Digital Tools in the Middle School Classroom

Created by: Ashleigh JedlowskiLIBS 602

Greetings From the Middle…

Today’s Tools

• Big Huge Labs• Image Chef• Piktochart• QR Code Monkey

Big Huge Labs

http://bighugelabs.com/

• Generally used for creating products with images

Big Huge Labs- Trading Cards

• English SOL 7.5 a) The student will describe the elements of narrative structure including setting, character development, plot structure, theme and conflict.

Big Huge Labs- Map Activity

• Could be used in Social Studies, Science, Foreign Language, etc.

• Allows students to choose specific regions and highlight key areas on map

Big Huge Labs- Magazine Cover

• Can be used in any classroom at the beginning of the year as an introductory or “getting to know you” activity

Big Hug Labs Overview

Pros• Versatile image tool with

many different activities to choose from

• Very user friendly

Limitations• While it has many different

choices, it may sometimes be a little difficult for students to focus on the activity at hand rather than browsing

• Check with ITC at school to see if the site is accessible at your school.

Image Chef

• http://www.imagechef.com/

• Strictly used for manipulating and creating images

Image Chef- Visual Poetry

• English 7.5d) The student will describe the impact of word choice, imagery, and literary devices including figurative language.

Image Chef- Wanted Poster

• Fun tool to use when discussing heroes and villains

Image Chef- Photo Frame

• Can be used to spruce up images and projects across all curriculums

Image Chef Overview

Pros• Images can be enhanced in

as little as 5 minutes• User friendly

Limitations• Only offers programs to

work with images

Piktochart

• http://piktochart.com/• Used to create graphic representations of

information gathered through reading or collection of data.

Piktochart- English Connections

• English 7.6 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of a variety of nonfiction texts while:

j) Identifying cause and effect relationships

Piktochart- English Connections Cont’d.

• English 7.6 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of a variety of nonfiction texts while:

k)Organizing and synthesizing information for use in written formats

Piktochart- Math Connections

• Students could use Piktochart to create graphic representations of information they have gathered from other students.

Piktochart Overview

Pros• Organizes information into

an attractive graphic organizer

• Is more engaging than reading an article

• Can be laid out in a manner which had never before been considered

• Information is easily accessible

Limitations• Very difficult to create if

specific template is not available

• Overly time consuming

• Not user friendly

QR Code Monkey

• http://www.qrcode-monkey.com/• QR codes are generally used as tools that

provide more information about a topic when a limited space is available.

QR Code Monkey- Organizational Patterns

• English SOL 7.6c) The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of a variety of nonfiction texts by identifying an author’s organizational pattern using textual clues, such as transition words and phrases

QR Code Monkey-Research Papers

• Students research a topic and come up with sub categories for their topic of choice, for each subcategory, students must create a QR code and provide information about their topic

• Trade and Scan

QR Code Monkey- Library Use

• Use QR Codes to inform students of books in a series or newly released books

QR Code Monkey Overview

Pros• Encourages technology in

the classroom• Encourages collaborative

work/interaction• Very simple to create

Limitations• Technology may not be

available• Could cause potential

distractions in class.

Questions/Comments

• Does anyone have any questions about the following tools?– Big Huge Labs– Image Chef– Piktochart– QR Code Monkey