Notion Inc, makers of the iPad and web visual thinking tool Popplet, have released updated versions of their app today, which is widely used in classrooms around the world. With a nod to synchronicity and hot on the heels of Apple’s iTextbook announcement in New York this week, the app developers discuss how the new version can demonstrate the potential of Apple’s education agenda.

Popplet is an ideas platform and  a visual thinking tool that allows users to work “at the speed of thought” when arranging ideas and concepts. The simple-to-use visual design of the app has found a keen audience amongst learners of all ages who use the iPad tool to help them remember and organize new information, and then personalize and integrate the ideas into their thinking.

New features in the latest version make it easier for students using iPads to manage images and photos, group notes and ideas, and interact with content from source materials. The app is available from the iTunes iPad App Store in a free version (Popplet Lite: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=nVgVOY9qHbY&subid=&offerid=146261.1&type=10&tmpid=3909&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fpopplet-lite/id364738549?mt=8) and full feature paid version ($4.99: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=nVgVOY9qHbY&subid=&offerid=146261.1&type=10&tmpid=3909&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fpopplet/id374151636?mt=8).

“We believe Popplet makes a perfect complement to the new Apple education strategy, which is focused on transforming study materials so students can engage with textbook content in a more creative and meaningful way. iTextbook will improve access to information in an interesting format that encourages learning. Popplet goes one step further and allows students to then interpret the information they collect, and transform it into something more personal, so it is fully comprehended”, said Jared Schiffman, co-founder of Notion Inc, makers of Popplet.

Studies show that people retain new ideas and deepen their understanding of complex concepts when they are able to connect new information with their existing knowledge and experience. Popplet allows learners to rearrange and create connections between information, and to think visually for lifetime learning. The new app version has a focus on features that enable users to organize their ideas ‘at the speed of thought’.

Jared Schiffman said: “If Apple is planning to transform how information is provided, then you could consider Popplet as a tool that transforms how we process the information we are gathering.”

Thanks to a few early app reviews by blogging teachers and education IT consultants, the previous release of the visual thinking app Popplet was embraced by classrooms from primary age up, throughout 2011. The web and iPad app are often mentioned at education conferences, blogged about in classroom activities, and tweet-mentioned as part of student assessment tasks.

The previous version of the app, received regularly comments from teachers including:

·      Carlos Fernandez, Education Specialist from Tallahassee Florida who tweeted: “You guys are part of my Digital Tools to Simplify your life presentation.”

·      Leah LaCrosse, 5^th grade science teacher from Huron, Ohio who shared: “Using Popplet app for planning…like it! Can do so much more, too! Very cool. :)”

·      School librarian /thurstechlunch tweeted:  “I will be introducing this tool to my students and teachers in my mini tech workshops as soon as we return from Winter Break!”

·      Ian Addison, ICT Teacher in the UK tweeted: “Here’s an example of Y5/6 using Popplet in classstjohnsblogs.co.uk/class11/ww2”

The latest version of Popplet Lite (free) and Popplet for the iPad ($4.99) are available from the iTunes iPad App Store.

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