Thursday, October 25, 2007

Internet Graphics Programs

In class yesterday, we tried out some internet graphics programs, and I did a little more experimenting today. (It is hard to stop once you get started!) Some of these programs definitely required more artistic talent than what I possess!

Comics Sketch and Art Pad require artistic talent. I was disappointed with Comics Sketch because when I heard about it, I started thinking about all the neat literature applications for a comic strip. There aren't any real directions, you can't add any text unless you draw it, and you have to actually "draw" everything - no templates or anything to help.

Mr. Picasso Head was a lot of fun. I can see the children really enjoying it. I could use it in literature to create characters. It would be nice though if you could add text to the drawings. The only thing it will let you add is a signature.

My favorite, by far, was Cumulate Draw. There are so many ways I could use that in my math classes. I love the grid. It makes it so easy to make accurate shapes. I am thinking about creating a project where the kids will design a dream bedroom using Cumulate Draw. I think I will have them actually calculate the costs for designing the room as well. I could probably incorporate a spreadsheet for that part. The only downside I can see with the program is the editing. It is very difficult to change something once it is added.

These programs are so much fun. I really enjoyed experimenting with them, and I definitely want to try Cumulate Draw with my class.

3 comments:

Patty said...

I am looking forward to giving these Internet graphics program a whirl with my students as well. We should plan a lesson with the dream house idea. I was thinking about that today and I could incorporate my lesson on square footage and spreadsheets with the kids actually drawing the house. A visual would help them so much! I am excited, I love integration and collaboration on lessons. Let me know when you cover this in math.
Patty

Scott Sheppard said...

You should try the new version, called Project Draw, available at http://draw.labs.autodesk.com.

BILL-BOARD said...

I like the dreamhouse lesson idea and hope you don't mind, I may also use this to spring board into creating a perspective drawing.