Ponder Mobile 2.0

Ponder is a social reading platform tailored for classroom use, transforming individual research and reading into collaborative learning experiences.

The platform analyzes student behavior during browser-based reading sessions and offers intuitive annotation tools for highlighting, tagging, and sharing excerpts with peers. However, tagging in Ponder is structured to foster critical engagement, prompting students to reflect on their readings by posing two fundamental questions: "What do you think of this excerpt?" and "How is it relevant to class?"

Ponder effectively maintains student engagement beyond the traditional classroom setting. In addition to facilitating deeper explorations of assigned readings, it encourages students to supplement course materials with relevant examples from their personal interests.

Moreover, the preparation students undertake through Ponder enhances the quality of in-class discussions. By coming to class with insights derived from their own readings and contributions from classmates, students are better equipped to connect these ideas with course concepts. Instructors also benefit from a clearer understanding of student interests and identify areas needing reinforcement.

It is important to note that Ponder is not designed to replace traditional reading responses or instructor-led discussions. Instead, it serves as a supportive tool that streamlines these essential components within the Humanities classroom.

Endorsements highlight its effectiveness:

• "...encouraging students to build more sophisticated and engaged news reading habits." - Columbia Journalism Review
• "...a digital native technology that works in harmony with the internet." - New Learning Times
• "Ponder…provides teachers and students with constant and concise data reports." - EdSurge
• "...encourage class discussions and identify struggling students." - Getting Smart
• "...able to quickly assess students’ engagement with the texts they have chosen..." - Journal of National Council of Teachers of English

Ponder has also been recognized as a semifinalist for the Robin Hood Foundation College Success Prize.