Big Huge Labs

Today's Tuesday Tech Tip is a resource that I've been using for a long time.  I must tell you my history with it.  About six years ago, I attended a conference in which the presenter shared how she created a summer film making camp on a non-existent budget.  She showed the movie that she and her students made and although it was very impressive, what really struck me was how they marketed their movie.  Using tools from the website called Big Huge Labs, the students created these fabulous movie posters and entry tickets. From time to time I've had my students use that website for the same purpose.  However, recently Big Huge Labs has been updated and has become even more spectacular.  Here's a screen shot from their home page:

As you can see, the options are rich with possibility.  All of these tools can be used to fit your curriculum needs.  Oh yes, and did I mention that it is free?

You Mean I Can't Use That?

Today's tech tip is focused on another great resource for locating images that are not restricted due to copyright.  The site is called Pics4Learning.  What's great about this site is that unlike Creative Commons, it is super kid-friendly so that students can easily search for images, which are organized by subject.  Even better, students can upload their own images and have them posted on the Pics4Learning website.  This would be a rewarding activity for emerging photographers to do and would help them understand copyright and why it is important.  Currently, Mrs. Friedman's students are using this website to locate images for the digital stories that they are creating. As you can see from the picture below, they are clearly enjoying Pics4Learning!

Not only is this a great site for locating images, but it also includes additional teaching gems, such as "Recipes for Success" and hot topics under the "Creative Educators" tab.  

PhotoPeach

Given that we live in the Peach state, this is an easy tech tool to remember.  It is called PhotoPeach. PhotoPeach is a presentation tool that allows you to instantly upload photos, select music, add text (if you wish) and voila, you have a lovely presentation to share.  This one took me all of one minute: #MakerMonday on PhotoPeach

Best of all, it's free!  This would be a fun, simple, creative, and easy way to share class highlights of spirit week with parents. PhotoPeach is also a great way to highlight student work, create writing prompts, and/or share field trip adventures.