Simplebooklet.com

Simplebooklet.com is an online resource with countless educational possibilities. This web tool allows users to create a myriad of different publications including flyers, brochures, postcards, newsletters, and portfolios. By opening a free online account, users can use text, images, backgrounds, sounds, web sites, and much more to produce “booklets”. Elements can be edited and added with a few clicks of the mouse. Simplebooklet.com provides templates for beginners and those looking for quick inspiration and professionalism. Each creation is saved in the cloud and accessible anywhere there is internet access. Easy sharing to social networking sites and email is paired with a short URL for linking and embedding projects.

This tool has extensive educational potential for a wide range of subjects and grade levels. The site is straightforward and easy to use. Projects can be quick and uncomplicated or difficult and in depth.  A third grade student could be assigned a project to publish a brochure on rainforest animals, or a high school geography student could be asked to produce a hypothetical postcard to a friend describing his experiences in another country.  Producing booklets encourages students to create and use higher level thinking skills to display and communicate what they learn.

Because of the online access of the projects students can easily deliver their work to their teacher. For an interactive twist on the assignment, though, an instructor could require that students share their creation on a class Facebook page. They would be encouraged to watch others’ booklets and give input on what they find.

It could also be used for group learning and collaboration. By taking different roles, students could each produce a booklet describing one aspect of a topic. They would be given the chance to take ownership of the information and feel invested in their learning.

This tool was reviewed on the blog Technology Bits, Bytes,and Nibbles on October 22, 2011.