each copy of their work as a sample in
a scientific experiment, testing results
based on different parameters. This
freedom to see the “what if” without
fear of failure encourages experimentation and leads to innovation.
Digital Design Reinforces STEM
Digital design is a blend of art and
technology. It is built on a foundation
of mathematics, science, and engineering. For example, vector graphics is the manipulation of lines and
shapes that are defined by mathematical equations. A student editing nodes
in a line in Inkscape is experiencing
in a very tangible sense the abstract
concept that lines change as points are
moved, or that a graph gets smoother
as they delete points.
“We did that in math!” is something I often hear when my digital
design students use angles and polygons to create graphics or use random
numbers and variables in a computer
programming project. Creating artwork using vector graphics, making a
geometric pattern by computer programming, and designing a building
in a 3D coordinate system are intuitive
ways to learn the STEM subjects.
Digital Design on a Limited Budget
At a time of historic budget cuts, how
is this program possible in a public
school district? First, all software used
in our program is free—open source
whenever possible and freeware (free
versions or starter versions of software
that is not open source) otherwise.
Because the software is free, students
install it at home and can continue to
work beyond the classroom.
Second, curriculum development
comes at no cost to the school and
is now available under a Creative
Commons attribution license. Last,
our parents pay for teaching costs by
generous donations to the Los Altos
Educational Foundation. Most schools
already have invested in computer lab
setups, including both hardware and
maintenance. This program leverages
this existing infrastructure. It gives
schools a way of using the computers
they already have for more than just
delivering class content.
Reactions from Students and Parents
As hundreds of surveys, online comments, and handwritten notes attest,
students love the digital design class.
The enthusiasm in class is palpable.
The students rush in excited, and it
often takes time to get some of them
to leave. The excitement continues
after class. Some even come in during recess or lunch, during the school
computer lab’s open hours. As many
have access to the free software on
their home computers, they often use
it at home. A fifth grade girl told me
that she and her friends downloaded
Scratch during a sleepover and spent
the evening making a video game
based on the one she had done in
class. She excitedly waved her flash
drive when she came into class, saying, “Can I show you what we made?”
Not a typical girls’ sleepover!
It has been interesting to see how
many students use the word creative or
creating when they comment about us-
ing Inkscape to make graphics. Here is
just one that echoes the feelings of many:
I like making different, cool
things on it. It’s like being a scien-
tist in a lab, creating creatures and
characters. —Shannon
Parents are amazed at what their
children teach them at home and
are happy to see them designing and
creating on weekends instead of just
playing video games. Here is a com-
ment from one happy parent:
Thank you for giving our kids
the opportunity to explore the
world of digital art. My son, Ryan,
is very excited about the class and
has already asked me if I could
load the program you are using
on our computer. It’s great to have
him come home raving about
what is going on at school!
Looking Ahead
At a time when many are expressing concern about the lack of AP
Computer Science classes in our high
schools or the need to encourage
middle school girls in STEM subjects,
it is easy to ignore technology curriculum in elementary schools. However,
to ensure that our students opt for
those high school AP science courses
or choose STEM majors in college, we
must catch them young and get them
excited about technology in elementary school. We must challenge these
students with real technology classes
and not just teach drag-and-drop,
template-driven presentation tools. A
digital design program in elementary
school shows students that learning
technology is both relevant and exciting. It inspires and sets the stage for
future exploration of technology. A
digital design program shows kids
what is out there and gets them asking for more. Most important, it gives
them a safe place to experiment and
learn to create and innovate.
Resources
Computers for Creativity: www.computers
forcreativity.com
Digital Art for All: www.digitalartforall.com
Google SketchUp: http://sketchup.google.com
Inkscape: www.inkscape.org
Samples of student work: www.digitalartforall.
com/lasd/digital-gallery
Scratch: http://scratch.mit.edu
Seashore: http://seashore.sourceforge.net
