What it is: Aviary is a website on a mission to make creativity more accessible. They do this by making powerful image software available online (no download required) and with free versions of the online software. Aviary has four different offerings: Peacock, Phoenix, Toucan, and Raven. Because each tool does something different, I am going to break it down into four posts.
Raven is the final application in the Aviary suite. Raven is a vector editor. Those familiar with graphic design will appreciate this tool because vector art is fully scalable (it doesn’t pixelate or distort when size is changed). Vector art is most commonly used in logo creation. Raven allows students to learn about and work with paths, lines, curves, and objects. Students will have control over stroke, fill color, and gradient. Just like in Aviary Phoenix, students can work with layers, groups, and layer masks. Raven also allows for import of other vector graphic files (SVG).
How to integrate Raven into the classroom: Aviary Raven is an amazing application and the fact that it is web based makes it infinitely more impressive. Use Raven to teach students about graphic design, vector art, pixels, and digital art. Allow students to experiment with different fills and gradients to create shadow and light on objects that they create.
Tips: Aviary Raven is the only application in the suite that is currently in alpha version and costs money, $9.99/month gives you pro access to the complete Aviary suite. Be sure to check out the many tutorials to learn how to use Raven and all of the Aviary applications. Encourage students to do the same…it is a great way to learn!
Leave a comment and tell us how you are using Aviary Raven in your classroom.
