After completing this project I am pleased with the results. The biggest “A-HA” moment came when I realized that using the KidPix software program the students were able to make more complex representations of their work. As an example, when the students used the letters to stamp words on their drawing they were able to think about their story, not worry about “how to make the letters”. The students were also able to use the picture stamps and the pen to draw more complex pictures, with students of this age (5-6yrs.) their fine muscle control is still developing and they can visualize more than they can produce with conventional art tools, but using the software program enhanced their work.  

 Using the digital camera was also a wonderful teaching tool; the children could see pictures of themselves, or their work at that moment.  The camera was also a wonderful way to organize some of the lessons, so that when I revisited a lesson or idea, we could use the digital pictures to refresh ideas.

When I started the MITTEN project I was not comfortable with much of the technology, but I forced myself to take a chance and to learn by my frustrations. My students today were born in 1997-98; their world is full of technology, cell phone, cd players, video games, and computers. To continue to teach this new generation and the ones to follow, this “old dog had to learn the new tricks”, I’m grateful that the MITTEN project accepted me!