Designing on Digital Canvas
Designing on the Digital Canvas project incorporates Wacom pen and tablet technology for students exploring visual design. With industry standard software in the Visual Arts Department MAC Lab, students engage in new creative and technological proficiencies using the pen and tablets to generate computer based artforms like vector-based drawing and Illustration, digital painting, logo design and graphics, photography and more.
The twenty-first century skills and experiences students gain by using the tablet in conjunction with keyboard and mouse will prepare all current and future learners for higher education and/or career paths in the Visual Arts as graduates of AWRSD. This is a game changer! In the world of digital artmaking and design, using the Wacom Intous pen and tablet creates new student interactive learning experiences – physically and cognitively – while simultaneously building skills for tomorrow’s future!
There is a natural comfort level for students to use an implement that has the familiarity of a pen or pencil and makes a mark on a surface. Whether scribbling with crayons or signing our name, we have been taught how to hold and support mark making tools since learning how to walk. Using the Wacom Intous pen and tablet is next level experience with a user-friendly function. Designing on the Digital Canvas is an excellent opportunity for the AWFAE to support student success through the Visual Arts.
Specifically, as the department restructures its Digital Design (previously Graphic Design) course offerings. A grant awarded in 2015-2016 from the AWFAE has garnered student successes on a smaller scale with using pen and tablet technology. However, it was limited to just the mini MAC Lab (only 8) computers in the project room. Designing on the Digital Canvas would grant far more students access to the Wacom Intous pen and tablet as tools for an entire class using the 25 computers in the MAC Lab.
–Gregory and Theresa Barry, Oakmont Art Department
Grant Year: 2022-2023
Grant Recipients: Greg Barry, Theresa Barry
Receiving Schools: Oakmont Regional High School