Week 4 - Flickr Activity

Flickr is another great tool that would be good to use when studying certain topics in the classroom. There are millions of images that are available and free to use and is especially handy for educators. I have uploaded some pictures below, if you click on them they will take you directly to the Flickr site.


This image was retrieved from Flickr and is of a SeaWorld Shark taken by R. Jeremia, 2010.


This image was retrieved from Flickr and is of a yearling mountain goat near Hidden Lake Overlook. This photo was taken by David Restivo, 2006.


SWOT Analysis for using FLICKR

STRENGTHS –
- Uploading personal images and videos or downloading from Flickr is very easy to do
- You are able to share them either with the class or upload them to share with other teachers’, classes or students, parents, schools etc. to show them what you have been learning and doing in class (providing permission was given by parent guardians and the children)
- Great way to help explain to students what they are learning. For example if they are doing a topic on dinosaurs you would be able to download and show them different pictures of different dinosaurs to give them a visual image on what they look like
- Easy to create slideshows with images for use in assignments or to help them reflect on experiments or field trips etc. (PowerPoint, MovieMaker or Mobaphoto would also be good tool for this)
- Can choose titles and description on photos
- Authors are able to choose creative commons right on pictures and choose who views pictures
- Can create groups to share content with and conversations
- Built in search engine for looking of photos


WEAKNESSES –
- Photos can be viewed by everyone unless password protected
- Limited amount of uploads available each month
- Not available in all schools as it is blocked due to the risk of children viewing inappropriate material
- Computers or internet may not be available to all students
- Students must be informed of copyright legalities and the correct procedure on referencing
- If wanting to edit photos you are sent to another site call Picnik which you then have to download as well

OPPORTUNITIES –
- Able to create scrapbooks that can be printed or shared online
- Can create photo gifts
- Engages students with the use of technology and how to upload and download pictures and video
- Gives the opportunity to share pictures as events are happening
- Allows the opportunity to get feedback from pictures they have taken
- Able to enter photo contests
- Allows parents the opportunity to see what their children are doing in class

THREATS –
- Difficult to monitor the appropriateness of pictures and videos viewed by students

I personally would not use this as a tool in the classroom for students due to the threat of them coming across inappropriate material but I think it is a great tool for Teachers when they require images to use for class topics.