Using digital Images can enhance learning of content and technology

Using images is a well-recognized way of supporting student learning of curriculum content, but having students provide images in their projects has the added benefit of requiring they learn to use a variety of technologies.


Teaching students to learn how to collect images from other sources allows them quick and easy access to images that can meet all their curriculum needs. CD collections of digital images like clip art can be easily copied, or images can be downloaded from the web. Students can also learn how to capture information and images on their computer monitor by taking a screenshot.


However, requiring images in student projects is also an opportunity for students to exercise their own creativity in making images themselves. Scanners allow students to convert their hand drawn materials into digital images. This technology has a wide variety of useful applications, as it can be used to simply reproduce notes or can be used to provide all the original illustrations for a student’s project.


Leaning how to use a digital camera will allow students to capture relevant images themselves, while practicing how to manipulate the camera’s features to create the best photographs. The desire to create the look a student wants can encourage the student to increase their competency with the camera and photo editing programs.


I think that teaching students to use digital images and the technologies that support their use can benefit all students, and can greatly enhance student learning and the products they create. I am a fan of any lesson or activity that allows students engage their creativity, and I think using digital images is a wonderful way for students to have fun creating and personalizing their work. I plan to teach my students how to use digital images, and look forward to seeing the work they produce with them. I imagine that once they have the tools to use these images, that I will be astounded by the variety of uses they’ll find for them.