Fear is in never trying, fear is in giving up.  Never fear the unknown, never let the system win and when all else fails, back it up, wipe it out and start over... Robin

Spring 2012 Portfolio

Draw Reflections

Our first assignment this semester was to use the tools in Microsoft Office to draw a mask for Mardi Gras.  Although I have never used the draw tools in Office in the classroom, I have used them extensively over the years for different projects I have done for work and "play".  The tools built into Microsoft can be very helpful for minor projects, however, I do find them limiting if you want to create something a little more elaborate.  It was helpful that we also got the opportunity to work with MS Paint, because the drawing capability built into that software is much easier to work with and less constrained as the tools in Office.  I will admit, I have a bit of an advantage, also, because the computer I am using has built in tablet features, so I am able to draw directly on the screen and I am not confined to the mouse.  I admire anyone who is able to do more than just a straight line with a mouse, because I find it to be an awkward tool, when trying to draw.  I do wish I had the time to use the draw tools in the classes I teach because I think students would benefit from knowing that they are capable of creating their own graphics and that they don't always have to rely on Google images for projects they are creating.  Having that knowledge and that skill would certainly make it easier for them to interpret exactly what they want to interpret, instead of building their projects around what they are able to find on the internet or preloaded graphic CD's.