The use of visuals or graphics in the classroom are an important element for teachers. In fact, “Our brain is more likely to see visuals rather than text. The brain processes images all at once, while it processes text in a linear manner.” Using graphics with our students makes content easier to understand and remember. (Quote taken from a larger infographic located at the following url:http://www.visualistan.com/2013/08/why-our-brain-love-visual-data.html ).
So, I guess by now you have figured out that today's tech snack has something to do with visuals. You guessed correctly! Today's tech snack can be found at the following url: http://www.thematic.co/
What is it?
In a nutshell, this is a free site that lets you upload up to twenty pictures at a time to make a digital picture book. ( You can have multiple books of 20 or less pictures) The site is completely free and very easy to use. You create a free account then you cancreate a story using your own pictures. Choose photos from your computer (simply drag and drop) or a Dropbox file. You can also add text to each picture. Enter the text and description to each photo and change the font color, if desired. Click the lock below the last picture to change your story from public to private (or back again). Click done to finish the story.
You can share your stories using your lcd projector or you can give your students the url to the story and they can access it ( even if it is private.) Students do not need accounts to access your stories. (They do need accounts if you want them to create their own stories).
This could be a fun, easy way to share pictures and do some create story telling. Want to see an example of a thematic story? Click on the link below:
https://www.thematic.co/stories/8lf-at-rpcs#
Ideas for classroom use