Pixlr

So, I've been a little snap happy lately, some might say taking pictures like a crazy woman.  My kids think they need an agent for all the posing and glamour shots I'm taking but I call it making memories.  And maybe I have been taking too many pictures of random things but seriously, wait until you see the FUN and INTERESTING photos! 

Okay, maybe not such a great example of fun and interesting, but cool, right?

If you're wondering how how you can do this with your own photos, you need to check out the Pixlr app from Autodesk, the leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software (Autodesk, 2015).  

I downloaded the app to my phone which makes taking pictures and editing them versatile and mobile.  It really is as simple as taking a photo using the app (or uploading the photo from other media sources), and experimenting with filters, borders, text, and SO MUCH MORE!  

   

Sweet little birdhouse painted by my boys. 

"

pixlr-fied"

The birdhouse pictures show how you can add filters and overlays.  

The overlay I chose was 'canvas'.  I also added a border.

You can also add text to your photo.

Pixlr is such a fun and slightly addicting photo editing app.  The mobile and web apps are free and the possibilities are endless.  In a secondary classroom setting, I imagine that students could use the app to design or enhance collaborative learning projects with creativity, communication, and critical thinking....yep, the four C's. 

In an elementary setting, I see an opportunity to provide enrichment for students by allowing them to choose a topic, research the topic, and add creativity to their presentation using the Pixlr app.  

As a teacher, I plan on using Pixlr to add more life into my blog photos and show my parents what we do in our classroom.

And, I leave you with one last photo.  PS...It's July and school supplies are out. WHAT?

Raise your hand if you LOVE Target!

ISTE-T

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity

a. Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness

3. Model digital age work and learning

c. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats

ISTE-S

1. Creativity and innovation

b. Create original works as means of personal or group expression

2. Communication and collaboration

b. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.

6. Technology operations and concept

b. Select and use applications effectively and productively

Sources
Autodesk www.autodesk.com

ISTE standards- students. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards/standards-for-students

ISTE standards- teachers. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards/standards-for-teachers

Pixlr www.pixlr.com