I have highlighted online photo editing sites before, but lately I have run across a couple that I wanted to share. These two sites are really photo manipulation sites, rather than just editing. I think of editing as cropping, fixing red-eye, smoothing wrinkles, etc. Today's highlighted sites do have some editing features, but also are unique in that they allow the editor to alter reality quickly, easily and for no cost.
While these sites are fun, photo editing and photo manipulation can be incorporated into classrooms. A variety of lesson ideas such as editing a photo to place a person in a different place or era could be a part of a history or geography lesson. Adding different features, such as bunny ears, to a photo of a horse could inspire a narrative story. Cropping a photo of a student so that the face could be placed on another photo could be a visual for a report on what the student would like to be when they grow up.
Looking at photo editing and manipulation from another viewpoint also lends credence to studying photos and images to increase understanding. In a report in the CITE Journal by Mark Hofer and Carol Owings Swan, the authors state the importance of students learning how to "read" images to create a better understanding of curricular material. Read the report here http://www.citejournal.org/vol5/iss3/socialstudies/article1.cfm.
piZap
With piZap's online photo editor, you can add cool things to your photos like stickers and text bubbles. You can paint on a photo or add an effect like sepia. The site requires no registration.
While these sites are fun, photo editing and photo manipulation can be incorporated into classrooms. A variety of lesson ideas such as editing a photo to place a person in a different place or era could be a part of a history or geography lesson. Adding different features, such as bunny ears, to a photo of a horse could inspire a narrative story. Cropping a photo of a student so that the face could be placed on another photo could be a visual for a report on what the student would like to be when they grow up.
Looking at photo editing and manipulation from another viewpoint also lends credence to studying photos and images to increase understanding. In a report in the CITE Journal by Mark Hofer and Carol Owings Swan, the authors state the importance of students learning how to "read" images to create a better understanding of curricular material. Read the report here http://www.citejournal.org/vol5/iss3/socialstudies/article1.cfm.
piZap
With piZap's online photo editor, you can add cool things to your photos like stickers and text bubbles. You can paint on a photo or add an effect like sepia. The site requires no registration.
PhotoFunia
PhotoFunia is a funky little site that allows you to upload a photo of someone
and then alter it's reality. Using face recognition technology, you can turn yourself or a friend into a WWII fighter pilot, Santa Claus, or even a tattoo on David Beckham's washboard stomach. Some of the choices in the gallery are pretty racy, so use caution if sharing with students. No registration required.
