Digital Tools for Middle School

Created by: Ashleigh Jedlowski

LIBS 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 7.5

d) 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 7.6

c) 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