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Technology tools continue to be produced to fulfill the demands of users' needs (even if they don't know they need them). :) There are many creative tools available as well. I have explored a variety (and I know there are many, many more out there!) and have enjoyed trying to find applications for what I've found to enhance my future art classes. To start I found several brainstorming websites, as I plan to have my students really process their ideas before attempting their art pieces. The first site really isn't a "creative tool", but I liked the idea so I have included it here. CREATIVITY TOOLBOX asks the question: "How would someone with the job below solve my challenge?" and shows a different profession with each click. While it's not super extensive, it gets the ball rolling on thinking from a completely new perspective and would hopefully make the students think of other unique ways to approach a problem.

Another brainstorming site, BUBBL.US, provides the creation of a more elaborate brainstorming network. This could be a great tool to use with a group of students so they can corporately add to the web of ideas outside of school. 

Another site that I can see classroom application for is PREZI as it incorporates graphic design and animation for presentation creation, and it's capabilities have more variety and visual interest than Power Point. As an example, I could see students creating a Prezi site for an art history assignment. And I personally liked this Typography Prezi. :)

But my all time, most favorite creativity tool is Adobe Illustrator! I can't imagine my life without it, and I plan to illuminate my future students to this glorious program! :) This creative tool is a vector (line art) digital art program that allows for the creation of images that are not confined to pixel size. Students could use this program in infinite ways, just as they would use a pencil, paintbrush, or word processing program. Files are easily shared, allowing for outside feedback and group exploration/collaboration. Entire projects could be created with this program, or fine art pieces can be scanned and enhanced with type or other digital creative features.

Adobe Illustrator

An example of a high school or middle school class' use of Illustrator using the TPACK model is through the creation of their own alphabet letter. First, several typography lessons, discussions, and activities would be given (including the hunt for typography in their environment and why these are effective or ineffective). Then each student would pick an existing font (Futura, Helvetica, Garamond, etc.) and pick a letter to redesign, providing reasons for their choices. (I personally wonder why there isn't more variety between "b", "d", "p", and "q". Could we really not come up with something that's visually cohesive with the rest of the letters, while still being more unique from each other? I think we should try!) :)

Letter P in Illustrator

An introduction to Illustrator would also be given, allowing for student exploration. This assignment is a great first introduction to the program as it uses the primary tools, allows for the manipulation of fonts (a benefit of Illustrator), and is not overly technically complicated. Sketches of their new letters would then be discussed in class critiques, followed by revisions, and revisited class discussions. Students would then proceed to their digital letter creating. Because so much thought and detail was worked out prior to the computer use, the student's focus is primarily on using Illustrator as a tool and not feeling doubly overwhelmed with simultaneously trying to find a creative solution for their letter and learn a new program. While it will still be a challenge to create their letter for the first time, the outcome should be rewarding as they are able to create art with a new (amazing!) program. After completion, each student would incorporate their letter into the entire font alphabet. Then they would choose a favorite quote or song lyric, typeset in their chosen font, and replace the old letter with the new character. Each student will print their final piece and get class feedback. The class would also upload their work onto the class blog and ask college design professors/students or professional graphic designers for feedback. This activity would broaden the student's outlook on typography and the extent that it effects their everyday life, gives insight into the thought and care designers give typography, gives them experience using another creative tool, and provides a "problem" (that they may not have been observers of before) that needs a creative solution.

The applications of this creative tool with students are endless. Packaging, greeting cards, illustrated children's books, signage, fine art, etc. are most likely created with Illustrator. Having experience with this, and other creative tools, allows students another means of creative exploration and expression. And while not every student will pursue a career that uses Illustrator everyday, they will probably hire a designer in the future to design their business logo, signage, restaurant menu, letterhead, and more. Having knowledge about this tool and how the creative process works will make them better judges of quality design, and hopefully they won't fall victim to some of the typography they became aware of in my class that is distracting, poorly designed, and just plain ugly. ;)