Module 06 — Creative & Expressive Tech¶
Duration: 2–3 sessions Audience: Youth; adults in recovery using expression as part of healing; anyone interested Prerequisite: Module 01
The module where the device becomes a creative tool, not just a productivity tool. High engagement, especially in youth and recovery cohorts.
Learning objectives¶
By the end of Module 06, a participant can:
- Edit a photo with GIMP at a basic level
- Edit a short video with OpenShot
- Record and edit audio with Audacity
- Create a simple vector graphic with Inkscape
- Understand the basics of putting work online: a blog, a portfolio, a personal page
- Choose appropriate tools for their next creative project
Session breakdown¶
Session 1 — Pick a path, do a small project¶
- Quick tour of the four creative tools: GIMP, OpenShot, Audacity, Inkscape
- Participants pick one based on what they want to make
- Small project, completed in the session:
- GIMP: edit one of their own photos (crop, color, simple effect)
- Audacity: record a 30-second audio piece (story, song, reading)
- OpenShot: assemble a 30-second video from a few clips
- Inkscape: make a simple personal logo or icon
Session 2 — Go deeper in one tool¶
- The participant picks the tool they liked most in Session 1
- Deeper walkthrough, second project, more polished result
- Exporting and sharing: file formats, sizes, where things end up
Session 3 — Putting work online (optional)¶
- Personal website basics: what a website is, what's involved
- Free hosting options: GitHub Pages, Netlify, WordPress.com
- Portfolio creation: what to include, what to leave out
- Sharing on social media (bridge back to Module 03)
- Crediting and copyright: what you can and can't use that isn't yours
Hands-on assignment¶
By the end of the module, the participant has:
- Completed at least one finished creative piece they're willing to share
- Exported it to a file format they understand
- Saved it somewhere they can find again
- (Optional) Put it online somewhere
Audience adaptations¶
| Audience | Emphasis |
|---|---|
| Youth | Music production, video editing for social platforms, meme-as-art, game asset basics |
| Recovery | Expression as part of recovery work; storytelling; songwriting; visual journaling |
| Reentry | Documenting personal change; advocacy storytelling; podcast basics |
| Adults | Family memory projects; photo organization; small business graphics |
| Seniors | Photo restoration; family video assembly; audio memoir recording |
What this module doesn't cover¶
- Professional-grade workflows (these are not full-day workshops)
- Game development depth — see Module 07 for entry-level coding
- Music production beyond Audacity (LMMS or Ardour can be installed on request)
- 3D modeling (Blender is available but not covered in baseline)
Materials needed¶
- Participant's own photos / audio / video, if they have any
- Sample asset packs available on the device (royalty-free music, stock photos, sample videos)
- Time. This module is more engaging when sessions aren't rushed.
Assessment for award eligibility¶
A facilitator confirms (no written test):
- Did the participant complete one finished creative piece?
- Can they open it again on their device the next session?
- Can they explain what tool they used and why?
If yes to all three, Module 06 is complete.