Robin Good: Instagrok is a web-based app that makes it easy to find relevant information on a specific topic, and to collect the bits that are of most value to you.


Instagrok presents itself with a search interface in which the results are represented as a dynamic mindmap whose nodes can be explored by simply clicking on them.


In addition, on the right side of the screen Instagrok provides an aggregated selection of:

a) key facts

b) educational web sites articles on the topic

c) video clips

d) images

e) quizzes

f) glossaries


Any information item in these sections can be easily collected and stored inside your personal Journal, an automatic bibliography-builder which captures any and all of your peferred items.


Key facts, web site content, glossaries, images and video sections offer lots of useful materials instantly, while I am a bit more skeptical about the value and effectiveness of quizzes.


Though the interface leaves lots to be desired and has a typical "academic" feel, the content and results that were offered me in my tests were quite good and the use of pins to build an annotated journal of resource son a topic seems to me to be very effective.


Free to use.


Blog review: http://gettingsmart.com/blog/2012/08/smart-searching-just-got-smarter-instagrok/


PDF brochure: www.instagrok.com/brochure.pdf


Try it out now: http://www.instagrok.com