Embedded Task 3 - Images

Images

There are a number of technical features and aspects that are available to you with the use of images. Images can be edited, altered or photo shopped with numerous software packages available. These can range from free download beginner programs to professional and commercial programs that need to be purchased. Most basic editing programs feature a re-sizing option for images which ensures that photos can be uploaded and downloaded successfully and guarantees the person viewing the photos does indeed get to view them. This involves either reducing the image to a smaller size so you are not waiting for the image to upload onto the page or enlarging the image to make viewing possible.  Although I have only used the basic editing programs I have found them to be user friendly but they do involve some navigating around the program to find the various features available to you and some practice in mastering the editing features.

The use of images will inspire various learning outcomes in my classroom and support my digital pedagogy. Images will be used in my student’s portfolios/blogs where they will take photos of their project at each stage of building as a record of their progress and achievement. I would also have my students use images when brainstorming about the design of their project so they could collate images of various items and design aspects. They could then incorporate these ideas into their own project and ultimately form their own unique design. As a teacher I would incorporate images into my lessons of projects that students were building as to inspire them about their own projects and ideas. I would also use images to engage students in what I was teaching. As Andrew Fuller mentions on his website, by presenting an image in teaching, you increase the retention rate of an adolescent from 10% to 65% whilst also achieving a higher level of engagement.

An important part of my digital pedagogy will be to ensure that safe practice is maintained in using and sharing images which will apply to both myself as a teacher and also my students. This is to ensure that the correct copyright procedure is followed when using/uploading images into your work and also that you have the persons permission in using a photo. This applies examples such as taking photos of students or uploading their photos of their work. The Smartcopy website contains useful information that can be used for further reference. 

S - Students taking a photo of their finished project rather than drawing/sketching one 

A - Students collate/collect images of project ideas to gain inspiration from

M - Students can edit images of their work (or design) which will allow them to imagine what their finished project will look like by way of creating an ideology portfolio (changing colours of materials used etc)

R - Students can upload and share numerous images of their work with other students or organisation to gain ideas and inspiration from (accounts such as Flickr or Instagram)

 Before and after Image using the editing program Befunky (free download program)

Reducing and enlarging an image using Microsoft Office (free computer program)