Thing #9 - Images for the classroom

An unleashed mind is certainly a powerful thing, as proven in this little exercise. I never realized the magnitude of resources/generators that are available to create text images. Until now, I have solely utilized Microsoft Office to develop classroom and presentation images, largely due to the hefty price tags associated with some popular graphic design programs. Now, the sky is the limit as to what one can create and achieve.

After playing around on numerous sights today, I focused my attention on three sites that I particularly enjoyed: Monopoly Card Maker, Danger Label Maker and Tags Maker. The component that I most admired with Monopoly Card Maker was the ability to create motivational cards as a reward for studious behavior that embodies a sense of citizenship amidst students; It can also be incorporated into disciplinary actions such as warning cards, if desired. Most importantly, due to the popularity of the Monopoly board game, students easily relate to the concept and can become excited at the prospect of playing a game. Additionally, students associate the cards (rewards and warnings) as a positive message due to the positive light reflected by the board game in our family lives.

With label maker, you can actually create signage that helps to both set the mood for a room and relieve stress via comic relief. The Tags Maker generator follows this suit, but it also allows you the opportunity to expand your message with additional lines of text. Most importantly, the images you create are going to stimulate discussions and create excitement in the classroom. Students need stimulation to stay on task and they need motivation in their lives, which many often lack in their social life.

The most amazing component of all of the sites I visited, was the shear ease of creating images. The host program sites are simplistic and systematically laid out in stages (typically 4-5 steps) to ensure steps are not omitted. It also aids with the instruction process of children as the sites are easy to navigate. Additionally, there is little guess work to be performed due to their structure, which maximizes productivity time for students by minimizing question and answer sessions. Take some time to visit these and other image/text generating sites and contemplate ways that they may enhance the learning environment of your own classroom.