Binder

Free!

Binder is a cloud-based, document-storage app. By tapping the “Create Collection” button on the top of the screen, users are able to setup a “collection” that is essentially a section in a digital notebook. Each collection can be named, described, and personalized with color. Once a collection is created, users can tap the “Add Documents” button upload content directly into the collection. Additionally, users are able to add individual documents, without having to add them to a specific collection. Binder syncs with users’ storage spaces, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive, and the files stored on their computer. Therefore, to upload a document, all users have to do is to first sync their storage space with Binder, and then select the document they wish to upload. Once a document is uploaded, users are able to annotate and highlight it, export it using email or into a storage space, and bookmark it.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can have students store digital handouts, documents, and other course materials by section in their Binder. To do so, teachers can upload the document to a course website, such as Edmodo or Schoology. Next, teachers can have students download the document to a storage space and then upload it to their Binder.
2. As part of a writer’s workshop, students can upload a classmate’s document to their Binder and then use the annotation tools to edit, highlight, underline, or strikeout the text. Plus, students can add specific notes about the text they are reading.
3. Throughout the course of a semester or instructional unit, teachers can use this app to have students create portfolios. To do so, teachers can create specific criteria and require students to add documents to their portfolio that meet the specific criteria. For example, Science teachers could have students store their best lab reports, English teachers could have students save their favorite best pieces of writing, and History teachers could have students keep biographies of significant people.
4. Close read activities may be completed using this app. To do so, teachers can have students download a document from a class website and then upload it into this app. Next, students can use the app’s highlighting and annotating tools to mark the text as they read it. That way, for example, teachers can have students highlight main ideas during a first read and then create a note that summarizes the text. For the second read, teachers can require students to highlight key details that support the main ideas in a different color. Finally, for the third read, teachers can present students with a prompt and have them answer it using the text-based evidence they highlighted during the first two reads.

Screenshots