I created this image using the Warholizer option at Big Huge Labs. This is a photo of the Great Salt Lake in Utah from Antelope Island looking towards mountains to the north.In the same post in which you placed your creation, briefly describe your experience completing Thing 8. Which of these tools intrigues you and why? Was it easy, frustrating, time-consuming, fun? Share some of your ideas for using the images you can create.
The tools available to manipulate images are cool! AND a bit overwhelming too. There are so many options ... so many ways to be creative without needing an art degree. I was particularly interested in all of the possibilities available in Big Huge Labs. I had no idea that some of those features existed. However, now that I DO know, I'm pretty sure I need to create a movie poster or generate a palate for colors that are harmonious for additions to my web page or create a custom CD cover! The possibilities for using these capabilities (free!!) for student projects and assignments is pretty exciting too.
A person could spend a lot of time at these sites of course which gets to the overwhelming part. If I introduce students to any of these, I also need to format an assignment or activity that will give them room to try things out but also keep them focused. Like with any other multi-media tool, students (and adults!) can spend all of their time playing with the bells and whistles and then there is little time for producing good content and completing the assignment. I've seen a lot of PowerPoint presentations and iMovie videos that were full of special effects and music and sounds and so on ... and short on anything substantive. As educators we have to be careful to avoid substituting the 'cool' factor for mastery of information, skills, or content.
