FunnelBrain

=**KATELIN ERWIN**=


 * Web 2.0 tool:** FunnelBrain
 * URL:** @http://www.funnelbrain.com/

image created from wordle.net

Overview:
FunnelBrain is a social learning web site that provides an environment for collaborative study teams, free flashcards and quizzes built entirely by users. FunnelBrain's wiki style approach to content creation also allows students to add a "3rd Side" to any free flashcard. The 3rd Side allows you to create an explanation, add links to further reading, or include your favorite video mnemonic device for every question and answer. The FunnelBrain platform is entirely user-driven. Anyone can contribute by making or editing free online flashcards and quizzes, as well as adding things like photos, videos, audio voice recordings and math equations. Students can create study teams and invite their classmates and friends from Facebook. They can also add photos and have real-time discussions in the message forum. Students can work in teams to create free flashcards, paired with video explanations, for their class. They also have access to a learning management application known as the "Funnel" that tracks and monitors learning progress a with a spaced repetition algorithm. The FUNNEL is a learning application that manages the review process to make it as efficient and effective as possible using a spaced repetition algorithm that presents the right question at the right time. There are also FunnelBrain study teams that are dedicated to a particular subject, class, school or study group. The members of the Team work together to create review questions and answers for any subject they want to learn. FunnelBrain Study Teams can be created for any subject or topic. Also, students can add a profile photo and include their name so the other classmates can find them. The profile part also allows them to update their information with their classes, their school, and all the study teams they've joined. Then, if they use the 'Friend Me' feature, they can build their own personal study community. Profiles are automatically updated with flashcards that are saved, created, and reviewed. All of this is free, but there is also a Premium Contributor program that allows you to buy and sell published flashcards and quizzes. If you sign up to be a Premium writer you can also make money. All content you publish on FunnelBrain as a Premium Writer can earn you money through the FunnelBrain Subscription Payment Program which currently pays a 50% royally on all subscriber revenue it receives.

How to use:
Video demos: @http://www.funnelbrain.com/VideoDemo.html




 * First you need to sign up, which is free, by using your email address and creating a password.
 * After logging in you have 4 choices: Flashcards, Study Teams, Quizzes and My Profile.
 * The flashcard drop down menu gives the choice to create free flashcards, browse already published flashcards, buy premium access, or sell in premium.
 * To search for a specific subject or grade you must type your key search words into the search bar and the content specific to your search will appear.
 * When you create a flashcard a page pulls up with the information you need to fill in for the flashcard that you want to make. You can also add a photo to your flashcard. After you’re finished you click “save” at the bottom and you’re flashcard starts your “deck” or is placed in the existing “deck”.
 * To create a study team you select “create a study team” from the Study Team menu and a page pulls up for you to type in the information of your study team. You can also browse the teams already in order, look at what teams you’re a member of and buy premium access to study teams.
 * To create a quiz you select “create a quiz” from the Quizzes drop down menu and a page pulls up for you to type in the information you want on your quiz. You can also browse the free quizzes already published or buy premium access to other quizzes.
 * To update your profile you select “My Profile” and your profile pulls up. Then you click on “Edit Profile” under the photo part and the information page pulls up for you to type in. You can also reset your password on this page.

Pros:

 * Everything is free, unless you choose to buy the premium access.
 * You have access to thousands of flashcards related to your content.
 * Students can create their own flashcards specific to what they're studying.
 * The Funnel technology gives students the optimal studying time.
 * Students can collaborate with their other classmates.
 * Study groups also allow for collaboration.
 * The quiz section can help the students quiz each other or themselves for a better management of study time.
 * Learning online is fun and will get the students interested.
 * The site is easy to navigate and loads quickly allowing for the most effective time management.
 * Privacy is a key factor when students use online materials to study and FunnelBrain creates a safe environment for all students.
 * FunnelBrain's wiki style approach to content creation also allows students to add a "3rd Side" to any free flashcard. The 3rd Side allows you to create an explanation, add links to further reading, or include your favorite video mnemonic device for every question and answer.
 * Cons:**
 * If students don't have internet access then it's hard for them to benefit from this tool.
 * It cuts down on face to face interaction.
 * If students browse the categories and use cards already made, that might not give them the most beneficial studying because they aren't making the cards themselves.

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