ThingLink is a tool for creating interactive images and videos by adding tags. Tags can link to websites, social media pages, videos, maps, images, and audio. Interactive Thinglink images can be shared on social networks, including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest. There is an option to embed the Thinglink image on other websites as well.
Another feature that Thinglink offers is 360 degrees tours with tags. Users can upload 360 degrees pictures and add audio and video tags for a 3D virtual reality experience. This feature is only available with a Professional or Premium subscription.
Tool Snapshot
| Price | Free (basic). Premium Classroom: $35/year. Schools/Districts: Starting at $1,000/year |
| Learning | Multiliteracies, Constructionism |
| Ease of Use | ★★★✩✩ |
| Privacy | ★✩✩✩✩ |
| Accessibility | ★★★✩✩ |
| Class Size | Unlimited |
| ISTE*S | Knowledge Constructor, Creative Communicator, Global Collaborator |
ThingLink Overview Video
ThingLink & the SAMR Model
- Substitution: Interactive images can substitute linear PowerPoint presentations, educational videos, presentations, and posters.
- Augmentation: Creating interactive images can improve the processes of searching and curating online content.
- Modification: Pre-designed interactive images can be commented on, shared, and modified using the remix button.
- Redefinition: Mixing different modes of text, audio, and video provides an innovative experience in the classroom.
Screenshot of the Thinglink database
Learning Activities
Thinglink can be especially useful for science, geography, history, language, and visual arts.
Science: Students can create an interactive image to develop or demonstrate their knowledge about a scientific concept or topic. Check out this example of the solar system:
English/Language Arts: Students can make their own vocabulary mind map and tag related words and images. Students can also annotate images of their favorite authors and texts. See an example in which the image links to the Edgar Allan Poe’s birthplace, major works, and related websites.
Geography: Students can pinpoint names of places and landmarks. They can also include definitions or annotate historical facts on maps.
Arts: Have you ever wanted to show your students a virtual tour to the Louvre? Better yet, your students can create one by tagging paintings to artist, times and movements. See an example here:
How to Use ThingLink
Step 1 . Go to https://www.thinglink.com/
Step 2. Sign up by creating an account using an email or sign up using your Facebook, Twitter, or Google account.
Step 3. Explore or follow popular users or topics.
Step 4. Upload an image from your hard drive, the Internet, or Facebook.
Step 5. Select a position on the image and tag it to a website, video, or map.
Step 6. Share your interactive image on Facebook, Twitter, Gplus or obtain a code to embed it in your website.
Resources
More ideas for how to use ThingLink
*All images sourced from https://www.thinglink.com/