Today’s tech snack can be found at the following url: https://www.thinglink.com/edu .
What is it and how does it work?
Thinglink is an online tool that lets you add online resources to an existing image. In other words, this tool allows you to upload an image and then you can add any online resource- including pictures, websites, music and videos-to that still image. So, with this tool, a single image becomes an interactive information board!
http://www.thinglink.com/scene/536878277499813889
To start using Thinglink, you need to create a free account. After you have created an account, you can upload an image from your computer, flicker or another online url. After you have selected your image, you can add specific items within your image (called "things") and link them to resources or other websites. By clicking an area within the image, viewers can access the "thing" (website) that you have linked. You can save and edit all content that you add to your image.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29kDWdJsr00
One of the best things about this tool is that is easy and versatile, so it can be used with a variety of student audiences. You can create thinglinks and then share the url with students/parents. Students do not need to have an account to access the url. They only need an account if you want them to create, edit, and add content.( This is a great option for older students). There are many ways that thinglink can be used in the classroom. Below is a presentation created by Donna Baumbach-another fellow educator/superhero- that contains over 81 different ways that you can incorporate this tool. All the ideas were submitted by other educators who have used this tool in their classrooms.
thinglink.pdf
Ah, this is a delightful snack! I think I will be using this one frequently. Hope it is useful and happy snacking!