Using 'Wakelet' to organise online resources

Context

 I am constantly collecting up resources. I get really passionate when I find something that will help me teach, and often get inspired to write entire new schemes of work from what I find. But often I find things at times that are not convenient. I have one of those brains that loses things (including the plot) very quickly, and therefore there is no guarantee I will ever remember that gem of a resource again unless I find a strategy to help me remember. 

For a long time I created a 'resources' folder in my email inbox and placed things in there. But I could count the number of times I actually opened that folder on one hand. I'd go in and there would a wide range of different topics, I'd be confused by the subject lines that made perfect sense at the time (or had none because I was in too much of a rush at that moment - the 'I'll sort it later' mindset). I'd feel so overwhelmed that I'd rather start google searching again, not being able to find the name of that website and getting very frustrated and dispirited. 

In an online training course someone mentioned 'Wakelet' - it was one of many things that were being mentioned, but the trainer had actually created a Wakelet board with all the resources she was discussing on it. I clicked on the link and was really impressed with what I found. That evening I set up my first wakelet system. I'm not perfect at using it (and still sometimes lapse into the 'email it to myself' mindset), but it has made life a lot easier when I sit down to plan. 

So what is Wakelet?

Their blurb says:

Wakelet is the teachers’ bookmark manager! The platform allows you to organize your bookmarks and content into visual collections, that you can then share with your learning community!

Gather multimedia content from across the web, (websites, articles, videos, images, social media posts, and more!), and curate them all into beautiful, structured collections. Supplement that content with your own materials like text, GIFs, graphics, and more; so you can personalize your collection however you like!

Share your collections with your learning communities all within one link! This is powerful for sharing materials with teachers and students and parents, and knowing that all of your content is accessible in one place.


It is a google chrome extension that you can use for free. In reality, it's a bit like Pinterest, but easier to use, less image orientated and allows you to store anything web related. You do need a log in, but you can reuse one you already have, like your Apple, Google, Microsoft etc. 

How I use Wakelet

As of yet I have not shared boards with my students. This could be a really good idea with time to play, but I haven't had the time/resources to really invest in this whilst I start teaching a new GCSE exam board in Music, and learn 50% of the GCSE History course I've not taught before. That's pinned for the future and I'll happily take advice and feedback from anyone who does this! Please do share in the comments below. 


What I use it for is resources for each module. I created one board for each topic I teach across the KS3 music curriculum:


Every time I find a resource I like the look of I just copy the address and pop on to the relevant board. It's incredibly easy to do. Just open your board and paste the address in at the top. You can even add PDF documents, which is great if you want to save all that reading you keep meaning to get around to!



You can also add sub-sections on a board, so for example with my move to Eduqas GCSE Music as I find resources I've been adding them all to one board, but separated out by topic. 


Conclusion
If like me you have more ideas in your head than you can possibly store and the memory of a goldfish, Wakelet can be an absolute game changer. Each time I want to revisit a module I start from my board, get inspired and create my scheme of work. 

I'm not paid by them at all, so you can rest assured I'm recommending it just because it has saved me time and mental effort. 

If you try it out let me know in the comments how you get on. Share good practice and any other internet resources that help keep you organised and sane in teaching! (Well, sanity may be optional - we are teachers after all!)







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