Annotating primary sources with Google Drawings is an excellent tool for focusing classroom discussion and zeroing in on in-depth analysis. Students are drawn to words and images in a way that is sure to spark imaginative debate and inspire original thought.
Let's get started by familiarizing ourselves with Google Drawing, one of the lesser appreciated Google Apps for Education #GAFE.
Google Drawing is more than "MS Paint" for the new millennium--though I was known to rock the paint back in the days of Windows 95, "Buddy Holly", and a 28.8 modem. When it comes to performance, we look to Google as a standard bearer. Drawing measures up, for sure.
For instance, the ability to search for images and/or add images by inserting a url makes this user friendly and intuitive. Again, we would expect nothing less from GAFE and this app certainly delivers.
Once your image is in the drawing, editing the visual is a breeze. Shapes, circles, arrows & call-outs can be made with just a few clicks.
I especially like to use Google Drawings when looking at strong visuals such as advertisements or propaganda. The WWII propaganda poster above is successful in conveying a message with both words and images.
Highlighting a few key features helps students to focus their attention on the message that is being conveyed via subtle details.
This might lead to nuanced observations, such as pointing out the significance of the phrasing and the body language exhibited by Airman Diez.
Once you show your students how much fun it is to analyze primary sources using Google Drawing, it's only a matter of time before they will feel confident enough to create examples of their own. And just like all GAFE, Google Drawing is perfect for working collaboratively. You can track changes and see contributions from all contributors.
At the end of the day, we want to empower our students to take the lead. When our students develop the strength and confidence to take over and teach, we have succeeded as educators.
No comments:
Post a Comment