Eagle pics

Background:
Last year our school conducted a school-wide survey (27 questions) to gain a better understanding of our students’ use of Facebook. Many concerns became apparent.

Because 86% of our families use Facebook, we cannot ignore the prevalence of this digital community. Here are some facts about our grade 2 to 6 school (population 355).
• 43% of our students have their own Facebook account.
• 38% of our students use Facebook in a private area.
• 26% of grade 6’s have posted on online picture without permission.

PROJECT:
We have formed a school camera club. This club provides a vehicle for addressing many of the concerns with students social networking. (ie: the misuse of photos)

Because I work in Guidance, I involved students who were not involved in other extra-curricular activities and would benefit from the social interaction with their peers.

A community photographer volunteered her time to work with the camera group. We meet for one hour a week. The group will continue throughout the year. We are anticipating that we will offer the club next year as well.

Update (May 31, 2012)

Eagle Pics has had a successful year. Over a dozen students took part. The grant allowed us to:
- provide 3 additional cameras for students who otherwise would not be able to take part.
- provide extra memory cards so that students who had their own cameras, used the school's cards. This ensured that photos of other students remained at school and were not at risk of being placed on a social network without consent.
- provide a hard drive for saving the images the students capture.
- provide rechargeable batteries and a charger which ensured the cameras were ready to go each week without the expense of purchasing disposable batteries.
- provide a Gorilla tripod for shots that require stability.
- provide inexpensive frames so that at the end of the year, each student receives a picture of the camera club. This is important for building identity and feeling part of a group.

Our initial photographer had to leave due to health reasons but we found another who brought more great ideas for engaging students in photography.

We will end the year with a field trip to a local park to photograph various aspects of nature. Additional community members, who share an interest in photography, will be joining us.

Appropriate use of media on social networks was an ongoing focus throughout the year. The students photos were posted on a Flick account so that they could share with their family and friends. Concerns about privacy were discussed with students and School Board guidelines were followed.

When club members were photographing on the playground, they were identified by a colorful badge so that the other students didn't think that anyone could bring a camera and take pictures.

We plan to continue our club next year. Now that we have the equipment, established procedures, we look forward to continued success. A couple of the students will be invited to continue with the club as junior leaders.

We are grateful to Imagineaction for their support.