1.5 - 2 days - Art and design in IT - includes observational/imaginative drawing.

The aim of this project is to help pupils understand the computer as an art and design tool and use it efficiently to create visual work that is both satisfactory and satisfying i.e. the results have been produced quickly and effectively and achieve the aims of the pupil and teacher. Art work produced on the computer can be done for use in almost every other area of the curriculum just as art in general is used to enhance and consolidate so many themes across the curriculum. It can, of course, be done for its own sake as well and, as such, will cover many aspects of the art and design and technology curricula.

It is essential to approach the job to be done on the computer with a good idea of what is required. To this end the pupils will take part in a drawing session (observational or imaginative) at the start of the day based on a theme discussed in advance with the class teacher. As the drawing work advances groups of pupils will start to work on the computers available and as this, too, progresses, pupils will be asked to stop and discuss the development of the drawing work on both paper and computer at regular intervals.

Through this process the pupils will be shown how they can work more efficiently with the computers, incorporating such things as:

check lists as part of a plan to clarify how best to use the software
considering the structure of their intended design/picture
appropriate use of tools in the software
keyboard shortcuts
special effects using standard tools and some options

This workshop is available for any year group - different aspects of the above list will be implemented accordingly.

One way in which this work can be developed is to present the work produced through an online gallery. The school need not have a web site for this to be done but if it has, further developments can be made through language work linked to the project and its themes. This work can also be presented online via links from the childrens visual work. This work, if done with the artist, will incorporate more time and, therefore, cost.

 

Outcomes for assessment and planning

The children will :-

Learn about pixels see and discuss a contemporary artist's work and that of others
Discuss the relevance of computer design in our lives today
Develop language - common words, technical terms and creative use
Learn about symbols and how one thing can be used to represent another
Use check lists as part of a plan to clarify how best to use the software
Consider the structure of their intended design/picture
Appropriate use of tools in the software
Keyboard shortcuts
Special effects using standard tools and some options
Gain better control of the mouse
Develop their observation skills
Use mathematics as a part of the process of work (measuring, counting, addition, division, Shape/balance, symmetry).
Criticise and assess their own work and that of others
Begin to understand the design concept