Jason+Trigo

Software Evaluations: Visual Arts Education

Pros: Easy to use for all ages 5 levels of creative learning Flash compatible Cons: Interface unoriginal Restricted Funtions //Corefx Creative// is available for about $50, and can be purchased at []. System requires: //Windows// 7, //Vista, XP// – 128 MB RAM, 125 MB Hard Disk Space.
 * //Corefx Creative//** is an award winning software for beginning drawing, animation, and digital photography. This software is intended for all ages, including adults, but it is probably best suited for grade levels 7-12. This product could be valuable in any visual arts, or technology classes //Corefx Creative// fits into the tutorial category of learning. Beginning use with junior high school students would be a very beneficial tool for introduction into graphic design. Students can learn how to use common tools found in professional productivity software such as //Adobe Photoshop//. Expanding this software into high school can be utilized in the same way by exploring the more advance lessons this software provides in areas of animation and digital photography. //Corefx Creative// can further be integrated into the classroom for such activities as designing posters and animated presentations. This could be useful for a large array of classroom assignments.

//**Crayola® Creative Studio**// combines several programs, //Crayola® Art Start, Crayola® PhotoFX Studio, Crayola® Animation Studio, and Crayola® Art Studio// to introduce digital art to the classroom. This software provides various examples and animated tours to quickly learn the features of the program. It is primarily designed for beginning art students, grades 1-6. This product is best for elementary school art class. //Crayola® Creative Studio// uses tutorials, practice, and instructional games to teach various learners. Similar to //Corefx Creative// students can use Crayola® Creative Studio to learn how to use common tools found in more advanced software. I.e. //Corel Draw. Crayola® Creative Studio// quickly teaches the basics that more advanced software requires for minimal operational use. Pros: No overwhelming elements/tools, designed for easy operation Low cost Cons: Limited operations Several different programs to download //Crayola® Creative Studio// can be found for $40 at []. System Requirements: //Windows// 7, //Vista, XP// – 256 MB RAM, 175 MB Hard Disk Space.

Robert J. Lang’s //**TreeMaker**// is amazing software for mathematical designing. //TreeMaker// allows the user to create a two-dimensional design and arrange it for three-dimensional engineering. This software helps the user design different origami creations using detailed mathematical theories. It is designed for all ages, and can be used in all grade levels. This product would be best presented in junior high. Most middle school art classes require a lesson based on learning the elements of art. This software can be used to not only teach those elements, but can also integrate mathematical principles as well. This software specifically is a tool for origami creation. //TreeMaker// is a problem solving software that uses algorithms, imposing symmetries, and drawing to convert digital art into traditional art. Pros: Integrates mathematics and art FREE Cons: Limited operations for origami only //TreeMaker// is a free binary program available at []. System Requirements: //Mac, GNU/Linux// i386, or //Windows//, 4.5 – 7.9 MB Hard Disk Space.

//Madcap Logic Creativity Express// explores many activities that reinforce the principles of art. This software has 16 different modules that help influence the user’s creative understanding. //Madcap Logic Creativity Express// uses problem solving, and interactive project building to encourage learning. It also contains a gallery of famous artworks, and a glossary of key terms for reference. This software would best be used for grades 2-5. //Madcap Logic Creativity Express// is a great tool for elementary Art and elementary Social Studies. For example, students can utilize this software to gain understanding of historic events by using the downloaded gallery. Pros: Explores Art History Cons: Limited Art History //Madcap Logic Creativity Expresscost// roughly $30, and is available at []. System Requirements: //Mac OS X®// (version 10.2.8 or higher), //Power Macintosh G4//, 1 GHz or greater, 512 MB RAM, Minimum 500 MB hard disk space available, Mouse or tablet, 16-bit color display, 1024 x 768 or greater monitor resolution //Windows XP// (with latest service packs) or //Windows Vista, Pentium//® 4, 1 GHz or greater, 512 MB RAM, Minimum 500MB hard disk space,CD-ROM Drive, Mouse or tablet, 16-bit color display, Sound card, Speakers or headphones, 1024 x 768 or greater monitor resolution.

//**ArtSite**// is an application that is cloud based. It mixes a teaching Museum with a student’s own gallery to develop creativity. This program is suitable for all ages, and can be carried over to higher grade levels. //ArtSite// helps students learn through Art History and further develop their own creativeness by creating their own portfolio and sharing artistic blogs. Teachers can comment and approve all students work before they are made public. This software could be a good tool to combine information from virtual field trips as well as actual trips with classroom lessons. Pros: Explores Art History Helps students create individual portfolios FREE Cons: Not currently available for the Android Market. //ArtSite// is a free application on the //iPad// and Computer, and is available at []. System Requirements: This is a cloud based application, requires registration.