So it’s been a few days of silly little coincidences, like the two people who within about 10 minutes of each other contacted me from very disparate parts of the globe to tell me about Mogopop. Like, whoa!
Somebody, somewhere was writing about not having much patience for new tools that they can’t figure out in like 10 nanoseconds since there is so much other stuff to try out there. I’m more and more finding myself without patience for tools that aren’t extremely easy and intuitive, no matter what they claim to offer. But this little Mogopop thing has me hooked. Basically, if you’ve ever wanted to deliver a course via an iPod (or, perhaps someday, a phone? Maybe?) then Mogopop is the tool of the moment.
Now I know this first attempt isn’t anything stellar, but seriously, in about seven minutes I put together this little aggregation of photo, video and text that you can now download to your video iPod (and, perhaps someday, your phone? Maybe?) and get a quick idea of what, um, my daughter looks like, the Wikipedia definition of Web 2.0 (needs some formatting) and a short clip of some kids at a workshop I did in the U.K. I know, I know…not much that’s useful there…except the concept.
So imagine if you will, a whole slew of quality content like this that learners can access and port with them, or better, learners putting together resources that can be shared with the community to further their thinking and discussion, or perhaps portfolios of work, or maybe personalized reflections in audio, video, text form, or… All deliverable to your iPod (or, perhaps someday…) What else?
And wow, already three other people have downloaded my project! Web goodness! (I know…I need to get a life…)
Great idea. I love the way the content is “hyperlinked” within the iPods notes. As you mentioned, I’m also wondering when this will be a concept for cell phones. I also think of the teacher who can grab the portfolios mentioned to be able to assess them all on one device (be it a handheld or “perhaps someday, a phone?”).
Here’s to looking into the future… Happy Holidays everyone!
There is a site that does this for cell phones called Tocmag:
http://www.togmag.com
It enables you to create a mini-magazine consisting of up to six screen of text, photos, audio or video. These magazines can be downloaded to a cell phone for the price of a multimedia download. Your cell phone must be java enabled. Unfortunately, the site has just made the news here in the UK, as a teacher overheard students discussing a video download on “how to make a joint” available from the site. Although this has now been removed, the site has already been put on the banned list for many schools, despite the fact that you cannot view the downloads on the site, only create them. I’ve recently blogged on this story, see:
http://advisorymatters.naaceblogs.org/2006/12/21/tocmag-or-not-tocmag/
Unfortunately, Tocmag does not have an ‘education’ category to tag downloads – perhaps there should be one to redeem itself?
Hi Will,
I hope all is well. So, here’s the question: How can we use Magopop effectively to promote critical thinking about important ideas. I’d love to get involved in some collaborative projects to develop high quality activities using tools like Magopop to promote high quality learning while at the same time enabling students to fulfill standards.
Check out my new “Living Textbook” which will be continuously added to: http://www.Pass-Ed.com/about.html
Sounds very interesting, i wonder what the next step is because this is only the beginning of what is truely possible with small compact players.
I am studying to become a physical education teacher. Lately, I have been thinking about ways I will integrate technology into my classes. The Mogopopp sounds like something that would work well in a physical education class. I can see students using them for music to make dance or jump rope routines. I know that there will be skills that I will not be able to demonstrate easily and I think the Mogopopp could help with this issue. I could download a video of someone completing the skill with the correct form onto my students Mogopopp. Students could then, watch the video as many times as needed.