Snipping Tool: Scissors I Didn't Know I Had

I never even knew this tool existed until my technology class! Neat! This is a perfect tool for artists on the computer for various projects as well as teacher application (more of that later). This tool really reminds me of copying and pasting but it is simpler and more fun, allowing you to edit the snipped image with text or arrows. I found it using a simple search of programs and saving a shortcut to my toolbar. Now whenever I see something online or want to show someone else what I see, all I have to do is snip away! Let me show you...

 Application

The Snipping Tool as a teaching tool is a great way for teachers to create specific directions for students when an activity might involve some self-exploration on the computer. This way students will have visual guides of what websites and links may look like as they navigate for an assignment or will get a clear image to what the teacher is referring. Much better than copying and pasting all the time!

Student Use for Planning a Project

Learning how to draw portraits in class? Having the most trouble with the lips? Use Google Images to search for particular faces and expressions you want, like "child laughing." Use the Snipping Tool to consolidate your clips to one location for referring back to them quickly.

Student Use for Final Project

"Okay students, today you will search for items chosen from hundreds of magazines that you will then cut out and paste to create a collage." Wait! Have a certain vision for what you want in your collage? Use Google Images...you know how it works. Just search for interesting pictures (not R-rated) and use your snipping tool to select the portion of the picture you would like to use in your final composition. Print the image and add it to your growing collection of specimens.

What I Learned

I learned how to use the snipping tool and how I might use it for my own needs as a teacher. This is one of many examples of tools and applications that are right under our nose if we know where to look. The internet makes all knowledge about this and other things easy to share and for free thanks to social networking and websites that tell you just about anything you want to know. Thinking back on life before even dial up was something to complain about... its hard to do. Here is one more tool I might eventially take for granted!