Exploratree

After observing the inquiry process in classrooms, Exploratree felt students would benefit from creating digital projects online. These digital projects could be editted, changed, presented, and shared easily.
 * __Resources Links and/or Class Examples__**

[|Exploratree] [|Free Technology for Teachers] [|Exploratree In Action]\ [|Teachers First]


 * __Strengths__**
 * Free tool for creating graphic organizers
 * Access interactive thinking guides, edit them, and personsonlize them
 * "Thinking guides" or "frameworks" are completely customizable
 * Offers wide range of templates
 * Supports students' research and projects
 * Sequencing feature helps students organize thoughts
 * "Padlock" feature keeps text from being deleted
 * Printable
 * "Thinking guides" can be completed on Web site
 * "Thinking guides" can be submitted for comments
 * Thinking guides can be saved online and so can be accessed from different computers
 * Thinking guides can be sent to multiple people for editing and so can be used for group projects
 * __Weaknesses__**
 * Homepage states that this is a Beta/trial version of Exploratree
 * Students must have an email address to sign up
 * Only one group member can work on a shared guide at a time, so students cannot contribute to the guide simultaneously.
 * __Opportunities__**
 * Create your own "Thinking guide"
 * Work in groups
 * Save and share work
 * Create a personal online portfolio
 * Add/Change text, shapes, and images
 * Send guides privately or send URL link
 * __Threats﻿__**
 * For safety purposes, have students use a code name or number when registering
 * There is no administrative option, so teachers cannot control or approve what students post.
 * Any member of a group can invite more members, so teachers cannot control who students invite to the group.


 * __Ideas for Classroom__**
 * Whole group discussions
 * Email a "thinking guide" template to an individual or a group for completion
 * Prepare for group or class presentations
 * Make study guides
 * Create online portfolios
 * Gather information on a group research project
 * Create visual illustrations for Science Concepts (such as Photosynthesis)
 * Create story maps and character diagrams
 * Share and compare organizers on interactive whiteboards or projectors and suggest changes
 * __﻿__**