Friday, February 15, 2008

Digital Imagery

The article I chose discussed digital imagery in the social studies classroom specifically. Not only do students gain a better and more in-depth understanding of history, but they also learn skills "to access, analyze, and evaluate all forms of information and communication," which is necessary to be a well-informed citizen. By thinking critically about the images they have captured, students can understand bias in pictures as well as determine how reliable the image is. Some of the specific uses of digital imagery mentioned in the article dealt with regional artifacts of the community, geography, environmental issues, economic issues, government and politics, cultural diversity, and children in the community. The article gave a specific example of students who put together a photo essay on littering in their community. It opened their eyes to real issues and instilled in them a desire to be a part of the solution.

I think digital imagery in the classroom is a great teaching and learning tool. By exploring some current history, especially with pictures, students will be more interested in learning about past history. I also think the use of digital images can be used in a wide area of subjects- science, math, writing or journaling, and others. Images capture students' attention much more than traditional lecturing or notes. In addition, the use of pictures in projects or essays as described in the article allows students to be more creative than if they simply wrote about or discussed what they learned.

As with any new teaching tool that is introduced into the classroom, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of digital imagery. Are students learning better? Are they more engaged? Do they understand how to use the technology correctly? Also, because students are taking pictures, some time must be devoted to explaining the ethics of photography. Privacy and credibility of images are just a few of the issues that need to be addressed by the teacher and clearly understood by the students before using digital imagery in the classroom.

To read this article visit
http://find.galegroup.com.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/itx/retrieve.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2CUS%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28JN%2CNone%2C18%29%22Social+Education%22%3AAnd%3ALQE%3D%28DA%2CNone%2C8%2920040401%24&sgHitCountType=None&inPS=true&sort=DateDescend&searchType=PublicationSearchForm&tabID=T002&prodId=AIM&searchId=R1&currentPosition=8&userGroupName=gale15690&docId=A116451995&docType=IAC

1 comment:

Amanda Walker said...

I agree with you that before introducing a new technology into a classroom of students it is very important for a teacher to really do their research and decide whether it is a good technology or not. I do agree that it would make class more exciting for the students as many people are vidual learners. I agree that seeing images are much more exciting for students than just sitting there and hearing their everyday lecture or just taking notes. I think that technology is very beneficial in the classroom. Good Post!