A digital image is simply an image taken or
created by use of a digital camera, scanner, computer, iPad, smart phone and
many other digital devices/programs (Fulton, 2010, para. 1). Digital images can
be re-sized, manipulated, created, viewed, shared, and embedded using certain
programs and tools. The following table
outlines certain websites and what they can be used for in relation to digital images.
As mentioned
before, digital images can be created, manipulated and shared with an audience.
Manipulating and
re-sizing an image:
Re-sized and manipulated
Resized and manipulated
Original photograph
The
program used to manipulate and re-size the image is Microsoft Office Picture
Manager which comes as a part of most Microsoft Office software packages. The screenshot below illustrates what the program looks like. Note: The
red circles below show what tools can be used to manipulate and re-size the
image.
This particular program is very easy to use and
editing can be undone by holding down CTRL and z on the keyboard. Images that
are being edited can also be saved under a different name so that original images
remain unchanged. This is a very basic editing program; however there are a multitude
of advanced programs such as Adobe Photoshop that can be used.
Teachers should educate students on the use of
digital images by discussing copyright laws and technical aspects of the
program being used. Teachers should additionally consider using the Smartcopying website to gain insight into what can and cannot be done.
Moreover, teachers should consider what copyright laws and regulations specific
websites have in place and how to abide by these before educating students on
appropriate and legal use.
To support the teacher to guide students through
the technical aspects of a specific program there are a vast range of resources
both online and written that teachers can source information from. The YouTube
video below explains the basic editing of photographs using Microsoft Office Picture
Manager:
Digital images can be used widely across all
curriculum areas and in various ways to enhance the learning experience of
students. Digital images can: engage students; reinforce materials; connect
students; support students to have higher levels of digital and visual literacy;
provoke interest and motivation; and add complexity to lessons (Sieber &
Hatcher, 2012, para. 5). Additionally, digital images can: support learners to grasp a concept; support
creativity; support learners to link content with the image; support learners
to see and connect with their learning; and support learners to link content to
a real-life context (Stancampiano, 2013, para. 1 – 9).
My specialisation areas are Biology and
History. Personally, I think that the teaching process and learning of students
in these subject areas can be greatly supported and enhanced by use of digital
images. I feel that you can teach a person about an object,
describe how it looks but until they see it for themselves they won’t know what
it truly looks like. They will only see the image they created in their minds
from your description.
For example: When you hear a voice without seeing the
person, you imagine what the person might look like. How often are your ideas
of the person’s appearance wrong?
Students can utilise digital images as evidence
for research projects, to complete historical timelines, for biological timelines
and life cycles, as interactive diagrams, to create interactive videos and much
more. By using images students can employ their own creativity and skills to
create other forms of media and present assessments in a more visual way. Along
with digital images, the use of other pedagogical frameworks and thinking
routines are important. An example of a thinking routine can be viewed here.
Fulton, W. (2010). What is a digital image anyway? Retrieved from
www.scantips.com/basics1b.html
Sieber, E., & Hatcher, S. (2012). Teaching with
object and photographs. Supporting and enhancing your curriculum: A guide for
teachers (2nd Edition). Retrieved from Indiana University website:
http://www.indiana.edu/~mathers/Tops.pdf
Stancampiano, J. (2013). The Benefits of Visual Facilitation in the
Classroom. Retrieved from
http://www.trainingindustry.com/content-development/articles/the-benefits-of-visual-facilitation-in-the-classroom.aspx
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