Flickr is a program that allows you to upload photos for others to view or comment on. Chapter 7 of Richardson's Blogs, Wikis, and Podcasts provides a wide array of ideas for how to use Flickr in the classroom.
As I was reading this chapter, I thought of two chapters in particular. Our geography teacher does a summative assignment she calls "A Sense of Place." In this assignment, she asks students to take pictures of where they grew up, where they spent their time, and what places mean the most to them. Students then create a report based on these places and create a PowerPoint to guide their presentation. Instead of a PowerPoint, the teacher could have the students use Flickr to upload their pictures, describe what this place means to them, and then have them map it on Google Earth. This would allow students to have access to each other's pictures and provide a way for them to tell the world what their community is about.
The second teacher I thought of was one of our English teachers. She is constantly trying to find a way to have students write outside of their comfort zone. By using a random favorites picture from Flickr, this English teacher could have a constant stream of new ideas for her students to write a creative story about. A picture is worth 100 words, right?
Although I am not a librarian yet, I am excited to experiment with Flickr myself and share my findings with our faculty. I believe every department in our school could benefit from this web tool.
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Flickr will certainly make it easier for teachers to use pictures in the classroom. I used to use the Time pictures of the year as writing prompts for students. Flickr will offer much more variety and students can interact with the pictures technologically instead of on paper.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of showing where you grew up. I bet there are some very interesting reflections.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in an old farm house that is empty and falling down. A few years ago I took a bunch of pictures of the barn and house before they completely collapse. They are beautiful in their stark emptiness..
I agree this seems the kind of tool all can use and it's so easy! Once you start there are just more and more ways to apply it!
Great ideas!