4 Ways to Use StumbleUpon in Education

Yes, we will talk about a new social app, but before you hit the X button, give me a few minutes to elaborate. I’m not sure if you’re an enormous “app” fan, but I’m guessing you do come across a cool search tool every once in a while (maybe something with colorful letters). Why don’t we move our attention away from your beloved search engine for a while and talk about one offering something new and different? Now, do I have your attention?

I’m not just talking about any standard search engine that will provide you with a plethora of webpages on any topic you ask for. Unfortunately, the problem with those discovery tools is that they end up giving you tons of links and pages that just go on and on. You know what I mean?
Stumble Upon is an entirely different kind of search tool that gives users the best, high quality, and most relevant content that exists. In other words, it’s a social media tool. So if you’re looking for fresh and relevant material, Stumble Upon will filter those heaps of sources and information and leave you with only the most genuine and appropriate ones. With the help of the “Interests” feature, you can customize the results according to your most preferred niches.

StumbleUpon’s mission statement is to “educate, entertain and enlighten”. Let’s observe 4 different ways StumbleUpon can be used to educate and enlighten the young minds.

1) Using Blended Material: This tool can be used to modify the course’s content of the classroom and adding more “spice” to it. How so? Well, with tons of fresh material of course! This includes the latest news, gripping photos, reliable videos, printables for class, posters, and more. Unlike the usual search engine, you won’t have to fish through pages and pages of images, video, apps, and other tools. StumbleUpon will allow you to stumble upon the best and most recent.
A teacher can also find plenty of tips and ideas that would help them innovate and improve their teaching styles.

2) Pick Your Favorite Channels: Another way to narrow down your search results on StumbleUpon is by following your favorite channels. The channels will aid you in finding content relevant to both you and the particular organization. For example, if you were a graduate of Stanford, you can stay in touch with your peers by following your University channel. Their websites will automatically point you to the latest content linked to their pages, publications, college papers, etc.

3) For Creative Ideas: StumbleUpon can be used for project and assignment work by students, especially those who are looking for creative ideas. A quick search on the application will be worth their time because it will automatically perform the “brainstorm” function for them. They can simply browse the subject, and come across various sources of useful content that is engaging, informative, and relevant. These can be mixed and blended with their projects (such as videos) or they can be used for ideas.

4) Enhance Class Connectivity: StumbleUpon also gives teachers the option to set up a class account. The class account would require each student to follow and sign up along with the teacher. You can ask your students to bring useful content for an assignment and share it with the class. You may share your own pick of websites or other material with your students collectively and ask them to view it on their own devices (useful where technology isn’t always available in the classroom). The students can also comment on a thread and give their own views about the shared material which could spark up a constructive debate or discussion.

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