snipping tool

This cow is from a picture I took in Vermont last summer. (In Montpelier, less than a mile from the state house!)

What I Did:  I learned how to use the snipping tool, that was already in my Microsoft tools.  Noe the icon to access this tool is on my desktop.

What I Learned:  It is literally what it says--for snipping.  With this gadget, I can cut a small piece from an existing picture or document and insert it into my blog, or a doc, or an e-mail or...  It goes directly to the clipboard, so the image is ready to be pasted wherever I want to put it.

NETS-T:  This activity aligns with:
- Standard 2a, which states that teachers will "design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity."  This will help me when I only want to use a "snip" of a picture tp place in a document or a post.
-Standard 3a, which states that teachers "demonstrate fluency in technology systems..."  Since this gadget is always part of our Microsoft Office system (no download necessary), we should be aware of it and know how to use it.

How It Can Be Used:  I'm sure I will use this a lot.  Too bad I didn't know about it earlier.  I use images frequently on my school documents, esp. spelling lists and math bellringers.  Images add interest to the learning activity and spark the curiosity. 
My students will like this tool. It will be very helpful when designing their Techsteps projects. The 3rd graders can use the snips when designing their virtual field trips. I can see them having a lot of fun with snipping pictures with different shapes and using different colors of ink.