A-Z Tools & Technologies: Pocket

What is it?

Pocket is an app which allows users to save content from the web (articles, videos etc) for later use. The application can be downloaded to your computer, Apple, Android or Kobo device, or used in your web browser. Once the material is saved to the Pocket app on your computer, tablet or phone it can be viewed at any time, and doesn’t require an internet connection, making it ideal for reading on the go.

How does it work?

Save material from apps by clicking the Pocket button in the app or browser. If no Pocket button is available you can email the link to add@getpocket.com from the email address associated with your account. You can also add extra email addresses to be able to Pocket via email by altering your account settings. Content can also be added to your Pocket by copying and pasting the URL into the app. Once an item is saved to your Pocket app, you don’t need an internet connection to view it.

You can share pocketed items with others via social networking platforms and email, as well as exporting articles into other apps such as Evernote. Articles saved to your Pocket can also be reopened in the web browser if you want to explore the website it came from in more detail.

In addition to collecting content from websites, Pocket is also integrated with over 500 apps you may already use, including Twitter.

What are the implications for Teaching, Learning and Assessment?

The implications on Teaching, Learning and Assessment are that students and tutors can have a more reliable and flexible means of accessing research from online sources, as it enables reading without the need for an internet connection. This could be helpful in situations where no internet connection is available, for example during field trips or travelling to placements – as students would still be able to reflect on relevant reading/visual material whilst engaging with the subject matter outside the classroom. The option for students to share Pocketed content between each other could be helpful during group projects and exercises as it allows each group member to easily be able to see a copy of the necessary articles and collect relevant material in one place.

Are you using Pocket? What do you think of it? Let us know in the comments below.

Holly