Tools: Tumblr

What is Tumblr and How Can I Use it?

Tumblr is a free micro-blogging social networking site that allows users to post blogs and re-blog posts from other users. Basically, allowing users to both create content and circulate the content of others.

Users are given a specific url for their chosen username, for example:

http://weareteachers.tumblr.com/

http://iwasyourteacher.tumblr.com/

Note the look of each. Users are given the option to customize their layouts or use pre-designed layouts. Some are available for purchase, but many are free. There is a security option that allows users to ‘lock’ their accounts, as well, meaning content is visible only when logged in, and only to those approved by the user.

Users can upload up to 10 pictures at a time, and (although called a micro-blogging site) unlimited text. Expect teaching blogs to be medium-length (around 1000-1200 words), with some fluctuation, of course.

But What About Using Tumblr in our Teaching?

There are some interesting in-class applications for tumblr, but before we get into the class, let’s talk about what tumblr offers before class. That is, the pre-classroom applications.

Tumblr has an abundance of teaching blogs. Teachers use tumblr almost as much as they use pinterest (and have you seen pinterest?); they post lesson plans, unit ideas, crafts, feedback, tips for classroom management, resources they’ve found successful (and not successful), motivational stories and narratives, humour. Just about anything. Like Dean Shareski suggested in his video, teachers are all about sharing.

But what is and isn’t worthy of sharing? Well, that’s entirely up to your discretion. Not all content is suitable for all classrooms and like any lesson plan or idea it’s expected that content will need specific adaptations for your own unique classroom community. This is where TPACK comes into play. Ultimately the content you choose and how you use it strongly depends on your classroom – their individual and group needs. But the tumblr-verse is vast, and by keeping the needs of your classroom in mind (and with a bit of creativity) you’ll certainly find applicable material.

http://teach.com/great-educational-resources/best-teaching-tumblrs lists several tumblr blogs that cover a wide range of topics from inspirational content to technical.

The majority of teacher-generated tumblr content is aimed at helping peers and I would thus designate it more as a pre-classroom web-based technology; that is, that it is most effective when used before entering the classroom, during lesson brainstorming and prep time.

There are a myriad of possibilities for using tumblr in the class as well. I don’t want to say ‘the sky is the limit,’ but it’s certainly a versatile tool.

On a smallscale, tumblr is an excellent site to use in demonstrating to students the importance of considering content credibility. We know that blogs are one of the least credible sources on the internet, and tumblr has no shortage of in-credible blogs that become excellent examples. Thus tumblr lends itself well to a lesson or unit on discretion and internet research, as well.

Teachers may use tumblr to keep a classroom blog that posts current work and projects, class newsletters etc. http://mrmsclass.tumblr.com/ is an excellent (if somewhat religious) example of a classroom generated tumblr that posts assignments, rubrics, schedules, student work, etc. In intermediate grades students themselves may be put in charge of the classroom blog, or be assigned to generate content each week (with teacher supervision, of course).

Keeping an online record of student and class progress also invites parents to become more involved in their child’s educational experience, similar in some ways to Fresh Grade.

Another possible venue for tumblr within the class is to invite students to create blogs of their own, specifically for educational purposes. Students may be encouraged to create a blog on a given subject (eg. recycling, animal habitats, book reviews etc.), creating content of their own based on research, as well as re-blogging content relevant to their subject.

Teachers using Tumblr:

It’s a little difficult to evaluate a site with such broad content under the TPACK lens without sounding incredibly generic, but ultimately, TPACK is the use of an appropriate combination of tools to create a strong learning experience. Regardless of the technology, the teacher must have an understanding of the content being taught and an understanding of the technology they plan to use. Likewise, they must cater each lesson to the needs of their classroom: not all classrooms will benefit from intense group work, not all classrooms will benefit from solitary work, not all students can operate a computer, not all students are comfortable with loud chaotic activities, or quiet ones. Basically, keep TPACK in mind while using the site as both a resource and a teachable. Build your lesson(s) around content, not the tool.

‘Anyone can create a tutorial, but not everyone should.’

In a website that allows anyone to post (basically) anything they want, it stands to reason that teachers intent on using the site as a resource are going to need to use some discretion. Not every idea is going to work within every classroom; not every idea is appropriate for every classroom. Ultimately the decision comes down to your sense of content and pedagogy. Like any resource, tumblr content will need to be examined critically and adapted to meet the needs of each unique classroom community.

Students using Tumblr:

Again, how the lesson is implemented (pedagogy) will largely determine how tumblr is used within the classroom. The site can be used for individual work such as students writing research blogs, but group-work is certainly possible (eg. working in pairs for lessons on using credible sources on the internet). Likewise, a classroom blog could be implemented with a single child responsible for posting each week, or groups of children. In younger grades this may take the form of a group of students deciding what to post, and the teacher posting it. I wouldn’t suggest inviting students to use tumblr independently until at least the intermediate grades, although students can certainly take part in a classroom blog in primary grades.

Prior to tumblr-based projects themselves, students will need a walk-through (or two) on how to use the technology, along with expectations for use.

What Should I Watch Out For?

As I mentioned previously, anyone can make a tutorial, but that doesn’t mean everyone should. Always use your discretion when choosing tumblr activities and reading through for classroom management tips, inspiration, etc.

If you’re planning to use tumblr to post student-generated work, be sure to check with district policies on visible names, or possible photos of students, regardless of whether or not the account is locked.

Also, beware of tumblr fatigue: there are a lot of resources available for teachers, and it’s wonderful, but it can also be an information overload. Be prepared to wade through a lot of content in search of something that ‘grabs’ you.

A last and extremely important note: Tumblr is primarily a blogging website, and anyone can create an account and post. While adult content (pornography) isn’t prevalent, tumblr does allow adult images and content. They do require users to tag mature content as NSFW (Not Safe For Work) and this content does not show up to users in SFW-Mode (Safe For Work), or to those not logged in. Student-generated content be locked and SFW mode should remain on at all times.