Sketchpad – A Website for Creation

Free!

Sketchpad from Sketch.io is a website that allows users to draw, doodle, and sketch. After loading the website, users can click the tools on the left side menu of the screen to add content. To begin, users can click the writing utensil and choose the one they wish to use from the drop down menu. Next, users can click the “Ink Drop” icon to choose the color they wish to use. At this point, users can click into the drawing area on the screen and drag their cursor in it to begin drawing.

Users can continue to add content to their drawing by clicking the “T” button to add text, the “Star” button to add shapes, and the “Smiley Face” icon to add clipart among other options. If users wish to draw on their own images, they can import an image by clicking the “File Folder+” icon and then selecting the image from their computer. Sketchpad will then insert the image and users will be able to add content to it using the tools previously described.

When finished, users can save their work by clicking the “Disk” button and then choosing how they wish to save their work. Sketchpad will then automatically download their work as the file type they selected.

Instructional Ideas for using Sketchpad

1. After reading a text, teachers can have students choose one quote from the text and add it to an image. Next, students can use the drawing tools to illustrate the quote and its meaning. When finished, students can download their work as a .jpeg file and then upload it to a class website. Other students in the class can then respond by explaining their understanding of how the image represents the quote.
2. When studying vocabulary words, students can use this website to create images of the words. To do so, students can first type the word into the drawing and then create a visual that represents it. Finally, students can type a sentence that uses the word contextually and relates to the image.
3. After a lesson about advertising, students can use this website to create an advertisement for a product of their choice. When creating the advertisement, students will have to choose a persuasive technique to help sell their product. When finished, students can download their advertisement as a .jpeg and post it to a class website. In response, the students’ classmates can view the advertisement and reply to it by stating which technique it uses and provide feedback about the effectiveness of that technique in the advertisement.
4. When studying a significant person or event, students can use this website to create a political cartoon that represents the person or event using images and text. (If needed, students can upload an image and then customize it using the tools in this website.) When finished, students can download their image as a .jpeg file and then upload it to a class website along with a rationale that explains the meaning embedded within their cartoon. The student’s classmates can then view the cartoon and rationale.
5. When writing a report, paper, short story, poem, or other piece, students can use this website to create an image to complement their work. Or, in preparation for a presentation, students can create an image with this website that they can use as a visual aide during their presentation. That way, when they present, they will be able to refer to the image to enhance the message.

Screenshots of Sketchpad