Table of Contents
Introduction
Eyeplorer was an amazing educational tool that enabled students to research and organize information effectively, based on sources like Wikipedia. It was particularly helpful for developing writing skills and digital literacy.
Unfortunately, Eyeplorer is no longer available. However, the core idea behind Eyeplorer—facilitating research, data organization, and classroom engagement—can still be achieved using alternative tools. Below, I’ll outline some powerful substitutes and how you can use them in your English language classroom.
Alternatives to Eyeplorer and Practical Classroom Applications
1. Google Workspace Tools (Docs, Sheets, and Keep)
Google offers a suite of free tools that can replicate some of Eyeplorer’s functionalities.
How to Use:
- Writing Tasks: Students can use Google Docs to collaboratively create and organize research notes.
- Digital Notetaking: With Google Keep, students can take quick notes, categorize them with labels, and revisit them during writing tasks.
- Brainstorming: Use Google Sheets for creating mind maps or organizing vocabulary under themes.
2. Mind Mapping with Tools like Coggle or MindMeister
Mind mapping tools are perfect for exploring connections between ideas, just like Eyeplorer.
How to Use:
- Writing Prep: Students can brainstorm ideas and create outlines for essays or assignments.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Use mind maps to explore synonyms, antonyms, and collocations around specific vocabulary.
- Thematic Research: Assign a topic, and students can create a visual map connecting related ideas, quotes, and concepts.
3. Padlet
Padlet is an excellent tool for collaborative research and brainstorming.
How to Use:
- Collaborative Writing: Create a Padlet wall where students can share links, notes, and ideas related to a topic.
- Pre-reading Activities: Have students research a topic and share interesting facts or vocabulary before tackling reading material.
- Recycling Vocabulary: Ask students to create word banks or thematic boards to organize and review vocabulary.
4. Canva (Free Education Version)
Canva’s visual brainstorming and presentation features can substitute for Eyeplorer’s organizational capabilities.
How to Use:
- Research Summaries: Students can create infographic-style summaries of their research.
- Story Mapping: Design visual maps for creative writing projects.
- Class Projects: Create collaborative boards to organize and present group research.
5. Wordwall
While Eyeplorer focused on research, Wordwall provides interactive ways to recycle and review vocabulary.
How to Use:
- Review Activities: Use Wordwall to create games or quizzes based on themes students have researched.
- Recycling Vocabulary: Set up activities where students match words to definitions or contexts from previous lessons.
Practical Applications of These Tools in English Teaching
- Writing Tasks
Assign students a theme for a writing project and have them use tools like Google Docs or Padlet to gather and organize their research. They can then use Canva or Coggle to visually plan their essay before drafting. - Preparation for Future Reading Material
Introduce students to topics they’ll encounter in the syllabus. Use Padlet or Canva for collaborative research on these topics, helping them build background knowledge and relevant vocabulary. - Review and Recycling
- Students can create digital flashcards or games on Wordwall to recycle vocabulary.
- Use mind maps to organize and review vocabulary from previous lessons.
Final Thoughts
While Eyeplorer may no longer be available, the educational potential it offered lives on through these alternatives. By incorporating these educational tools into your classroom, you can continue fostering creativity, research skills, and digital literacy in your students.
Which of these tools will you try first? Let me know how they work in your classroom!