Picasa is a free photo sharing program. Picasa searches a computer for photos and makes copies of the photo files on and stores them. Photos can then be organized into smaller albums and one photo can be saved to multiple albums. All of this can occur without changing how photo files are saved on the computer. Picasa also offers many of the same features or capabilities of photographic programs such as iPhoto, and Shutterfly. Photos can imported simply. Editing photos is simple and includes features such as red-eye correction, cropping, retouching, and color adjusting. Picasa even has a wonderful text feature allowing for text to be added to any picture. This program even has a great collage feature that is great for creating collages of photos that can be shared easily. Google and Picasa make photo sharing easier with its integration of its many programs and tools. Interested in what Picasa has to offer? Here is a link to a great tutorial video. Click on this link to download Picasa.
There are many great resource videos to help learn how to use Picasa and here are a few.
Here is a collage that I created recently.
I created a similar collage on Shutterfly last year and paid a lot of money to give one to each student. Now that I have discovered Picasa I will be able to help my students remember their time in my class and save some money. Who doesn't love that? Picasa even gives the user a choice to set the photo project as a wallpaper on their computer.
Another amazing tool for the classroom is You Tube. By now everyone has heard of You Tube, and have enjoyed a laugh, or learned a new skill. I remember trying to help my son tie his suit tie before homecoming and not remembering the steps. I said, "Let's look it up on You Tube!" We found a wonderful video that we could pause as my son completed each step. You Tube saved the day!
Besides learning to tie a tie, You Tube has many wonderful, educationally, valuable resources. I have used many videos in the classroom to help introduce a concept. Many of these videos are learning songs that help grab a students interest. I frequently here my students singing the songs to remind them of skills learned. However, as with all technology, a teacher has to be ever vigilant to protect their students. You Tube has many great educational resources and just as many inappropriate resources. A teacher also needs to keep in mind copyright laws. Here are a couple of resources to help in these areas.
The possibilities of You Tube for developing a deeper understanding of concepts and skills are immense. You Tube reaches students of all learning styles. Please check out these resources on how and why to use this invaluable resource.
As we move further into the 21st Century, we need to create 21st Century learners. It is going to take 21st Century technology to achieve this goal. Students have the newest of technology at their finger tips and we need to use technology to meet their needs. Thanks for joining me as I continue to grow as a 21st Century teacher.
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