Haugen’s Tech Tips Blog

Okay, so now I’m blending Google Doc’s new online presentation software with Plasq’s cool and easy screenshot/annotating/uploading tool called Skitch. I think this has potential. The image is everything, because you write your step-by-step instructions right on it. Both students and teachers could use Skitch to create, snap or import images, then write and draw on them to give instructions, create maps or diagrams, indicate key features of a photo or painting, and so much more… In Google Docs, you can import images (created in Skitch or elsewhere) into your presentation. Then, collaborate on your documents online with anyone you choose to invite.

You can also invite people or groups to view your presentation and comment in a chat area. This changes the game of providing online presentations. Very cool.

I keep a pretty active list of tags on del.icio.us, and this gives an updated list of all my photography links. Most are education related.

My Photography Links

YouthLearn’s fabulous site offers several tutorials on exploring and using digital photography, graphics and other visual or multimedia arts with kids.  Beginning with this tutorial on teaching digital photography and moving onto other topics, you’ll benefit from their wisdom, whether you’re just getting started or have been using photography with students already.

Smithsonian Images offers an online catalog of its amazing photo collection, organized by topic, for personal and educational use.

• Browse or search through selected images from the Collections of the Office of Imaging and Photographic Services. Included are images from current exhibits, Smithsonian events and historic collections.
• Select and download screen resolution images for personal and educational use.
• Create your own portfolio of favorite Smithsonian image and send e-cards of your favorite images to family and friends.
• Purchase high quality prints and digital images through secure online ordering system.

Numerous topics from air and space, American history, animals, fireworks, minerals, technology, marine life and more… I can only imagine what a great addition this would be for students creating conventional or multimedia reports.

Sounds like an oxymoron, but these photographers have done something fascinating and worth looking at. www.theblindphotographer.com