Web 2.0 Tools Panoramio

I investigated Panoramio because of its connection to Google Earth.  My students are already familiar with Google Earth and many digital cameras come equipped with tagging options so I found Panoramio to be a tool that students could easily learn and use in no time.  It’s also the tool I use to investigate new travel spots before I go.  You will see my Zion National Park picture which was a direct result of a search in Google Earth for a new and interesting vacation spot near Las Vegas when we visited during Spring Break a few years ago.  Enjoy

·         WHY I LIKE IT   It is a Google product and it integrates seamlessly into my Google account as well as the apps on my smart phone.

·         IS IT EASY?    Sure it is.  If you already have a Google account just sign in and upload your photos.  It is easier than flickr because they give you 10 upload slots with 25 MB to upload all at once.  Flickr makes you upload with a 2 MB limit per photo.

·         TAG IT   Want to make sure other people can find your photos too?  Make sure you select your sharing level and then tag it on Google Earth using their easy to use search panel.  Select some key words for searching and add a description.  You are done.

·         DOING MORE   Panoramio also allows you to join a group and blog in the same space.  I joined a group that gave me a challenge.  The group is called “The Elements: Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, and Pizza.”  The challenge is to get all five so called elements in the same photo in a novel and interesting way. 

·         SO HOW WOULD YOU USE THIS?  This is a fantastic tool.  The purpose of Web 2.0 tools is to get your students to collaborate and communicate.  A public site that allows students free access to stock photography gives them access to resources that they may not be able to use otherwise due to copyright laws.  Panoramio gives students a creative zone where they can share their own creations in a global space.  I love the idea of joining a group that gives you a challenge to become a member and have to share something with a set of rules.  It gets me thinking about how I can incorporate pizza in some creative photography.  I can only imagine what a kid would do with that task.  The possibilities are endless.  In fact I would bet that given the tool the kids could figure out a project for themselves.  All I have to do is facilitate…wait isn’t that 21^st century learning?