Image Search

After exploring Pixabay, Unsplash, and Photos for Class, I really liked Pixabay the best. Unsplash was a very close second, for me. I liked that they allowed me to choose the download size. I ran into issues inserting large files into my e-portfolio, and this alleviated that problem. I also noticed Photos for Class usually linked to Pixabay. I did like the option of automatic citation from Photos for Class, but they were often not full or accurate. Ultimately, I could see myself using Pixabay and Unsplash most often.

Editing Tools

Tuxpi

I really enjoyed using Tuxpi. Its easy editing options gave me a better idea of the differences in brightness, contrast, saturation, and hue. Adding text and downloading the edited image was also very easy. I think this would be my choice photo editor, in the event I only wanted a few simple options. I think this would be great to use with middle school students or even upper-elementary. The options offer plenty of editing without being too overwhelming. I could see using this in coordination with a photography class or even to help with slideshows and projects.

Pixlr

I absolutely loved the animation options on Pixlr. I was able to take the photo at the top of this page and chose the “soothe” option. It really brought a soothing mood and a bit of life to a still image. I did not like the constant advertisements. If I were to use Pixlr often, I would want to purchase the tool. I think Pixlr would be best used in a high school level course, or it could be used in classes where more advanced photo editing is necessary. I think I would use Pixlr to show an example of all the different options photo editors offer. I am a bit ashamed to say I did not understand how to use all the options, but I am very glad they were available.

Pizap

I really liked Pizap for its collage feature. In fact, I may use this to edit and create collages for some of my own personal photographs. It offered many different templates, and the photos were very easy to insert. I thought about how many beginning/end of year projects I have completed while teaching first grade, and I can see using this to create and end of the year gift to take home. For example, a photo on the first and last days of school. I would also use this in the library to help with beginning, middle, and end scenarios and understanding of stories. I think this would also be beneficial to older students who want to compare photos for projects.

Big Huge Labs

This was my favorite editor tool. It was extremely easy to make the pop art poster, pictured above. I also loved the options to transform photos into different projects. The jigsaw and map maker were my two favorite, but there are so many options to explore. I could see using the jigsaw maker with younger students, perhaps of photographs of book covers. I also think the trading card maker would be a huge hit and helpful for upper elementary/middle school students. It would be a fantastic study tool.

Overall, I thought each of these tools would make an excellent addition to classrooms and library instruction. I think the upper grades would appreciate the editing and project options, as they make more presentations and projects. I think elementary and middle would benefit from using the tools for studying information and more hands-on play. I think professionally, I would also incorporate these tools into my presentations for meetings.