It seems as though when one technology tool for the classroom is introduced, another one is waiting to make its debut! We’ve shared several 21st century tools with our readers; however, we have not acquainted you with a recent tool, Pinterest. Pinterest is an electronic bulletin board where users can “pin” images from around the web. These images are then categorized into various boards on the users’ profile. Pins are also shared and searchable, which makes Pinterest a wonderful resource for visual information. So what are these pin boards good for with regards to integrating them into the classroom? We’ve come up with a list of four ways for teachers to use Pinterest:

  • Lesson Plans- As briefly mentioned above, Pinterest is a superb visual resource full of pictures, videos, and website links. You can search for pins with a specific theme or subject, i.e. “Periodic Table,” making it an ideal resource for teachers. The images that are pinned will lead you to the original source, where you may find more inspiration for your lesson plans. Pinterest also is a great resource for organizing lesson plans for future events or holidays. With Pinterest you can easily bookmark or “pin” lesson plans you come across the web for a later date. For instance, if you stumble upon a great resource for Earth Day, you can simply pin an image on the webpage and save it for a future date!
  • Sharing ideas- Pinterest is a social networking site that emphasizes interacting through interests and ideas. This makes it a perfect platform for sharing ideas with those who have a similar profession, trade, or hobby. For educators, Pinterest can be a great way to collaborate with teachers, parents, and students. Clearly the easiest way to share ideas is by pinning resources that pertain to the classroom, however Pinterest can be very interactive and personal if you think outside the box! Not only can you get parents and students involved by pinning images of events happening in your own classroom, but you can set up boards that allow multiple people to pin! For example, you could create a board titled ‘World Events’ and setup the settings so multiple people can pin. Once created, instruct your students to pin an image or article about any current event!
  • Organization- One of Pinterest’s most attractive qualities is its aid in organization. Instead of crowding your desktop with countless folders, you can pin your sources to classified boards that will display on your profile. These pins will allow you to remember the source so that you can go back to it when needed. When categorizing your boards, you may want to create one for each unit or subject being taught. When pinning, write a note to yourself about the pin so you will remember exactly why you chose it. Another way in which Pinterest aids organization is through tutorials! You can find a number of resources for organizing areas in the classroom, creating fun visuals, and making crafts on a budget.
  • Student Use- Pinterest can be a creative tool for students to use to organize resources for presentations, projects, essays, etc. If students are engaging in a group project, they can create a board for collaboration with their group members. This means that the students who are invited to collaborate on their board are allowed to pin to it—an excellent way to keep ideas/visuals for the project in one spot.  Students can also explore their creative sides with pinterest! With pinning your students can create a visual journal full of quotes, images, artwork, and videos!

Pinterest can be a fun and exciting tool inside and outside the classroom. If you are new to or unfamiliar with Pinterest, here is a short tutorial on how to use the website:

Is there a fifth way in which you would incorporate Pinterest into the classroom? If so, please share! Also, don’t forget to check out our Pearson School Systems Pinterest account for ideas!