In the digital age, educators are always on the lookout for dynamic and resourceful platforms to aid their teaching process. Prior to its closure in 2013, iGoogle served as a personalized start page that could aggregate various forms of content from across the web. However, since its discontinuation, many teachers have sought alternatives that offer similar or even enhanced functionalities to support their educational endeavors. Here are 11 iGoogle alternatives that have become favorites among educators:
1. Netvibes: Netvibes offers a customizable dashboard that can help teachers organize web content, track assignments, and stay updated with news relevant to their curriculum.
2. Symbaloo: With Symbaloo, educators can create a web-based visual bookmarking tool that makes it easy for both themselves and their students to access frequently used websites and online tools.
3. Start.me: Start.me is a webpage that allows users to assemble all their most-used sites and feeds into one convenient location, which can improve productivity and resource management for teachers.
4. Feedly: For those who relied on iGoogle for RSS feed aggregation, Feedly makes an excellent substitute. It’s perfect for educators looking to stay informed on specific subjects or industry news.
5. Protopage: Protopage closely mirrors the style of iGoogle with its customizable pages and sticky notes feature — great for lesson planning and managing daily tasks.
6. igHome: As an homage to iGoogle, igHome tries to replicate the look and feel of the former homepage service, providing a similar experience for those who miss the classic interface.
7. My Yahoo!: My Yahoo! gives users the flexibility to add content from a wide array of sources including news, weather, sports, personal calendars, and other resources important for instructional planning.
8. uStart: This is a less known but highly customizable start page where teachers can aggregate content feeds from multiple sources to stay on top of educational trends.
9. MyFav.es: For minimalists who need quick access without the clutter, MyFav.es offers an elegant start page with links to favorite sites in a clean interface.
10. Microsoft Start (formerly known as MSN): With news integration and productivity tools built-in, Microsoft Start serves as a worthy alternative offering curated content and personal productivity aids.
11. Tizmos: Specifically designed for educators and students, Tizmos allows teachers to bookmark websites and videos that can be easily shared with their students. It’s particularly useful for creating resource boards for different subjects.
Each of these alternatives brings its own unique set of features that educators can use to enhance their teaching toolkit beyond what was offered by iGoogle, ensuring that technology remains an invaluable ally in the classroom.