How I use Linoit in class

I have tried using rather many websites which are created for posting sticky notes but recently I realised that my favourite site is linoit.com. Here are two examples how I used it with my students.

The ones who are a little more experienced digital users (14 years old) were asked to post their answers to a simple question about their future jobs. We had just finished studying the theme about jobs and they were ready to give their opinion about the topic. Check out their answers here. They have a class blog, so they did not experience any difficulties posting their replies.

The other students (aged 15) had never used interactive tools before, this was their first attempt of posting something online.
The task was elementary - they had to complete a grammar exercise in the classroom and (after showing it to me) immediately go to the media library one by one, enter the website (I had supplied the address) and post the exact time. I stayed in the classroom and watched them posting the stickies. When they returned to the classroom, we discussed the tool and its possible uses.
Needless to say, they were delighted with the activity, especially after they had attached the picture of the naughtiest boy in class. For beginners, their joy was natural, and I had reached my aim - to get them interested in using web tools for making learning more exciting.

Online message boards with sticky notes

Many people like sticky notes. I love them too and use them as bookmarks or reminders.
Today we can use virtual sticky notes on virtual message boards. The choice of the tools is rather wide. Here are my favourites - all free to use.

The simplest message board is Corkboard which is what it says it is - a corkboard with plain yellow notes.
The tool is so down-home that it does not even have its own logo.
No registration is required. Open the page and start posting your notes. It can now be embedded on your site.

Another message board which does not ask for registration (and can be used instantly) is the well-known Wallwisher. It has a small range of features (variable background, changeable colours, the possibility to add links to images, videos, music.

One more message board which uses a virtual corkboard (and looks confusingly similar to Corkboard) is Listhings but it has taken one step towards more variable notes - you can change their colour.
You have to register to use Listhings.

The site for online stickies Linoit stands a level higher with its appearance (a variety of colours and shades) and features - you can add an image, upload a video and attach a document. You can create a group and use the canvas together, embed the canvas on your blog or send the stickies by email. To use it you have to register but it is neither complicated nor tedious.

Pindax is a fun real-time alternative to the traditional message board. You have to sign up for free and start posting. It has a lot of features, like posting images, files and polls in real time. You can send your posts by email.  There are various options for using your message board. 

As the creators have stated, Pindax can be used as

1) a forum for your website
2) a collaboration tool
3) a portfolio for your designs
4) a place to chat with friends
5) a place to exchange ideas
6) an internet clipboard
7) a comment collector
8) an event planner
9) an alternative to E-Mail.

Finally, my latest "discovery"  Squareleaf is a simple and intuitive virtual whiteboard, complete with all the sticky notes. It is not as versatile as Linoit or Pindax but it is perfectly usable for the usual purpose - to remind, organise, keep up-to-date, track things etc. Registration required.