Do you use pictures in your classroom, photos as writing prompts/wiki prompts, or catalog your students via pictorial portfolios? Well......let me share a new find with you - Picnik! It's a free web application that only requires the Flash Player to be installed on your computer with no additional downloads, and it's easy to use!
Here's an example of a picture from Lucky Baldwin's estate in Lake Tahoe that I adapted to use as a conversation starter with my new teachers regarding their gains in technology. The "ice breaker" is a great activity to start any training session AND this particular activity was one that I used to transition their face-to-face conversations with an extended conversation on their new teacher wiki, sharing examples of technology applications that have helped their students learn.
Can you think of other possibilities utilizing pictures? My adult learners love using picture prompts and editing photos - in fact, even my two-year old granddaughter enjoys taking/editing pictures using her Disney camera! Learning can be so much fun!
Catch this video clip of inspiring education pictures.....(thank you, Adrienne and Shelby, for teaching me how to embed a video clip!)
You have such great and practical ideas on how to use this wonderful tool in the classroom! The really wonderful thing about using pictures are that they aren't age specific. . .both your two-year old granddaughter, as well as your adult learners love using pictures to learn.
I love Picknik to do basic photoediting. It can really take a so-so shot and amp it up. This would be a great program to give to students and have them take pictures, edit them and then make a digital story with them. I also thought about having students use Picknik and other similar programs and write directions on how to use each program!
I am so glad you were able to embed a video :) I think you have some great ideas for your staff! Personally, I love using Picnik and carrying that over to the classroom would be beneficial to my students as well.
Using photos is not only great as a conversation or lesson starter, but it is also a great tool for students to make connections with concepts and real-life applications. Students like to have visuals when they learn. Therefore, using a tool like Picnik allows for the students to not only be consumers but also producers.
You have such great and practical ideas on how to use this wonderful tool in the classroom! The really wonderful thing about using pictures are that they aren't age specific. . .both your two-year old granddaughter, as well as your adult learners love using pictures to learn.
ReplyDeleteI love Picknik to do basic photoediting. It can really take a so-so shot and amp it up. This would be a great program to give to students and have them take pictures, edit them and then make a digital story with them. I also thought about having students use Picknik and other similar programs and write directions on how to use each program!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you were able to embed a video :) I think you have some great ideas for your staff! Personally, I love using Picnik and carrying that over to the classroom would be beneficial to my students as well.
ReplyDeleteUsing photos is not only great as a conversation or lesson starter, but it is also a great tool for students to make connections with concepts and real-life applications. Students like to have visuals when they learn. Therefore, using a tool like Picnik allows for the students to not only be consumers but also producers.
ReplyDeleteNichole Kunkle