WPP: Part C Implementation

Technology chosen to solve my Wicked Problem of Practice: MyRealFont

Overview of the Implementation Process:
See Screencast_HE on right side bar.

Stylus Research:
Because I am creating a font using an iPhone app, writing with a finger is unnatural and is not a good tool to use to mimic handwriting. I found two great videos on YouTube that helped guide me in the right direction.
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVAFl_MKZtg
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEjhzOgx-j8&feature=related
I chose to go with the first video because it was one I could create with what I already had at home. If it failed, I could always purchase one. If it had came to that, I would have purchased the Amazon stylus mentioned in the second video.

Inspired by the first video, I created a video to share how to create your own stylus - but it had some issues. There was a voice delay in the video and the stylus I created did not work well. I learned that the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser does not work.  Here's the video I created: 

The funny part to this video is I ended it with "It is as easy as it looks," when it reality it didn't end up working that well!! But with that said, the stylus that I created next was even easier easy to make.

I chose to use a different material than the Magic Eraser and found a "can cooler" to work quite well. I ended up creating a stylus with one of my husband's small screwdrivers, a can coolie (see images below) and some Scotch tape. I would also advise to be careful to not scratch your device's screen with the sharp point of the screwdriver. 

Making the font:
I used MyRealFont on my iPhone. Creating letters was easy. However, I do wish there was an “undo” button on the app so that if I made an error or accidentally erased a letter I could “undo” that action. It was easy to save the font (just select the green check mark (far right on bottom tab of app)). It was easy to send the font to my email. I just selected the font I created (The Kindergarten Font) and then selected “Send Font."

Using the app’s “Write a new message” feature, it was nice to be able to use my newly created font right away. However it does not provide spell check or any grammar correcting feature so you really need to watch out for that. It does allow you to change the text color and add pictures from your iPhone’s database or its own database of clip art and pictures. You can also save your message to your photo roll on your iPhone.

After creating my own font, I believe that it is quite simple and a Kindergartner could do it. I think that this would be a great way to implement technology into a Kindergarten classroom. Each student could create their own personalize font. This would make writing and reading a novelty. Students would have a meaningful connection to writing, especially on the computer. Imagine, a Kindergartner sitting in front of a computer, practicing writing, using their personalized font, and seeing his/her penmanship on the monitor. I know that my son would get a kick out of that and would really enjoy typing letters on the computer, more so than using Comic Sans or another font.

Implementing the font:
After creating The Kindergarten Font on my iPhone. I emailed the font to myself. I opened file and downloaded it to my computer. When I opened the file I was given a prompt to “Install the font.” Then my computer gave me this window (see below), I selected “Install Checked.”

Then The Kindergarten Font was automatically added to “My Font Book.” (See below).

Now when I open Microsoft Word, I can select my font, The Kindergarten Font. My font works the same as Arial, Times New Roman, or any other font.

The whole process was free and easy to do. MyRealFont is a fantastic technology tool! I am very impressed and excited to have explored and tested this technology. I cannot wait until I can sit down with teachers and show them how to use self created fonts in their classroom. I am also going to have my Kindergartner create his own font... he is going to love it! And most importantly, he is learning and practicing reading and writing in a fun, novel, and relevant way.   

I encourage you to check out this really fantastic tool. You will enjoy seeing your handwriting made into a font. It is a great way to personalize the digital world and web 2.0.

What I plan to do next is meet with my children's teachers and have them use The Kindergarten Font in their classroom. I will also have them take my survey.