This week in class, we were introduced to a new app/website called Canva. Canva is a great way to create your own graphics or designs, like the one that I created above. I personally really enjoyed using Canva, because I had no idea that there was a creative app like this that existed. I loved getting to use my creative side, and was amazed that it was a free app to download with the amount of free graphics they let you use. The only downside of Canva is that you have to be careful when choosing images to use, because some of them cost a $1 to use and are not labeled clearly as being an expense.
Canva would be a great tool to use inside of a classroom. It is perfect for visual learners, and allows kids to bring out there creative side while incorporating technology. It is something they can do independently, or with a group. Canva is pretty easy to figure out, but I would only use it with older kids. Any grade level under fourth grade might not be able to use advanced technology like this, so I personally would suggest only allowing upper elementary to high school students use this. Teachers should definitely consider using Canva inside of their classrooms, because it would be great to have students use on projects, get to know you assignments at the beginning of the year, and can be incorporated into almost any subject in some way. However, like with anything, there are some downsides to Canva. I went ahead and created a pro and con list discussing these things:
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Cons of Canva:
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The bottom line is that Canva is a great resource to use. There are so many different layouts and designs that you can use to entertain you for hours. It would be wonderful to use with students, and I am definitely going to use this app as a future teacher. Canva might be frustrating to some to use, but the good thing is that there are tons of free tutorials on how to use it. I would suggest this app to anyone, for there are hundreds of uses for it and the graphics are beautiful.