Just for Fun

Thing # 9- Online Image Generators

Photos created by: www.imagechef.com
This service is by far my favorite. It literally took seconds for me to figure it out and begin making things. There are a ton a different possibilities, and I find that I am already addicted! I simply clicked on a heading that looked interesting, typed in my phrase, and it instantly appeared. I then saved it to my desk top and imported it like any other picture. I also saw where you can use it on other programs such as facebook. This is such a creative way to add style to Internet sights, bulletin boards, or anything else that needs a little flair. As for personal use, this service is a fun method for sending greetings to friends and family.

Thing # 8- Even More Flikr Fun

Photo created using Mosaic Maker.

This program was fun once I got the hang of it, but for the first hour or so it seemed impossible! My main problem stemmed from the URL. The program has a specific area where one can copy and paste it, but when I did that the image was tiny. I finally tried copying it from the address bar and that worked much better.

This tool would be great to use when making things to send home. It is also a creative tool to use when making things to go on bulleton boards, in memory books, or even in a yearbook.

I do not mind sharing pictures online, as long as strangers are not using pictures of my home or family. Other things such as scenic views or pets are fine. Overall, I think this program is fun and creative and can add a cute touch to most projects!

Thing #7- Exploring Flikr

Flickr is so much fun! I will be using Flickr for personal use, and will probably incooporate it into the classroom when I get more accustomed to it. As I said in my last entry, my family has been "Flickr followers" for months now, so I'm glad I finally get to join the fun :]

I have never used another photo hosting service before, unless you count the facebook account my daughter created. I have uploaded pictures onto that program because my daughter loves it, and it is an easy way for her to see what's going on when she is away at college.

Flickr is devoted completely to photography, whereas facebook has different elements. Flickr feels more "adult" to me. I enjoy both services and will continue exploring and learning about them.

Privacy is important to me, but only to a certain extent. I only post items that I feel do not give out too much information about where I live, my phone number, and things of that nature. Yes, there are plenty of weird people on the internet, but then again, there are going to be weird people everywhere. The private option is great for the photos I only want my family to see.

More Flickr Fun

My Family
Originally uploaded by a.gregory19

These are the people I love the most. My son is a senior at Horn, and my daughter is a sophmore at A&M.

Flickr Fun

Bailey
Originally uploaded by a.gregory19

This is my miniature snchnauzer, Bailey. She is spolied rotten, as this picture shows.

Thing #6- Web 2.0 Tools

 I began my search with the "award winners" and was excited to see that Flikr made the list. This is a sight I have wanted to search and get accustomed to for some time now. My sister and nieces are Flikr fanatics, so I am constantly having to call on my daughter or husband to help me if I want to see their latest adventures. 

Setting up an account was nothing difficult; however, I did not like the fact that one must first create a yahoo account. This is not that big of a deal, except for the fact that I already have numerous email accounts that I cannot keep track of! After finding my family's accounts, I began to realize how much they depend on this site to keep track of all their photographed memories. There were hundreds and hundreds of photos! I tried to jump on the bandwagon myself and began adding a few photos, but could not come near to the amount others have posted. I couple of hours later I checked back and noticed I had received comments. It is a great tool to use when trying to stay connected with those one cannot see everyday.

As far as it's use in the classroom/library setting, I cannot see much of one, in less it is a photography class. If one thinks outside the box and has the class write stories about the pictures they are viewing, or analyze them for certain elements it could perhaps work, but overall I believe this is a tool best suited to the home environment.