Engage them with Images...For Free

Research says we need to take more words off our PowerPoint slide and use simple images to convey a message. I know that may be hard for some of you “Type A” workaholics who feel a sense of accomplishment when you adjust the font just right so that all of those words still fit on one screen (I’ll admit, that’s me) – but when it comes down to it, our life can be made more simple, and our students learn more when we ditch the verbiage in exchange for some memory-worthy pics.

If the standards clip-art that came with your program is feeling a little tired, check out these free stock image sites for a fresh look:

Camera taking pictures

Stock.xhng 

Everystockphoto 

Flickr Creative Commons Pool 

Image After

If you want a little more selection, and you are willing to spend a little bit of money (not a lot), my favorite site is iStockphoto. iStock contains a plethora of royalty free photos, illustrations, and great icons/images for use in presentations. When you are downloading, make sure to click the smallest size – which is the cheapest option and translates well in PowerPoint.

Adding Artwork to Your Materials

Adding Artwork to Your Materials

Clip art was so 1990. Okay, so maybe it has its purpose now and again, but the next time you need artwork to help solidify a point or illustrate a concept, check out Pics4Learning. It’s a website created just for teachers and students.

Pics4Learning is a copyright-friendly image library. The Pics4Learning collection consists of thousands of images that have been donated by students, teachers and amateur photographers. Unlike many Internet sites, permission has been granted for teachers and students to use all of the images donated to the Pics4Learning collection.

If you have your own collection of photos with educational merit, upload them here so others can enjoy them too.

Other image bank sites for teachers:
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Civil War
·
Depression Era
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EduPic
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Maps
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NASA Image eXchange
·
Roosevelt Presidential Library

 

Classroom Engagement Tip for December 22, 2008