TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ODS AMAZING ART CORNER (CREATIVE ART)
  A.  OBJECTIVES
  B.  METHODS 
  C.  TRACKING
  D.  TEACHING SUGGESTIONS

        
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              ODS AMAZING ART CORNER (CREATIVE ART)
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A. OBJECTIVES

  1. To improve ability to express oneself through art.
  2. To improve creative thinking skills.
  3. To improve artistic technical proficiency.
  4. To increase appreciation for artistic expression.  

B.  METHODS

       This program is designed to enable the user to explore the
    exciting world of artistic creation.  The above objectives are
    accomplished in two unique ways.  First, the user can
    manipulate various settings and then let the computer create
    an artistic pattern.  For example, at the bottom right corner
    of the screen are five slider bars.  These slider bars affect
    the equations that dictate how the balls will move.  The user
    will notice that by moving these slider bars, the balls will
    vary their types of paths.  Yet this is no mere exercise in
    technical manipulation; because the program is designed to
    provide infinite possibilities, the user will never be able
    fully to control the balls with the slider bars, but rather
    will be able only to affect the balls.  Thus the program
    enables the user to develop a unique combination of technical
    proficiency and creative thinking skills.  The second way that
    the objectives are accomplished is by allowing the user to
    create more controlled and advanced artwork by using the
    paintbrush.  In this format, the user controls not only the
    tools and parameters, but also patterns that will appear on
    the screen.  The user thus is able to participate more
    directly in the joys and benefits of artistic creation.

C.  TRACKING

       The tracking function on ODS AMAZING ART CORNER lists the
    userÕs starting time, ending time, and the tools used during
    play. This data is stored in a text file which can be 
    accessed by most word processing programs.  Hint:  For best
    results, change the font of your tracking output to a
    monospaced font such as ÒCourier.Ó
       The tracking function is automatically activated.  You will 
    be given the opportunity to access the tracking information
    when you exit the program.  When you are finished using the
    program, click on the ÒEXITÓ button.  On the next screen that
    appears, you have three options: SAVE, PRINT, and EXIT.  To
    save the tracking information, click the ÒSAVEÓ button; when
    the dialogue box appears, name the file and designate where
    you want to save it. To print the tracking information, click
    the ÒPRINTÓ button, and follow the directions of your
    operating system. To simply exit the program, click the ÒEXITÓ
    button.

D.  TEACHING SUGGESTIONS

       Encourage the user to experiment with all of the various
    settings to discover the different art works that can be
    created.  ODS AMAZING ART CORNER truly fosters creativity in
    every sense, from learning what the tools do to actually
    manipulating them to create new designs.

       It is important to remember that a major goal of this
    program is to foster creativity and artistic expression.  Thus
    we recommend not being too directive in your instructions to
    the user.  Children who are too young to use the computer
    mouse may benefit from watching an adult use ODS AMAZING ART
    CORNER.  Allowing them to suggest various colors and designs
    will engage them in the creative process.

       For older children, it can be helpful to first allow them
    to experiment with the various tools for themselves.  Next,
    some time can be spent showing them how they can better
    manipulate those tools.  At this point, they are ready to
    create their own artwork.  Because of the versatility of the
    program, they will be able to create everything from pictures
    to designs to abstract patterns.  

       What follows is a helpful summary of the functions of the
    tools found in ODS AMAZING ART CORNER:

    PAINT BRUSH:  
      Toggles between manual and automatic modes.  (If there is a
      red Ò+Ó over the paint brush, it is in automatic mode.)  In
      automatic mode, the computer does the painting, and the user
      can affect the painting styles by manipulating the other
      tools (see below).  In manual mode (no red Ò+Ó over the
      paint brush), the user does the painting.

    PLAY/PAUSE BUTTON:  
      Starts and stops the computerÕs painting when in automatic
      mode; in manual mode, activates and deactivates the paint
      brush.  When painting is activated (play), the button will
      be represented as two vertical blue bars at the bottom left
      of the screen:  press to ÒPause.Ó  When painting is not
      activated (pause), the button will be represented as a small
      yellow triangle:  press to ÒPlay.Ó

    BUTTON WITH RED ÒXÓ: 
      Resets the drawing area to black.

    TOP ROW OF BALLS:  
      Changes the size of the balls used in painting. (The one on
      the far left causes the program to cycle from the smallest
      to the biggest sizes.)

    BOTTOM ROW OF BALLS:  
      Changes the color of the balls used in painting.

    NUMBERS (1,2,4):  
      Indicate how many balls will be used to paint at a given
      time.

    SLIDER BARS: 
      Affect how the computer draws when in automatic mode.