“What a computer is to me is the most remarkable tool that we have ever come up with. It’s the equivalent of a bicycle for our minds.”

— Steve Jobs

I couldn’t agree more with these words stated by Steve Jobs. The incredible proliferation of technology and computing power in every aspect of our lives is a reality now! When applied effectively and in proper proportions, it can prove to be a game changer in enhancing the learning process in various domains for individuals with Learning Difficulties(LD). AT for kids with LD is defined as any device, piece of equipment or system that helps bypass, work around or compensate for an individual’s specific learning deficits. Over the past decade, a number of studies have demonstrated the efficacy of AT for individuals with LD. They not only are entertaining and usable but that also make a contribution to an individual’s physical and emotional development.

In this post, we explore the contribution of AT in Art and creativity. Five free apps and websites that can help the kid develop art skills are listed below. Hope you have a colourful journey using them!

1. Colorwithleo Artstudio is an interactive site that provides free games for drawing wild and farm animals, drawing pad, colour mixing and colouring fun. In Portrait fun, kids discover their features and position them correctly on the face.

          

 

2. Free Draw:Online Art and Creativity Game for Kids – Nick Jr. – Free Draw allows children to interact with a variety of art supplies, such as markers, crayons and spray paint. With different colours to choose from, children can make customized pieces of art in no time! They can save and print their work too!

 

3. ABCya! Paint- Digital Painting Skills – This is a great tool for kids to engage in digital colouring, drawing and storytelling. Images can be saved and used in other creative applications.

 

4. MoMA Art Lab (iTunes Store) – This app is intended for ages seven and up. The main features are as listed below:

Features

• Create and save your own artwork
• Play with shapes, lines, and colors
• Activities inspired by works of art, including:
• Create a mobile
• Experiment with paint
• Draw from instructions
• Create a sound composition
• Draw with scissors
• Make a line design
• Collaborate on a group drawing
• Create a shape poem
• Make a chance collage
• Creative prompts for extra inspiration
• Audio for pre-readers
• Learn about works of art – Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, Elizabeth Murray, Sol LeWitt, Jim Lambie, Brice Marden, and others.
• Share your artwork with others

5. iPastels (iTunes Store) – This is a draw and paint app with digital pastels that behave just like real ones! This app offers:

• a palette of tools including brushes, pencils and even smudging or ‘fisting’ tool.
• a rainbow of colors
• layering with iPastels.

 

So the next time you think of an art project for your child, try these ideas and let your child unleash his/her creativity.

 

References:

www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-kids-learning-disabilities

www.moma.org/explore/mobile/artlabapp

www.norbyte.com/ipastels/

www.colorwithleo.com/artstudio