FunnelBrain Introduces Online Collaboration to Academic Q&A

Nice write up in The Journal for FunnelBrain. We are very focused on the potential for productive online collaboration. We think collaborative learning is a perfect use of that potential. Students already connect and communicate on Facebook. They already create and publish content on YouTube and Wikipedia. We are taking activities that students are already engaged in and applying them to collaborative learning.

FunnelBrain Beta

FunnelBrain.com is an academic question and answer site that provides an environment for collaborative online learning. Students work in teams to create review questions and answers, paired with video explanations, for academic subjects. Users have access to wiki-style content creation tools, as well as a learning management application known as the "Funnel" that tracks and monitors learning progress with a spaced repetition algorithm.

This beta version of the site features review questions for high school advanced placement classes including biology, chemistry, calculus, United States government, United States history, psychology, literature, and economics.

Other key features include:

Question and Answer Creation

Wiki-style content creation tools allow the user to create review questions using a rich text editor, embedded photos and videos, audio voice over and a robust editor for math equations based on MathML.

Profile Pages

All users will have their own personal student profile. Add a profile photo include information such as your favorite class, the school you attend and groups you have joined. Your profile is also automatically updated with study materials you save, create and review on the site.

The "FUNNEL"

The FUNNEL is a learning application that manages the review process to make it as efficient and effective as possible using a spaced repitition algorithm that presents the right question at the right time.

Comments, Ratings & Tagging

Users can post comments on any question or answer. Users may also rate and tag content on FunnelBrain.

Video and Pictures

Users can upload unlimited videos and pictures to the site using our simple uploader form for any question, answer or explanation. Coming soon, users will be able to record videos directly to the site without having to save and upload.

Media Player

A full featured Media player which includes built in, on the fly, flash conversion and streaming media capabilities.

Integrated Search

This dynamic search feature allows users to search throughout the entire site for any questions, class, comment or user.

Groups

Users can create groups and invite friends, add photos, and discussions. The invitation feature allows you to invite friends from your favorite social network including Facebook and MySpace.

Discussion Boards (Groups Feature)

Every group includes discussion boards. Group owners and moderators can create various topics for discussion and engage the group in a collaborative project.