A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

As the adage goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” But what about a moving picture? Could that be worth even more?  

Enter gifs.

In case you’re thinking, “what on earth is a gif?”, take a look...

Technically, according to Google, a gif is “a lossless format for image files that supports both animated and static images.” While gifs can be static, more often than not, the use of the term today refers to the animated version. Gifs are very popular and can be seen everywhere.

Looking for a gif to use? Google whatever you’re looking for with the word “gif” after it (ex. cheering gif) and the search will yield hundreds of options suitable for many purposes. If the right gif isn’t there, a new one can be created in a couple of minutes using several different, user-friendly tools.

Ok, so obviously they are hilarious. But can we use them in the classroom? Absolutely!

Here are some ideas for using gifs in the classroom (source):

• Make gifs to break down a multi-step process for your students.
• Have your students retell a story with gifs to demonstrate their comprehension.
• Highlight an idea/concept for your students.
• Have the students create an illustrated vocabulary list.
• Call attention to something on your agenda.
• Show the students that we actually do have a pretty good sense of humor

As mentioned, there are an inordinate number of gifs readily available for many purposes; however, if you’d like make one of your own, it’s easy as can be. Not sure how to do it? Keep reading!

In order to make this gif, a video was shot on an iPad and then uploaded to MakeAGif.com. The whole process takes just a minute or two and in the end, you're left with a personalized gif. This would be ideal for the types of activities in which you want to show the students or even better, have the students show you something very specific for your class.  

Another very easy way of making a gif is for Google Chrome users and involves using video clips from any number of sources. As can be seen below, a gif was created from a YouTube video taken at Homecoming of some of our fabulous Senior parents and the always vivacious Ms. Good.

In order to do this, simply install the Google Chrome Extension called “MakeGif Video Capture” (follow this link). Once installed, with three clicks, a gif can be created from a video.  

While gifs are fabulous and can be used in the classroom, it is important to remember good digital citizenship in regard to copyright. Need a refresher? Check out our post from October.

Have you used gifs in your classroom? Share your ideas in the comments section. Need some more support? Talk to Ms. +Dawn Bodden or one of your DTCs!