The tech tool I decided to try out this week was "Tux Paint". This free, downloadable software reminds me of the "Kid Pix" program which used to inhabit all of the old macintosh computers at my elementary school. I absolutely LOVED "Kid Pix", so it was great to discover that there is still a software out there that is so simple to use (and so much FUN)! Basically, it's a drawing software which turns your computer screen into a blank canvas. The options are endless for creating a work of art, especially if you download the optional stamp pack.
As luck would have it, after playing around on Tux Paint for only 10 minutes, my 6 year old brother came into my room and asked, "Ariel, whatcha doing?" His eyes lit up and said, "Ooo is this a new game?" Within a few minutes he had erased my masterpiece, found all the stamps he wanted to use, and booted me off my seat and said, "Ariel, I have a lot work to do." I pulled up a chair and watched him work. He was easily entertained for the remainder of the hour, until his older brother came home with a new video game controller.
While Tux Paint may not be able to compete with the wild antics of Donkey Kong (c) on a Nintendo Wii, it has lasting appeal and can entertain people of all ages. This software would be a great tool to use in elementary school classrooms. Kindergarteners could be introduced to drawing on the computer and older students could use the software as an alternative to hand-drawn illustrations for assignments.
I am so glad that you mentioned the paint programs that used to be available when we were younger. I absolutely loved those and I am so glad there is still software out there today that is still so simple and not overly complex.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what a simple software can do, my brother is hooked! I had to download the software on the other computers in the house because he kept bugging me while I was studying! He's also showing it off to anyone who comes in the home, "check out this really cool game my sister got me!" So fun :D
ReplyDeleteI love TUX Paint and I just found it. My daughter has become my teacher. I think that Tux Paint is a great way to introduce technology to younger students and still have fun. I plan to use it in my own future classroom!
ReplyDeleteI love art and creating things! I will have to download this program and check it out! Thanks for sharing, can't wait to try it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, I find Tux Paint to be really creating and artistic.
ReplyDeleteTux Paint seems like a great tech tool for classroom use. I like your ideas of incorporating it with younger and older grades.
ReplyDeletethis seems like a great program! I'll have to go check it out
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