ThingLink
Interactive Media Tool
Create immersive learning experiences by transforming images, videos, and 360Β° content into interactive hotspot media for enhanced engagement.
What is ThingLink?
ThingLink is an interactive media platform that adds clickable hotspots to images, videos, and 360Β° content to create immersive learning experiences.
Widely used by educators worldwide, ThingLink transforms static content into engaging, interactive learning materials that enhance student comprehension and participation.
Core Features
π Interactive Hotspots
Transform Any Media
Add clickable hotspots to images, videos, and 360Β° content to provide additional information, multimedia, and resources.
π₯ Rich Media Support
Multiple Content Types
Supports images, videos, 360Β° photos/videos, VR content, and virtual tours for comprehensive immersive experiences.
π οΈ Easy Creation Tools
Intuitive Interface
Drag-and-drop editor allows teachers to quickly create interactive content without technical expertise.
π± Cross-Platform Access
Device Compatibility
Works seamlessly across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices with responsive design and mobile apps.
π Analytics & Insights
Learning Analytics
Track student engagement, time spent on content, and hotspot interactions to assess learning effectiveness.
π LMS Integration
Seamless Integration
Easily embed ThingLink content into Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, and other learning management systems.
Educational Applications
Subject-Specific Uses
- Science: Interactive diagrams, virtual lab tours, anatomy models, and ecosystem exploration
- History: Historical site tours, artifact examination, timeline visualization, and primary source integration
- Geography: Virtual field trips, map annotations, cultural exploration, and geographic feature identification
- Literature: Character analysis, setting exploration, theme visualization, and author biography integration
- Art: Artwork analysis, technique demonstration, gallery tours, and artistic movement exploration
Engagement Benefits
- Transforms passive content into active learning experiences
- Accommodates different learning styles with multimedia support
- Increases student attention and information retention
- Enables self-paced exploration and discovery learning
Getting Started with ThingLink
Basic Workflow
- Upload: Add your image, video, or 360Β° content to the platform
- Annotate: Place hotspots at specific locations to add interactive elements
- Enhance: Link to additional resources, embed videos, add text, or include quizzes
- Share: Publish and share your interactive content or embed in your LMS
- Analyze: Review engagement analytics to assess learning outcomes
Hotspot Content Types
- Text descriptions and explanations
- Images and photo galleries
- Video and audio clips
- External website links
- Document attachments (PDFs, presentations)
- Social media embeds
- Interactive polls and quizzes
Use Cases in Action
Virtual Field Trips
- Museum Tours: Explore famous museums with detailed artifact information
- Historical Sites: Visit ancient civilizations and historical landmarks
- Natural Wonders: Discover ecosystems, geological formations, and wildlife habitats
- Scientific Facilities: Tour laboratories, observatories, and research centers
Interactive Learning Materials
- Annotated textbook images with supplementary resources
- Interactive infographics with detailed explanations
- Video lessons with embedded questions and additional materials
- 360Β° virtual reality experiences for immersive learning
Assessment Integration
- Create scavenger hunts using interactive images
- Design comprehension checks within video content
- Build knowledge verification through hotspot interactions
- Develop project-based learning with multimedia presentations
Implementation Best Practices
ThingLink excels when used to enhance existing curriculum content rather than replace traditional teaching methods, creating engaging supplementary learning experiences.
Design Guidelines
- Clear Navigation: Use intuitive hotspot placement and clear visual indicators
- Content Depth: Balance information density with accessibility for your audience
- Multimedia Balance: Combine different media types effectively without overwhelming users
- Learning Objectives: Align interactive elements with specific educational goals
Student Engagement Strategies
- Encourage exploration through discovery-based activities
- Create collaborative projects using shared interactive content
- Use analytics to identify areas needing additional support
- Incorporate student-created content for peer-to-peer learning