instaGrok
By Polly Conway,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Interactive mind maps aid research and deep comprehension.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this website.
Community Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Report this review
Instagrok
Report this review
What’s It About?
INSTAGROK is a website that describes itself as a \"search engine for learners.\" Type any term into the search bar, and an interactive map, called a grok, appears. Each grok is made up of many bubbles, which branch off from the original search item. If you search for \"pizza,\" the map's bubbles will contain things like \"crust,\" \"sauce,\" and \"oven.\" If you click on one of those words, a text box explaining those specific subjects will appear. Hit \"More\" on the left-hand side of the screen for Key Facts, and adjust the sliding Difficulty bar to customize the grok's complexity for particular age groups or educational levels. Tab over to the Journal section and take notes, pin items, or add photos.
Is It Any Good?
To grok (a made-up word from the sci-fi classic Stranger in a Strange Land) now means to understand thoroughly and intuitively. InstaGrok presents information as an interactive visual interface that could work well for kids who have difficulty comprehending linear progressions. It looks fine, but its design isn't quite as clean as some of its competitors'. It's slightly tricky to figure out at first, and help isn't easily accessible. Once kids get the hang of it, however, they should enjoy creating a customized grok for a class project or even one on a favorite subject just for fun. The Difficulty bar sets instaGrok apart from the many other visual mind-mapping sites. That and its ability to eliminate links with profanity make it extra kid-friendly.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Ask your kid what it means to truly understand something. What's the difference between memorizing facts and understanding a concept from the inside out?
Create your own nonvirtual grok with your kids. Name a subject and ask them to come up with a list of topics that branch off it.
Website Details
- Subjects: Language & Reading : reading, text analysis, using supporting evidence, Math : grouping
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning : collecting data, investigation, thinking critically, Creativity : combining knowledge, Self-Direction : academic development, working efficiently, Tech Skills : using and applying technology
- Genre: Educational
- Pricing structure: Free
- Last updated: November 5, 2015
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Learning Tools for Out-of-the-Box Thinkers
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate