How to Use Free Art Programs - Krita, Medibang Paint, and More (Self-Paced)

Learners do not need a drawing tablet for this class - nor a stylus. No drawing program is required. Instead, I will be walking learners through the use of several online and free digital programs.
In a step-by-step process, learners will be walked through how to safely locate online art programs with teacher direction, walking them through each of the processes of how to locate and download these programs. (Learners will not have to download these programs, all programs will be shown on the teacher's screen and the process will be recorded.) 
Next the learners will be shown four art programs over the course of the four weeks, as well as how they work. We will go over the various things you can do with these programs including details on what brushes are pre-offered, what art they can create, if animation is possible with these programs, and whether or not using a mouse or a tablet is possible with these options. 
The programs will be contrasted and compared with each other, but at no point will one be stated as better than the other. All are good quality art programs that are good for different things, which will be explained to the learners so they can make their own informed decision. Learners will be able to share their art experience and opinions with each other, so that they can better share their ideas. Art will NOT be created during this class, but learners are welcome to discuss with the teacher and other learners what art they would like to create and how each program would allow them to do this.
Learners are welcome to be of any stage of artistic skills and knowledge.

Week 1:
Learners will review a lecture, which I have recorded and put in the classroom, for the first of the four free art programs. Learners will be able to observe how to safely find, download, and install the programs. From there, they will watch the step by step process of how to navigate the program. The various types of brushes and affects will be reviewed. Afterward, learners will have the option to complete a Kahoot quiz to review the new app they have just seen. This will let learners compete with each other to see who has gained the most knowledge. Next, learners will have the option to create their own work in this app (should they download it after parental permission) or submit ideas for drawings that they wish to see created in the program. This will let them engage with me, the teacher, and I will answer their specific artist questions (for example, the best ways of shading in this particular program). This will let learners get answers about the program which is relevant to them and promote engagement with the teacher. 

Week 2:
During the second week, Learners will review another lecture, which I have recorded and put in the classroom, for the second of the four free art programs. During this lecture, we will cover the second art program and additionally go over how to animate in this app. From there, they will watch the step by step process of how to navigate the program. The various types of brushes and affects will be reviewed. To let learners engage with each other, they will have the option to play a game to test their memory and compete with other learners to see if they can remember the most facts about this program. Next, learners will have the option to create their own work in this app (should they download it after parental permission) or submit ideas for drawings that they wish to see created in the program. Much like before, learners will be able to ask questions which they have personally come up with and interactively engage with these art programs, through me, to see if they are a good fit. Interactions with me shall include the lectures as well as feedback on any projects posted to the classroom by learners.

Week 3:
For the third week, we will go over the last of the drawing art programs, for the third of the four free art programs. We will go over the pros and cons of drawing with a mouse or drawing tablet and what that will mean for each individual learner. Each art program my be best suited for a particular device and we will, as a group, take that into consideration by letting learners explain in a classroom thread what they want to see from an art program (mouse stabilization, for example). Learners will then be able to rate each art program created thus far in how they fulfill what they are looking for. Much as before, if there are any questions about this art program, learners will be able to ask and see me go over each program in more detail so that it is specifically catered to their search.

Week 4:
For the final week, learners will review a lecture devoted to a different sort of art program - digital editing. Learners will discover how best to edit images in the final art program so that they can create beautiful graphics and designs. For learner-to-learner engagement, they will have the option to play a fun Blooket game together to test the knowledge they have gained for this new program as well as learn more about it. I will also show them some secret editing tricks for the program to really make images stand out. Finally, I will open the floor to share art with each other, if learners desire, and learners will be able to comment and share their creativity with one another.