Omeka

Technology Teaching Tools

Technology Teaching Tools are short, online, asynchronous modules highlighting a technology teaching tool along with relevant pedagogical implementation strategies. Some of the CIRT Technology Tools discussed below rely on freeware downloads. Prior to utilizing these technologies, you are encouraged to understand the potential risks associated with freeware; see the article "Why Free Software Downloads Aren't Always Safe" for an overview of key considerations.

Omeka

http://omeka.org/
Omeka is a free, flexible, and open source web-publishing platform for the display of library, museum, archives, and scholarly collections and exhibitions. Its "five-minute setup" makes launching an online exhibition as easy as launching a blog.

Pedagogical Ideas

In the classroom, Omeka can be used in a variety of ways. Some ideas include the following:

Art Exposition - Students create original works of art. Digital photos or scans are uploaded to an online exhibition using Omeka.
Science Fair - Students upload documents and photos of their science projects to create an online archive of the annual science fair. Exhibits can even be tagged to indicate prizes awarded.
Literary History - Students research the historical context of classic pieces of literature and create and exhibit. The exhibit is uploaded to Omeka for sharing. Connect to the exhibit from the class website.
Online Yearbook - Use Omeka to create "exhibits" for each grade level or event. Together, they create an online yearbook with pizzazz!