Tuxpaint+2

T u x P a i n t

Tux paint is a creative programme has a number of options for its use in school. It is a free programme that encompasses the basic effects of ‘Microsoft Paint’ and develops them with further options for stencilling, imputing patterns or pixelating. Tux Paint is an award-winning programme that can be used with key stages one and two. Children are provided with a blank page and many options to create a wide variety of drawings, scenes and slideshows which can enhance their creativity.

.

.

**Installation:**

© Tux Paint is already installed on most university computers. If it is not installed on your computer, you can download it directly from the website- [|www.tuxpaint.org/]






 * Usability: **

© Tux Paint is simple to navigate, and exploration is the best way of finding out how it works and what opportunities you are provided with.

© The software is aimed at ages 3 to 12. It is easy for young children to use as the creative options are represented by logos rather than words or descriptions. On the other hand older children may not be as stimulated by the programme because of its simplicity.

© Tux Paint requires no additional add-ons, although there are stencils that you can download.

.

.


 * Performance: **

© The programme seems to be free of errors, but there is an area on the website that highlights common known problems such as slow loading and crashing.

© The software loads very quickly and you do not have to wait when changing between colours, styles or when opening a new page.

© All hyperlinks work correctly and load swiftly.

© The programme is simple to navigate, with only basic IT skills needed.






 * Usefulness **

© The programme can be incorporated well into the National Curriculum: Key stage one: ICT 2d, 3b. On the other hand, there are not many areas of the national curriculum that Tux Paint links to because of its simplicity.

© Tux Paint would successfully maintain the interest of younger children, as there is a lot to experiment with and they will probably spend a lot of time using one effect before trying another one. For older children, again, the simple nature of the programme may result in the children becoming bored easily as it would not take them long to explore the content fully.

© The programme can extend learning in that children who are used to simple traditional paint programmes will see by using Tux Paint that it is possible to incorporate different effects into a picture.






 * Support **

© There is documentation on the website that contains FAQ's and help videos for example, however, it could be said that it would be easier for help to be on the programme rather than the website.

media type="file" key="video out tux paint.mp4" width="931" height="497"