Jill

= = http://www.mrpicassohead.com mrpicassohead.com is an online art program using facial like stamps reflective of the work of Pablo Picasso. The user can easily create their own "Picasso" using their own placement, size and color choices. The user is able to sign their work in the same manner as Picasso. 

jacksonpollack.org website is as simple as creating a "Pollack" on canvas without the mess. The user is allow to drip, spill and splatter colorful paint on the screen. Every move and click of mouse has a wonderful, colorful, immediate reaction.
 * http://jacksonpollock.org/**

http://artpad.art.com/artpad/painter/

artpad.art.com allows the user to create a work of art using a virtual paint brush. The user is also able to watch their painting replay process in video format. They then have the opportunity to "hang" their masterpiece in a virtual gallery.

These three sites are art programs that are simple to navigate. The instructor would have to give an introduction and then let the students experiment. More time is spent on creating then on following directions. Each of these sites work great alone or together to create a student gallery of work. These programs can be easily adapted to any challenges the student might have and the sites are very responsive to simple movements. The use of abstract art also creates a "level playing field" where all children's artwork will look "correct". There is no wrong answer in this style of painting so student success is immediate to them and within their peers. There is not a specific age or grade level with these sites. Any age can enjoy and benefit from the creating of an original piece of art.

The use of these sites could be an extension of many other lessons. Art history would be the natural progression with connections made to the artists and that period in history. Completing the lesson with a field trip to the art museum or a virtual one would validate the student's work. Language arts can bring more depth to the lesson, as students describe their color choices or compare and contrast their work to that of original artists. An online class gallery could really showcase their work or printed copies presented in a classroom gallery.

These being online sites, students have access at home. There are some bells and whistles I would add and change to the sites, but for a basic, free art program I cannot complain. As educators, I feel we need to look at more of the visual on-line applications for our students. The Fine Art programs are being reduced and remove from the schools but that doesn't mean it should be removed from the curriculum. Sites like these enable the regular classroom teacher to included the visual arts in a lesson plan without need for smocks.


 * I can not get a consistent look, the fonts size will not change!?! Okay, I've tried to with very little luck to get the whole page to be one font. Strange. I'll let you know if I find an answer. I haven't had this problem on a wiki before. Hmmm!


 * 1) I like the art sites with their connection to artists. I can see where students would be obsessed with it! Great for visual learners.

http://www.kerpoof.com

Kerpoof is a simple site where students have may options to create a story, a movie a picture and draw online. The format is similar to the old felt board or Colorforms. The student selects a background and then a theme related object menu appears. The user selects objects and drops them onto the background, there is also an insert text option.

The graphics on Kerpoof are simple to use and direct the student to tell a visual story. This would be a natural accompaniment to a language art unit. The children could create a visual to go with a story that was read to them and the comprehension of the story by the student is a obvious. Students could also write a story based on the picture they created. For the visual learner, the use of Kerpoof aids in structuring the thoughts and ideas a student may have. Those thoughts are then recorded as visual elements that the studentcould use to guide them into telling a story verbally or written.

The object menu has wonderful graphics that stimulate imagination. The user can also search for additional graphics or create their own. These options allow the student to gain ownership of their work. Once a student feels empowered over their work they become excited to share and discuss it. There is also the option to make a book. This would be great way for students to add to work over a period of time. The instructor could also have each student create a page in a book.

This is a fun site that has a lot of potential. I found it hard for my six year old to stop playing with this site. He insisted on saving his work.
 * 1) Nice to have had the site field tested by your six year old. Connecting text to visual stories is great.###

Take the terms listed below and place them in the correct column. Blog, Wiki, SketchCast, BrainPop, RSS Feed, Kerpoof, Twitter, Ning, Del.icio.us, VoiceThreads, Flickr, Skype, Moodle, YouTube, TeacherTube, Wordle, PodCast, bubbleshare, toondo, ThinkFinity, FaceBook, GoogleDocs, Diigo, 2nd Life, animoto, bubbl.us, tikatok, KidsZone,

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 * Know (can explain) J ! || Have Seen the Term! || Never Heard of This? ||
 * blog || wiki || sketchcast ||
 * twitter || Voice threads || brainpop ||
 * rssfeed || Flickr || kerpoof ||
 * skype || moodle || ning ||
 * You Tube || Googledocs || Del.icio.us ||
 * Wordle || animoto || Teacher Tube ||
 * Facebook || KidsZone || Bubbleshare ||
 * || Podcast || toondo ||
 * ||  || ThinkFinity ||
 * ||  || Diigo ||
 * ||  || 2nd Life ||
 * ||  || Bubbl.us ||
 * ||  || tikatok ||