Pixlr


 * __1. Resources__**

Official site: Pixlr

Introduction to using Pixlr (Youtube video presentation): media type="youtube" key="w7K3qrIZQd0" width="425" height="350"

a. Strengths
 * __2. SWOT Analysis__**
 * You do not need to create an account.
 * It is like the online mini- Adobe Photoshop.
 * You can modify/ edit images online as well as in your local files.
 * It provides the same fonts from your local system.
 * It provides the same history, layering, filtering function as in the Photoshop.
 * You do not have to install a thing to use the web tool.
 * You can access this tool anywhere you are wired to the Internet.
 * It is free!

b. Weaknesses
 * It does not support PSD format, so every item is saved as formats like jpg. or png.
 * It is one- time- use only per item.

c. Opportunities
 * You can create images from the existing photos from your local files or open source images online.
 * Those who could not afford the Adobe Photoshop or skills using it could use the almost- same- functioning web tool available anytime, and anywhere.

d. Threats
 * Young users would be easily distracted by the fun tool, so the initial learning objective with using the tool in class could be spoiled.
 * Copyright or privacy issues of the images could be raised as problems.


 * __3. Ideas for classroom__**
 * With visual literacy being immense effects on students' learning, this web image tool could be used in the introductory session of the semester. It is easier to use than the Adobe Photoshop and its web availability allows students to complete thier work in a timely manner.
 * In the inter- disciplinary class like art and language arts class, this could be used as the supplementary- e.g. after reading some parts of a novel, let students draw what they think on the parts they read. Then, let them work on the drawing with the web tool in a group, and share their works with others in the class blog with "Add this" function.

Other Sources: [|Photographs to Canvas]