!), or a number of other combination.
2. Remind you students if they are using their own equipment that they may incur charges and you have to provide options so that they do not get charged.
3. When using geographic based social networking in the classroom remind student not to include combination of photos and names, safety first online!
Would love to see if this works, so feel free to send along your Whrrl stories!
