I started playing around - and the first image I created was this sewing machine for a beginning sewing class I taught (yes, I teach sewing...in addition to college communication courses!). This machine is commonly used in school classrooms.
Once I figured it out, I thought about the assignment.
The first year, I kept it simple by using ThingLink as a get-to-know-you activity. I put my students into groups and they took a picture of themselves. Then they interviewed one another and added hotspots (text, links, and video) that reflected their interests and some facts about them. I invited the team leader to my Pinterest board; s/he pinned the finished image a few days later.
Some of the pictures were hilarious!
.js">
Others were full of great content...
The following year, I created the Thinglink Assignment - with an image and a presentation. It was great to see what my students came up with, especially the picture they selected. I think my biggest shock was that I had an avid bow hunter and champion archer in my class!
Here's a campus map of Mansfield University:
My only problem with the assignment was that some of my students gave a speech as if the image was a visual aid for the topic - so in my case, I'd give a speech on the parts of a sewing machine. In truth, the presentation is about the strategy that the student used in selecting the image and placing the hotspots - why is the image needed? why a link? why a video? etc.
Other than that, this assignment is a great way to learn about students, in particular, their hobbies and their interests. So it's a great way to start the semester.
Learn more about the ThingLink Interactive Image Assignment in my Teachers Pay Teachers Store.
