How to Use Flickr in the Classroom
Technology has been aiding teachers in the classroom for decades. Once, it was film strips that were used to show students documentaries. Later, televisions could be reserved for students to view important events live. Over the past decade the Internet has become an important resource for research and sharing information. The advent of social media presents new, interactive tools for classroom use, including the photo sharing website, Flickr. Owned by Yahoo!, Flickr offers the opportunity for uploading and sharing photos with a few people -- or the entire world. These digital snapshots have become a haven for lesson plan ideas for teachers.
Things You'll Need
- Flickr account
- Computer, or computer lab classroom
- Projector and screen
- Digital camera, optional
Instructions
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Create a Flickr account. To use Flickr interactively in the classroom, you and participating students will need to create a free user account. If you intend to upload photos, you can also create groups and select who will have access to these photos. Take your students' privacy and other rules in your district into consideration.
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Prepare classroom and reserve resources. If you are planning to use Flickr during a teaching presentation in your classroom, you will need a computer with Internet access, as well as a projector and screen so that students can view a larger version. Depending on your school's technology resources, your classroom may already be fitted for this or you may have to request use of this equipment in advance. If you are planning to use Flickr for an assignment or activity, students will need access to computers.
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Develop lessons and activities using Flickr. For creative writing exercises, choose photos on Flickr and have students select one to use as a writing prompt. For photo journalism projects, have students photograph people or places in the community and write captions. In a history or language class, use the Flickr map feature to allow students to view photos in specific geographical locations and discuss. For vocabulary lessons, have students work in groups to take pictures that define the week's vocabulary words; then edit them to add definitions and upload to Flickr for the class to use as a study guide.
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Use the Commons. Flickr's Commons started in 2008, in cooperation with the Library of Congress, with the goal of increasing access to publicly-held photos, as well as provide a way for the general public to contribute knowledge. The collection features hidden treasures in the world's public photography archives and participating institutions include NASA, Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institute. This selection of historical photos presents a valuable resource for teachers. Access these photos for use in lectures, handouts and presentations. These photos can also be used in activities and teach students about laws surrounding the Creative Commons License.
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Share your work. Not only can Flickr be used in assignments, but it can also be used to showcase student work. Take pictures of classroom activities, projects and creations to share with other educators, classes or parents. Flickr can also be incorporated into classroom blogs and create slide shows. Tag your photos in Flickr with identifiers such as "Flickr in the Classroom" so other educators can find them.
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Tips & Warnings
Work with the school librarian or your school's technology specialists to develop activities and secure the necessary resources for executing them.
Take privacy issues seriously. Ask your students' parents for permission to post classroom photos on Flickr. Also, consider using initials or numbers to identify students rather than real names.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit stock photo submissions (original digital drawing) image by Stephen Jacoby from Fotolia.com
