Creativity

Graphic design is at the forefront of the modern digital world. Nurturing a student’s creative talent throughout their school years will help them in later years and through their professional lives. Graphic design software such as Quark is easy to use and can be easily installed on to the school system. The package includes powerful tools for graphics and illustrations, photo editing and page layouts.

An alternative to Quark is the Corel Graphics Suite which allows students to draw vector illustrations, edit photos and create layouts which can be used in assignments and presentations. For collaborative projects, Corel’s app allows students to publish feedback and gather real time information from their peers.

For subjects that require more specific creative programmes such as web design and game production, Reallusion has developed a user-friendly software specifically for 3D character creation and animation. With technology like VR and AR quickly developing, software like Reallusion gives students the tools to create their own characters that they can bring to life.

An alternative to Reallusion is Reality Capture. A photogrammetry software which gives users the tools to create seamless 3D models out of unordered photographs or laser scans. This software is useful across a range of subjects including architecture to bring designs to life, history to create 3D models of cultural heritage, gaming, surveying, visual effects and creating full body scans for science or VR.

Music lessons are heavily influenced by digital technologies with specific music teaching and music production software, such as Rising Software, becoming increasingly popular amongst school and higher education. Using software-based learning in these lessons can help with student engagement and productivity. It may also make the subject more enjoyable for students, encouraging them to take it further into their professional lives.

No longer is academia made up only of the core subjects. With traditional methods of teaching transforming to adapt to the needs of 21st century students, creative software has opened doors to an extended syllabus. Incorporating this software is key to enable students to flourish in the digital world and to set them up for future success.

With over 15 years’ experience in the education sector, Douglas Stewart supports educators with specially selected creative software providers and can provide assistance on choosing the most suitable package for your institution.