Drop.io

What is Drop.io and how can I use it in my classroom?

Drop.io is a free online collaboration and file sharing service. It is provides users a private way to collaborate on a project by allowing the sharing of audio, video, images, documents and other digital content. It is called drops because the unique user can create and share points "drops". You have the ability to upload content via the web, e-mail, phone, and fax inputs. It can also be shared through various outputs like web, e-mail, iTunes, fax, and more.

This tool does not require registration and each drop is non-searchable and non-networked in which each can be password-protected. For the free service, the user/guest has a 100 mb storage limit, the creator can give out a guest password and then decide what options the guest user will have such as being able to add files, delete them, download, or even comment. The length this stays active will be determined by the creator.

Educational Uses: I see this tool being implemented in the classroom as a way to collaboratively work on an online project with another class in another part of the country. For example: I have a teacher who teaches a unit on migration. Currently she is corresponding with a class in Italy via e-mail, but with this tool, they could interact in real time discussing and addressing the objectives and/or essential questions the students seek to learn from one another. Each class could get immediate feedback or access to relevant information about each other's country's similarities and differences in migration patterns.

This would even be useful within your own school building or district. Teachers could set up a drop for students to access important documents/paperwork/ missed homework assignments, or even for students to
add their homework assignments.

Another way for using this tool would be if you have family that lives in another part of the country or state, you could share photos or videos in a secure private setting. You could also coordinate group trips by creating a quick space where everyone can share travel plans and photos in real time. Or by making this a true private blogging space or journal you can share your thoughts and family information safely.