Sunday, April 15, 2007

Gliffy

Gliffy is a diagramming program that is a more advanced version of Inspiration. The web based program features drag and drop use with the vast symbol library. Once the diagram is finished it can be made public or private. Chris Kohlhardt and Clint Dickson founded this San Francisco based company.
Gliffy is web based so access is available anywhere there is hardware connnected to the World Wide Web. Another strength is being able to share diagrams with other collaborators who are able to make changes, deletions, or additions. If the creator does not like the revisions a revision history button lets the creation be switched back to an earlier version. There is a large assortment of symbols in each of the categories. Symbols in the Tab section at the top of the page enable the creator or collaborators the ability to create, modify, and view. Work on Gliffy can be added to a website or wiki.
It is possible to upload images to include in the diagrams, but only up to 2000 Kilobytes for a free account. An email address is needed to access the website, making it less student friendly. I am having difficulty receiving my confirmation email from Gliffy that will allow me to collaborate. Gliffy could be hard for younger students to use.
As with many other applications on the web, this site is free for all the diagrams made public, but only 3 private diagrams are possible. The premium service is $30 for one year or $45 for two years allows unlimited private diagrams along with more options and abilities.
Just like Inspiration, Gliffy can be used as a prewriting organizer. It can also be used to plan out a report or presentation, brainstorm, create flowcharts, and floor plans. I see using this with students working on aerial views of maps. The existing object pictures show students the way to think about furniture, and more importantly windows and doors.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the review of Gliffy. We are very appreciative. If you have any suggestions and/or feedback please drop us a line at our newly revamped website! Thanks,
debik at gliffy dot com