What is Instagram?

Instagram (www.instagram.com) is a fast way to do quick edits to images and share them on a social platform. Often images are "tagged" using subject terms, called hashtags (more info on hashtags).

Why use Instagram for a Scavenger Hunt?

If your hunters are using smartphones or tablets, Instagram could be used for their hunt. Using Instagram would allow a common place to upload images (perhaps even a class account rather than individual accounts) and to view the results. Organizing the images with hashtags would be key- being sure to have a tag for each item, like: #K12MOOCHUNT1 or each group, if you're keeping score.

Instagram also has the ability to apply filters to images- they can jazz up images- I like to think that they help enhance my shots! Want to see what instagram photos look like? Check out some of my pictures on Instagram.

How to Use Instagram

Like many other programs, step one involves signing up for an account! From there, we recommend this great WikiHow tutorial if you're not familiar with Instagram. It will give you the steps needed to get started.

Designing a Scavenger Hunt

If you're considering using Instagram to deliver a class-based scavenger hunt, read the advice from this seasoned teacher. A few highlights:

1) As your students for a tutorial on Instagram (she says she did it!)

2) Design a list of items or clues

3) Create a public account for class use. Be sure to get a photo release from students (and set rules for student images as well)

4) Share account name and hashtag with students. Have students use the hashtag on every image

5) Have students include additioanl information about the item when they upload it

6) Click the hashtag under any photo and see all the photos your students have posted.