Technologies · Year 1

Active learning ideas

Using Digital Drawing Tools

Active learning helps young students develop physical coordination and spatial awareness with digital tools. Moving between mouse clicks and finger touches builds their understanding of input methods in a playful, memorable way.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9TDE2P04

• 20–35 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Experiential Learning
• 25 min · Pairs

Pair Comparison: Mouse vs Finger Drawing

Pair students at computers and tablets. Each draws the same simple shape, like a house, then switches devices. Partners discuss which felt easier and why, noting line smoothness and control. Circulate to prompt comparisons.

Compare drawing with a mouse to drawing with a finger on a tablet.

Facilitation Tip

During Pair Comparison, give each student two minutes on each device so they feel the difference in precision and control.

What to look for

Provide students with a small card. Ask them to draw one digital shape they used today and write one sentence explaining how the 'undo' button helps them when drawing.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

Activity 02

• Experiential Learning
• 35 min · Small Groups

Small Group: Shape Art Challenge

In groups of three, students open a drawing app and create an animal using only shapes and colours. Assign roles: one selects shapes, one colours, one adds details. Groups save and name their file before sharing.

Design a picture using only digital shapes and colors.

Facilitation Tip

For Shape Art Challenge, prepare example shapes on a poster so groups can reference the target design as they work.

What to look for

Ask students: 'Imagine you are designing a picture of a park. What digital tools would you use to draw a tree? What about a bench? How would you change the color of the grass if you did not like it?'

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

Activity 03

• Experiential Learning
• 30 min · Whole Class

Whole Class: Undo Magic Demo

Project a drawing app. Draw a picture step-by-step, make intentional mistakes, and use undo or eraser tools to fix them. Students replicate on devices, then share one fix they made. Discuss as a class.

Explain how digital tools can help us fix mistakes easily.

Facilitation Tip

Use a document camera during the Undo Magic Demo to show the undo button in action so every student sees the correction process clearly.

What to look for

Observe students as they work. Ask individual students to demonstrate how they select a tool, change its color, and use the undo function. Note their ability to complete these basic actions.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

Activity 04

• Experiential Learning
• 20 min · Individual

Individual: Free Create and Save

Students independently draw a picture of their choice using at least three shapes and colours. Practice saving with a descriptive name. Collect devices to review a few examples together.

Compare drawing with a mouse to drawing with a finger on a tablet.

Facilitation Tip

Set a five-minute timer for Free Create and Save so students stay focused on finishing and saving their work.

What to look for

Provide students with a small card. Ask them to draw one digital shape they used today and write one sentence explaining how the 'undo' button helps them when drawing.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teach digital drawing in short bursts with clear demonstrations first. Model small steps, like selecting a tool and changing its color, then let students try. Avoid overwhelming them with too many features at once. Research shows that guided practice followed by independent creation strengthens both skill and confidence.

Students will demonstrate confidence selecting tools, changing colors, and using undo buttons during tasks. They will explain how different inputs affect their drawings and share their creations with peers.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Drawing with a mouse is the same as with a finger.

  During Pair Comparison, ask students to draw the same simple shape with both devices and observe how the mouse requires careful cursor control while finger drawing feels more direct. Guide them to discuss which input method feels easier for their hands.

• Digital tools cannot fix mistakes like paper and pencil.

  During the Undo Magic Demo, demonstrate how an incorrect line can be removed instantly with one click and invite students to try undoing their own mistakes. Ask them to explain how this helps them feel less worried about making errors.

• Digital drawing is only for fun pictures, not diagrams.

  During Shape Art Challenge, provide labeled example diagrams and ask groups to create a similar design using shapes and labels. Encourage them to explain how the shapes represent real parts of their design.

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Methods used in this brief

• Experiential Learning