Jan. 25 - PhotoSharing

PhotoSharing Blog Post 01.25.10



Reflections on the process of learning about the tool (3 points)
The use of photo sharing sites has been something I have been doing for quite a long time, so my learning curve wasn’t too steep here. More like a gentle walk! I have used these types of sites primarily for the archiving of photos and sharing them with my students in my EDIT class. However and with this said, I know these sites offer a lot more bang for the bucl than I have been using.

My previous thinking has been that these sites are a safe place to keep my memories. And, because I don’t trust anything on the web, I have photos all over the place. I have used Flickr (just started and really like it), PhotoBucket (great editing tools), Picasa (great integration with all my Google tools) and Picnik (access to all my photosharing sites). All of these sites have merit and a variety of different features that make them all attractive to different kinds of users. The ease of use and seamless sign-up makes them all great.

Discussion of the tool in terms of your personal learning (e.g. me as a learner, me as a parent, me as part of a social group) (3 points)
Over the last week of using Flickr and these other tools, I have found the ability to edit photos on the sites instead of using software like PhotoShop or Aperture a bit of a coup. The ability to use these sites to generate embed codes so serve photos up for different websites and blogs is also very useful to me on a personal and professional level. Images on my EDIT 302 blog and personal blog are being served from these sites.

I all honesty, I don’t like to share my photos with anyone but family and do not like exposing my anonymity or my family’s to the world. This might be because I am over protective of the girls in my life.

I do like the ability these sites offer to search for photos that are tagged and use them in the things I am working on. I also like the ability for my students to be able to find photos that are shared (Fair Use) to use in the projects I ask them to create in the classes I teach. I am hoping that the use of these shared photos will be something my Education students will take into the classroom when they are teachers and model for their students.

Discussion of the tool in terms of your professional learning (e.g. me as a teacher, me as a school leader, me as a teacher-librarian, me as a member of professional learning communities/networks). This takes into account technology integration, use in schools, pros and cons, etc. (3 points)
The ability to take the photos and integrate them into the different technology projects I have on the go is the most beneficial part of these websites to me and my students. The use of these types of technologies is exactly what schools should be striving for. Schools cannot afford to keep investing in expensive software that constantly needs upgrades and maintenance. The public and secondary system just can’t afford it. And…, why would they continue to buy software when there is so much great software out there that can be utilized in the classroom for FREE.

Of course one of the drawbacks and fears of all teachers is what happens when the network is down and you or your students can’t access the images you need during your class. That’s why I always have and teach my students to have a Plan B when using technology!

It is really hard to narrow down which one of these sites is the best when they all offer different and great things. If I had to choose, I think I’d give my nod to Picnik because of its ability to grab photos from all the other photosharing sites I belong to.

Evidence of Research and Further Reading (3 points)
From the readings, I am in full agreement that photosharing sites allow for the development of many different types of literacy. With these types of sites, 21st century literacies are particularly augmented. The Connected Classroom’s Wiki on this topic is quite good.I also found the reference to “folksonomies” particularly interesting and it was definitely a bit of new learning for me.

I think another key learning from the readings I took away was the development of affinity and social participation that is required to adopt these tools. I really do believe this to be true on a personal level and for the students I teach. I really need to see the “pay off” and I think all teachers do before I adopt a piece of technology or the use of a technology, software or a Web 2.0 site like any of these photosharing sites.

Another piece of new learning I took away was the ability to annotate a photo in Flickr. I thought this would be incredibly useful for teachers as well as students. The examples on annotation that were given in the book were excellent. I think it is one of the best parts of Flickr and it’s dead easy to do. I have included an annotated photo in this Blog. I also like Flickr’s ability send photos directly to a blog. Some of the other sites offer this as well.

One final piece of side learning that I’ve taken away from my readings and exploration is Bitly and Tiny url. Bitly gets my nod only because I tried it first and it worked the first time. A very important thing for teachers!