This chapter focused on the use of Flickr, a web-based digital photography tool. It has also recently evolved into a video-hosting tool, as well. After reading this chapter, I would love to use Flickr in the classroom! I am very interested in making sure parents know what is going on in the classroom, and this is a way to do just that. I also like how the chapter says that Flickr is a way to "celebrate the good work that students do every day...by putting it online for all (or some to see)" (102). One thing I am worried about, though, is making sure the pictures and videos put up online are appropriate. Introducing Flickr to my students will have its educational benefits, but it is also introducing them to yet another socializing tool. What they do with it outside of class is up to them, but it is up to me as their teacher to teach them the importance of keeping what goes online private and appropriate. One way that Flickr helps to control photos is by making a limit on the "free" version of Flickr of 500 photos. Also, if you want to allow only certain people view the pictures, such as classmates, there is an option to "invite" members to see your pictures. This way, no one else in the public can view them.
I really like the educational benefits from Flickr. For example, it is a great discussion tool. Not only can students post interactive learning tools, such as the example with Jane Goodall's necessities, but students can discuss information about Jane Goodall, what she did, and what were her accomplishments. This is a great way for students to interact and learn more. I also like how Flickr is in touch with Google Reader. This is a fantastic way to show students the benefits of the internet and how they can stay interconnected. It makes it much easier to teach and understand.
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