Using Image Editing and Creation Tools

As I have had some time to play with these different tools, I realize that most of these could be a lot of fun for students to play around with as well. The ability to modify pictures could be something that would really add detail to a project and potentially make it more unique.

For my modified image, I used the ImageChef - Meme Maker. I had also played around with the Lolcat Generator at Big Huge Labs as well. I found the Meme Maker to be a little easier to use because I had more control over where to put the text and how big it would be. I could see using something like this with student pictures to help them display their goals or things they are proud of. They could add the statement directly to the image. They could also take pictures of something we are studying outside and add a statement to that as well.

I thought the FoldPlay (http://foldplay.com/foldplay.action) site looked really interesting as well. I currently have a classroom of second graders obsessed with origami, cutting paper, and folding paper. I can only imagine the fun they'd have during science if I made some of these for them to create. This is certainly something I would want to have practiced ahead of time so that I could help out any struggling students. I think I'm leaning toward the Kaleidocycle. I'll let you know what happens if I try it in the next couple weeks!

I love the idea of the Badge Maker at Big Huge Labs. Students could have badges made to be archaeologists, reporters, scientists, etc. Having a badge would just make them feel that much more "official." Likewise, the Trading Card feature also at Big Huge Labs has nice potential for the classroom. Students could be asked to create trading cards about the important people, animals, and even places they learned about this year so they would have a nice set at the end. Alternatively, each student could be assigned one of those things and then prints enough of them for the class. Then they could trade each other's cards until they have a full set.

Some of the options on Tuxpi reminded me of creating word art in Microsoft Word in terms of how you can manipulate the image. These tools could add some nice touches to reports, displays, or projects. For anything on that site, you would need to caution students not to do too much to their images otherwise it will be too distracting for the viewer. They are better off keeping it simple as opposed to getting carried away (Reynolds, 2014).

References:
Reynolds, G. (2014). Presentation zen design: A simple visual approach to presenting in today's world. United States of America: New River.