For my technology assignment, I chose to experiment with some websites that deal with artwork, image, and storybook creation and editing. I really enjoyed this exploration and found a few really cool websites that would be great to use in the future with children. I chose to focus more on DoInk and actually make an example of that technology because I found it to be the most open-ended and engaging. DoInk allows you to draw any kind of a picture you want and then use their tools to add animations. The sky is the limit in terms of what kind of a picture you want to make and how you want to make it move. Something that makes this site so great is the ability to collaborate with others and use their ideas to enhance your own. For example, I used a pre-made background and added my own drawings to the forefront. You can search for props to add, and there are plenty to choose from--anything you can think of, really.
As far using this in an early childhood setting, I think there are a few limitations. First of all, it wouldn't be a good idea to let the child explore the site freely because there are some inappropriately themed animations that probably were not intended for children to see. Secondly, you have to be 13 to set up an account. I think that's important because it's obviously the suggested age to use the site based on maturity levels and capabilities. Don't get me wrong--I think this is a really fun, interesting, and interactive site; however, with young children I think adults would need to help out a good bit. One idea would be to allow the child to draw the picture because it's a really simple process and then ask what kind of animations they want to add to it. The animation part is tricky, and I don't think that a child under 10 would be able to figure it out for themselves.

Storybird is a really fun, interactive, and collaborative site. I know that I'm not the most creative person and have a hard time getting started with things coming up with a story line, so I love how you can browse pictures or words to get some inspiration. If you see a picture you like, you can start a Storybird with it right away. The pictures also have tags underneath them, so you can search for similar ones to start a story with. Once you begin with a certain picture, other pictures are shown, and it's very easy to drag them onto the pages. I had a difficult time at first with writing on the pages because it didn't seem like you can put a text box wherever you want. It gets easier, though, once you add art and can arrange there to be a picture on one page and text on the other. Storybird is also fun to use because you can look at other peoples' stories and make comments on them. It's great for providing children with an opportunity to work on their literacy and creativity and have fun while doing it.

Art Junction serves as a way for students and teachers to further their artistic abilities through the activities, projects, and resources offered on the site. It also allows for students, teachers, or other professionals to not only share their art but also their experiences in creating it. It offers ways for communities to work together for a certain cause, such as thinking of creative ways to help the environment. The blog is also up to date, informative, and full of good ideas.

The idea of this website is a great one--it allows you to create animations and work off of ones created by others. Creating animations is made very easy with DoInk. By being able to see the work of others, it's a good way to get ideas and inspiration. I think that children could have a lot of fun with this; however, the content of the site isn't very appropriate for young children in that some of the animations posted by others may be disturbing for them. There is even a minimum age of 13 to be able to use it. If DoInk were to make a kid-friendly site with this same idea, I think it would be a lot of fun. It's very interactive and allows for an endless amount of creativity and expression. It could be a great website for children to work on by themselves, with friends, or even family members. Once an animation is complete, it can be posted anywhere on the web. This would be great for a classroom blog or to share with family members.