Smilebox is a photosharing website that allows you to create your own photo slideshows, videos, and e-greetings using pre-designed templates. The program recognizes photos already stored in your computer's My Pictures folder, you just choose the ones you want to use. The program has a free version with limited choices of templates, or it has a membership version for which you can pay monthly or annually. The paid version of this software allows one full access to the templates available as well as the ability to upload your own music and the ability to print your creations from home.
The program was very user friendly. After choosing a template, the program walks you step by step through the process with easy to navigate icons and instructions. I think it took me about a half hour to complete my slideshow. Even the task of attaching my creation to my blog was made easy as Smilebox has a "share it" tab that allows one to post to blogger accounts.
I think this tool is universal. It will benefit anyone who wants to share their photographs. The program is easy enough to follow that even young children could use it to create photosharing presentations for school projects. For this assignment I chose to demonstrate the technology from the perspective of a teacher advertising an annual field trip. The pictures in my show are actually pictures of my boyfriend and I during our last visit to Chicago. I highlighted different features of the trip by adding text to some slides. Since the slideshow creation went fairly quick, I also created an invitation to the event. My thought was that this would be something sent to students or parents of students. The slideshow advertises the event, then the invitation gives the participation details.
My photosharing creations:
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| Free slideshow personalized with Smilebox |
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| This free invite card personalized with Smilebox |
Like I said, this program was so easy to use. The only suggestions I can think to give would be to have your photos edited to your liking before applying them to a template on Smilebox. There are really no photo editing options on the site, so do that beforehand using whatever software you edit your photos with. I use Google's Picasa program. My other suggestion would be to consider the paid membership. I got a kick out of using "Send Me On My Way" by Rusted Root for my background music as opposed to the generic music provided by the free version. Please comment and let me know what you think!
I really enjoyed your slideshow, Chicago is one of my favorite cities. My favorite picture is the one of the steps with all the glowing words. That is an amazing picture. I never been to the Art Institute, but I'll definitly visit their the next time I am in Chicago.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cool program! I loved that you could add music and templates. It's nice that you explored this and even got the paid version for the assignment. This would be wonderful to share a field trip experience with parents on something like back to school night. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI loved your slideshow with music in the background! I liked that you were very detailed in explaining where to go. I have not been on that website but will need to go next time I do a slideshow. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI really liked the photo slideshow a lot. I like how it takes up most of the screen so the pictures are real clear and easy to look at. Nice music and pictures too.
ReplyDeleteSmile box seemed like it was a easy sit to use. YOur slide show of your field trip to the art muesum was great. I'm actually from gary and have family in chicago. I like your music that you added to your slide show. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteI liked looking at your slideshow! This seems like a good website to use! I really liked the music that you added!
ReplyDeleteThis would be a great tool to explain to students what a their field trip would be like. I also think students would enjoy watching a video of themselves on their field trip. It would be great for storing memories.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love the "Bean"?! This was a very creative way of promoting your trip. It's easy to see why you want to be an art teacher. You're really good! Also, what a great idea for Hallmark to have a program available - it's something most people would feel comfortable using.
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