Flickr Storm

Just the other day a colleague of mine shared a website that I feel will benefit classrooms in a tremendous way. Many times teachers require their students to incorporate photos into their class projects but are worried  that they won't be able to find any or they could possibly stumble across ones that are inappropriate. This is where Flickr Storm can help.

To begin, you will need to type in the topic/subject for the photos you need. For example I typed in Washington Monument. Then the website will yield photos that fall into this category. Next, click on the bottom button on the left-hand side of your screen and your tray will open. When you find a photo you would like to add to your tray, simply like on the photo and a larger size will appear on the right. You can then open it up in Flickr, add to your tray and some photos you can download. Once you have all the photos you need, simply click the download and link to your tray button and a new window will open called your Flickr Storm Photo Set. You will then be able to see the link to this photo set that you can copy and paste into your website or add to your delicious or diigo site. These photo sets will stay available as long as Flickr itself. Make as many as you need, store the address and you will be ready to go next time your students need easy access to a collection of photos in a safe environment.

Check out one of my trays.....Washington Monument

Note: Some photos are copyrighted and a message will appear stating you must contact the photographer and ask about rights.

Drop.io

What is Drop.io and how can I use it in my classroom?

Drop.io is a free online collaboration and file sharing service. It is provides users a private way to collaborate on a project by allowing the sharing of audio, video, images, documents and other digital content. It is called drops because the unique user can create and share points "drops". You have the ability to upload content via the web, e-mail, phone, and fax inputs. It can also be shared through various outputs like web, e-mail, iTunes, fax, and more.

This tool does not require registration and each drop is non-searchable and non-networked in which each can be password-protected. For the free service, the user/guest has a 100 mb storage limit, the creator can give out a guest password and then decide what options the guest user will have such as being able to add files, delete them, download, or even comment. The length this stays active will be determined by the creator.

Educational Uses: I see this tool being implemented in the classroom as a way to collaboratively work on an online project with another class in another part of the country. For example: I have a teacher who teaches a unit on migration. Currently she is corresponding with a class in Italy via e-mail, but with this tool, they could interact in real time discussing and addressing the objectives and/or essential questions the students seek to learn from one another. Each class could get immediate feedback or access to relevant information about each other's country's similarities and differences in migration patterns.

This would even be useful within your own school building or district. Teachers could set up a drop for students to access important documents/paperwork/ missed homework assignments, or even for students to
add their homework assignments.

Another way for using this tool would be if you have family that lives in another part of the country or state, you could share photos or videos in a secure private setting. You could also coordinate group trips by creating a quick space where everyone can share travel plans and photos in real time. Or by making this a true private blogging space or journal you can share your thoughts and family information safely.

Artsonia - Just another online gallery or not?

I ran across an article by Theresa McGee discussing the use of Artsonia in the classroom. She is an art teacher that uses this online environment as a place to showcase her student's artwork. This gives students an opportunity to not only share their artwork with friends and family but the world. After reading a bit, I decided to investigate it some more.

So what is Artsonia? It is the world's largest online are museum. A place for student's creativity to soar. The beauty of this site, is that it will store work forever. Your post will never expire. The artwork stays online forever. If a someday a 2nd grade student wants to show his/her artwork to his/her children, it will be possible. Another nice feature is the parental control. If someone leaves a comment, then the student's parent is notified for approval.

This site also has a store which will allow friends and family to purchase items displaying the student's artwork. An added benefit is the school will receive 15% of all sales. If you are not sure how to get started, this site even provides you with the important documents such as: how to get started,  parental permission forms, benefits as well as a certificate in recognition of the student whose work is being published.

Setting up an account is simple. First find your school, add your name and email, choose a password, and finally agree to the terms. Then your ready to being sharing your student's work via the web. So what are you waiting for?  Give it a try...... I believe this would be a great movitator for students to excel in the area of art.