Disclaimer: This story is a part of our April Fool’s edition, The Goofordian. This story was created by Guilfordian staff and is not based in fact.
“As an institution of higher learning, Guilford College prides itself in its innovation to create our next generation of thinkers,” said President Jane Fernandes in a speech to the Guilford College community before the #KidPixLaunch2K16 event on April 1. “Our students are our first priority, and we need to provide them the resources they need to learn.”
One of the new resources that Guilford will provide to its students, starting in spring 2017, is Kid Pix, an interactive art-based computer program similar to Microsoft Paint that many Guilford students will remember from their childhoods.
“Kid Pix isn’t just for kids anymore,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Todd Clark. “I use it all the time. People don’t realize how many uses there are for it — I can make Christmas cards, invitations, flyers and, last year, I even used it to create an alternative newspaper for Guilford. Just be sure to use your print money wisely.”
Guilford hopes to integrate Kid Pix into the classroom curriculum to explore new methods of learning and help its graduates adapt to the future.
“One reason Guilford chose to use Kid Pix was to distinguish itself from other colleges,” said Vice President of Marketing Roger Degerman. “Many colleges already have online classes, small classes and research opportunities but none of them use Kid Pix. Since we’re going to end January Term, we need a new thing. I have a good feeling Kid Pix will be it.”
The idea to use Kid Pix began after a group of Guilford organizers called the Students for Pix petitioned the College.
“I hate taking notes, and using Microsoft Word is always difficult for me,” said first-year Craig Moopies. “The program I’m most familiar with is Kid Pix. Last semester, I took a class where the professor had, like, a thousand PowerPoints, and I thought, ‘What if he used Kid Pix instead?’ because I had a lot of trouble opening the PowerPoints.
“I spoke to a few of my friends and realized that they had felt the same way. That’s when the Students for Pix began.”
At the first meeting, they drew up a petition using Kid Pix. After reaching 13 signatures overnight, they marched into Fernandes’ office hours with a Kid Pix slideshow.
“At first, I was really nervous because I was afraid that the file wouldn’t open,” said CCE sophomore Craig Draws. “Luckily, it turned out that we were able to easily install Kid Pix on Jane’s computer and show her how great Kid Pix was.”
Fernandes was instantly convinced.
“Kid Pix is incredibly easy to use,” said Fernandes. “When I first discovered it, I was able to easily write out ‘Guilford College,’ ‘core values’ and ‘transparency.’ I think Kid Pix will be great in helping students become more creative in their classes, and it will help them add a graphic design skill on resumes, which is very important to employers.”
However, the board of trustees was not as persuaded.
“When I first saw the slideshow, I was so confused by all the sounds the program was making,” said board of trustees chair Ed Winslow. “Also, why would you need more than one type of eraser?”
After a two hour deadlock, the trustees decided to pass the resolution.
“It’s only $15?” asked Winslow after reading the small text on the slideshow. “Okay, whatever. We can pass it.”
While it is unclear what the long-term effects are, many Guilford community members are embracing this change.
“I think it will bring Guilford closer together and help students be more attentive in class,” said Polly Tweet, instructor of art. “I’m excited to use it, and I love technology. I’m great at social media. I think Guilford needs to stop using outdated technologies like Moodle and email Kid Pix images for correspondence between professors and students instead.”
