Gliffy

=Gliffy=

Gliffy can create many different types of charts that that can be created quickly and can be edited, saved, printed, or shared. This particular website can help students understand the difference on the different kinds of charts and how to use them properly. This website allows students to easily drag and drop the different elements to create the chart and even allows for Venn diagrams to be created. __STRENGTHS __: __WEAKNESSES: __
 * Venn diagrams and charts can be made in a time efficient manner
 * Visually stimulating diagrams to attract attention
 * Link provided to easily blog about and share diagram
 * Premade layouts available
 * Can be accessed easily at school or at home
 * Export feature allows for saving documents in other formats
 * Free for one user, 5 diagrams, 2mb storage, public diagrams only
 * Website is a bit confusing and students will need guidance
 * Some templates contain inappropriate language for students

__OPPORTUNITIES: __
 * Can save diagrams and flowcharts to use later
 * Students can blog about and share diagrams in collaboration

__<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">IDEAS FOR THE CLASSROOM: __


 * <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Students create diagrams and Venn diagrams to illustrate math concepts
 * <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Students are able to create food chains and food webs to share with their classmates
 * <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Teachers use Venn diagrams to reinforce reading strategies for students
 * <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Teachers can create a plethora of diagrams and save them for later use with the students
 * <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Teachers print out graphs to allow students the opportunity to constantly refer back to the diagram.

According to the [|Gliffy] web site, you can easily create professional-looking flowcharts, diagrams, floor plans, technical drawings, and more. The online diagram editor makes it easier than ever to create great looking drawings.

See the [|YouTube Demo] on Gliffy.

= =

**Strengths**

 * The basic version is free
 * No software to download or install
 * Gives a visual representation of information
 * Has drag and drop elements
 * Easy to use
 * Students can work together to create flow charts, diagrams, or mind maps
 * 24/7 monitoring and support
 * Extensive number of shapes to choose from and use in your diagram
 * You can upload your own images
 * Large drawing area
 * You can lock shapes so they don't move unexpectedly.
 * Anyone can use this program from any computer with Internet access.
 * You can save your creations online, so you don't waste precious computer space

**Weaknesses**

 * The Premium version which includes benefits such as being ad free costs money
 * It is still in beta testing after 3 years.
 * There are a limited number of predefined charts available.
 * It is very sensitive to mouse movements.
 * It can be slow to load.
 * It tends to crash after extended use.
 * There is a plugin you have to install at a cost to be able to link pages and diagrams. 45 day trail period.Gliffy proudly supports the open source community and offers a free license for qualified [|Open Source Projects].

**Opportunities**

 * Collaborate on ideas on projects in the classroom
 * Publish creations to the internet
 * Brainstorm ideas in quick clean manner
 * Students can share their work with anyone online.
 * Provides an authentic audience for student work.
 * Has an icon "blog & share this diagram", making sharing your work easy

**Threats**

 * There are always threats with using the internet
 * The basic version has advertisments which you can not filter contents of
 * The free version displays all work as public.

Ideas For Your Classroom

 * Create a floor plan for your workspace before you move one piece of furniture.
 * Create time lines in history.
 * Have students work together on a story board.
 * Use for science fair project progression.
 * Create family trees.
 * Create organizational charts for projects.
 * Teachers can create their own own graphic organizers for a variety of uses in their classrooms. (Mary K.)

Resources

 * [|Sharing Mind Maps Online] from eduTopia.
 * [|Classroom 2.0] information on Gliffy
 * [|Blogging in the School Library]
 * [|Podcasts on Gliffy]