BigHugeLabs!
Christopher Bell -- School Library Journal, 2/18/2009
When preparing for this column, I look for time savers and really good tools to share – that cost nothing. This month I want to share BigHugeLabs. BigHugeLabs allows you to take a current photo library to create interesting documents and presentations, and fun stuff like puzzles, CD covers and motivational posters.
The application is very simple to use. Go to the Website and select a template. A form will open up that shows all of the options for that template, as well as an image upload option. Fill in the blanks with any kind of information and upload an image. BigHugeLabs works in conjunction with Flickr, but it isn’t necessary to have a Flickr account.
So, I know what you’re thinking - ‘This is cool, but how do I use this in the library or at school?’ Let me give you a few ideas. One of my favorites is the Trading Card template. For a history unit, have the students research the most influential people during that time period. Using the Trading Card feature, they can type in factual information, upload a picture and create flash cards. There’s also a Poster Maker template. Use that one to have kids do predictions after a reading assignment, illustrating what is expected in the next chapters, or possible outcomes of the story.
Finally, if you’re tired of just the typical paper or PowerPoint, this is an optional way for students to make presentations. It has plenty of room for creativity and content. The MapMaker template might be a good choice for a Lewis and Clark project, while the Sunset tool could be used for studying seasonal changes in different parts of the world. Plus, it is just a lot of fun – dare you to not try the Hockneyizer!
