Taking Art Work to the 'Next Level'

It is not often that I get to help integrate technology in art classes but I was thrilled to work with two art classes so far this year (photograph and IB art).  Every year, some of our students are able to submit art work at the Deerfield Fair to be judged against other students across the state.  This year, we (to include Mrs. Hogan and Mrs. Tuttle) decided to take their art work to the next level by adding QR codes.

Students first quickly learned what a QR code was.  The purpose of this code for this particular project was to act as their voice for others to learn more about what the artwork represented.  How many times have you actually gone to an art gallery or art show and thought to yourself, 'What the heck was this artist thinking?' or 'I don't get it!'  By having a QR code next to the art work, people were able to use their mobile devices to scan and either read or listen about what the author had to say.  Below are two different approaches that students could take...

Written Reflection:
1.  Students write a reflection of the artwork using Google Docs
2.  Sharing permissions of document must be changed to 'anyone with the link'
3.  Copy the URL of the public Google Doc
4.  Paste URL at QR code generator website:  qrstuff.com
5.  Download the QR code to print

Audio Reflection:
1.  Students create a free account with Audioboo.com
2.  Practice the reflection before recording
3.  Record the audio file
4.  Copy the URL of the public audio file

5.  Paste URL at QR code generator website:  qrstuff.com
6.  Download the QR code to print
** NOTE:  It is important to note that the audio file cannot be longer than 3 minutes as that is all that is allowed in the free version of Audioboo.  This is a good practice for students to really think about what they are going to say and say it efficiently.

 

Word of caution...students will want to make sure that they shrink the size of the QR code so that the QR code does not overshadow their wonderful artwork.  You also do not want people to have to stand a half a mile away from the QR code so that they will be able to scan it!

  

This is just one quick example of how QR codes can be used in an educational setting.  If you are curious as to how you can integrate this time of tech tool, come on down and see me!  You just might be surprised as to what can be done...

Creating Professional Slideshows in No Time with Animoto

Animoto is a great web 2.0 tool that allows you to create a professional looking slide show with very little effort.  What a bonus!  

Teachers are encouraged to create a free educational account, which grants the teacher the ability to create slideshows that are longer than 30 seconds.  Also, with this account, the teacher is able to give out 50 free student accounts so that students also have the ability to create longer Animotos for free.  It is important to know that the code expires within 30 days of activation of creating the account.  The teacher also has to reapply every 6 months.  What is also nice about this service, is the ability to download the video off of the internet so that you will always have your slideshows that you have created!

This web tool has been my 'go to tool' regarding anything relating to school functions.  Just recently, we had our Fall Pep Rally and I used this tool to create a slideshow for the school community to enjoy.  It is a great way to document any event!  Below is the Animoto that was created from our Pep Rally.





The World Religions Class, in the past, has even had to create their own Animoto when they took a field trip to Boston.  This was the students way of documenting the information that they learned over the course of the day.  It provided a fun way of showcasing that information.  

It is very easy to create an Animoto slideshow:

• Log into your account
• Choose a theme/background
• Choose music that will be played in the background
• Upload your pictures and videos (these videos are short - Animoto will only play 10 seconds of a video but you are able to choose what 10 seconds you want!)
• Include any text that you want
• Produce your video

Within no time, Animoto will send you an email letting you know that the video is produced.  You are then able to embed the video on any website, or let people know of your accomplishment through social media.  

If this sounds interesting for you, whether for professional or personal reasons, you should create a free account.  And as always, if you have any questions regarding this web 2.0 tool, just ask!