How to...speak graphically

Teaching Pre K-8, Mar 2000 by Lindroth, Linda

A picture is worth a thousand words and can also be worth a headache or two when it comes to incorporating them in student projects. There's a real need to simplify the language of graphics and the process for integrating them into the class curriculum. Here are some steps to help you "capture the moment" in pictures for your class projects.

Graphically speaking. Here is a simple glossary for working with graphics:

* GIF: Graphics Interchange Yormat. Standard web graphic with ability to see the background.

* JPG or JPEG: Joint Photographic Experts Group. File that compresses full-color photographic images. Usually a larger file.

* PhotoBubbles: panoramic images with 3600 navigation. Register for free access to PhotoBubbles for education at www.ipixclassroom. COM

* Animated GIFs: graphics with special effects to add motion (rotation, waves, etc.).

1 Capturing a Picture from the Internet. There are many times when it would be desirable to capture a picture from a software program or Internet site for use in a class project. Here's how:

* Saving an existing graphic: Rightclick your mouse on the desired picture (Win95/98) or hold down the mouse button (Mae) and select SAVE THIS IMAGE.

Once the image is saved, it can be imported into any word processing program or image editing program for use in student projects, reports, newsletter or other desktop publishing articles. Caution: Be sure to note the copyright information before capturing any image from the Internet, and cite the source for all graphics. Classroom usage is often acceptable, but any reprint or public use of graphics may require written consent from the original author. You can search for graphics at www.webplaces. COM/

* Capturing a screen image: You can capture the entire screen image or computer window to use in instructional worksheets or training guides. Hold down the ALT key and press the Print Screen key to capture the window to the clipboard, or hit the Print Screen button to copy the entire screen.

Once the image is captured on the clipboard, it can be used in any program which will accept graphics. To paste the image, open the program you want the image in (word processing or Paint), go to EDIT in the menu bar and click PASTE (or right-click and select paste).

Screen images can be used to -visually help students learn a new software program, illustrate the steps for finding information at a website, or to create a newsletter or electronic presentation.

2 Animated GIFs. Animations make graphics move and can produce dozens of effects. WebFX is website that will lhelp you add dozens of animation effects to any graphic already on the Internet. So upload your image and see the effects!

* WebFX - Allows you to type in the URL of an image you want to animate and choose an effect. The website will complete the animation and let you save it to your hard drive or e-mail it. www.nbswebfx.com/

- Cool Kids Animation Gallery - Tutorials and tools for creating animations. www.kaleidoscapes.com Educational Cams. You don't have to have an expensive array of 3 cameras and equipment to enjoy the latest in technology. The WebCam is an exciting addition to the virtual tour and 3600 images can be found for use in the classroom at these educational sites:

AfriCam uses two stationary cameras and one mobile camera, set up at the edge of an African watering hole. www.africam.com

- WebCam World is a searchable index of the top 100 webcams. www.webcamworld.com

- EarthCam - WebCam Network has categorized cams for space, traffic, weather and much more. www. earthcam.com

Yahooligans! Web-Cams - Top 10 webcarns with links to different categories. www.yahooligans.com/con tent(wc

4. PhotoBubbles and IPIX. Graphic technology is now such that students can take a virtual tour by walking through a 3600 panoramic view online.

* Picture of the Day at DiscoveryChannel Online and the Panoramic of the Week. www.discovery.com /news/picture/picture.html

* Imaging for Virtual Reality and Multimedia is a PhotoBubble gallery spanning all subjects. www.high ton.com/

5 Iron-On Graphics and Stickers. Try using your graphics program and stick-on labels to create stickers or stamps for student motivation. Or try the special graphics paper from HP and Avery to produce iron-on graphics for t-shirts for your students to wear. These make great motivators for responsible student programs, fundraisers and team activities. Scan a picture of each student and make stickers for group assignments, job charts, or just trading cards that students can create.

* Iron-On T-shirt Transfers: Hewlett-Packard has project ideas at www.hp.com or call 888-999-4747.

- Avery Kids Stickers: In a variety of shapes and sizes perfect for any project. Visit www.avery.com for ideas or call 800-462-8379.

LUCKY SUBSCRIBER

Sherry Lynn Ali of Aurora, IL is the winner of the Electronic Gradebook Software CD-Rom from E-Z Grader Company.