AI Tool Demo: Bringing Student Art to Life

Edutopia

Assistant Editor Daniel Leonard shows how a new AI tool can instantly animate drawings—and shares some fun applications for early elementary.

October 2, 2024

In the article "AI Tool Demo: Bringing Student Art to Life" (October 2, 2024), Daniel Leonard, Assistant Editor for Edutopia, introduces educators to a new AI tool from Meta called Animated Drawings. This innovative tool allows teachers to bring student-created drawings to life by transforming them into animated GIFs. Aimed primarily at pre-K and early elementary classrooms, the tool offers a unique way to combine the joy of drawing with the excitement of animation, engaging young learners in creative ways.

Animated Drawings works by identifying key features of a drawing—specifically human-like figures with four limbs and a head—and transforming them into short, looping animations. For example, a child might draw a character, such as a monster or superhero, and the tool can animate that figure to perform various actions like tap-dancing, jump roping, or practicing judo. This immediate transformation excites students, allowing them to see their creations in motion.

Leonard shares practical applications of the tool in early childhood classrooms. Teachers report that students become more motivated to improve their drawing skills, with some noting that their students’ pencil grip and draftsmanship have improved as they strive to create more defined, human-like figures that generate better animations. The tool’s visual feedback encourages students to refine their art, developing both fine motor skills and artistic techniques.

Beyond art improvement, Animated Drawings also serves as a gateway to deeper learning opportunities. Teachers use the animated characters to spark creative storytelling, where students craft narratives around their original drawings. This storytelling activity promotes literacy and imaginative thinking, offering a cross-curricular application that combines art, writing, and oral communication.

Leonard’s article not only highlights the engaging nature of this AI tool but also places it within a broader context of using artificial intelligence in education. He notes that teachers are experimenting with other AI tools, such as using AI-generated images as writing prompts or creating AI-powered conversations with historical figures. These creative uses of AI in the classroom help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while also making learning more interactive and enjoyable for students.

The tool has proven to be an excellent resource for teachers looking to integrate technology in fun, meaningful ways. While the use of AI in education is still evolving, tools like Animated Drawings demonstrate the potential for AI to enhance creativity and engagement in the classroom. By making it easier for students to see their drawings come to life, educators can foster a love for both art and technology at an early age.

For more AI-related classroom strategies, Leonard suggests reading his article "9 Tips for Using AI for Learning (and Fun!)," which offers additional insights into how AI can be integrated into educational activities.

Original detailed URL: https://www.edutopia.org/george-lucas-educational-foundation-ai-tool-demo

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com