Artist Mode in iSandBox UTS: Using Interactive Sandplay for Education in Schools and Kindergartens

Artist Mode in iSandBox UTS: Using Interactive Sandplay for Education in Schools and Kindergartens

Interactive technologies are increasingly becoming part of modern educational environments. Schools and kindergartens are looking for tools that not only engage children but also support learning objectives, creativity, and cognitive development. iSandBox UTS is widely known for its educational applications in geography and natural sciences, but one of its most versatile modes for education is Artist Mode.

Artist Mode transforms the interactive sandbox into a creative learning space where children explore color, form, and volume through hands-on interaction with sand.

What Is Artist Mode in iSandBox

Artist Mode is a visual and artistic mode in which the sandbox surface is dynamically colored based on height and shape. As children shape the sand, bright contrasting colors appear in real time, turning the sandbox into a living canvas.

Instead of drawing with pencils or brushes, children create images with their hands, experimenting with relief, lines, and shapes. There are no predefined tasks or correct results — the process itself becomes the core educational value.

Educational Benefits of Artist Mode

Developing Creativity and Imagination

Artist Mode encourages free artistic expression. Children invent patterns, abstract compositions, landscapes, and imaginary worlds. This supports:

• creative thinking

• imagination and self-expression

• confidence in experimenting without fear of mistakes

For early childhood education, this type of open-ended creativity is especially important.

Sensory and Motor Skill Development

Working with sand engages tactile perception and fine motor skills. These sensory experiences directly contribute to:

• hand-eye coordination

• development of neural connections

• preparation for writing and drawing skills

Unlike digital screens, Artist Mode preserves physical interaction with real materials.

Understanding Space, Shape, and Volume

Although Artist Mode is artistic, it naturally introduces children to:

• concepts of height and depth

• spatial relationships

• cause-and-effect thinking

Children see how changing the shape of the sand instantly affects colors and visual structure, forming a foundation for later studies in mathematics and geometry.

Supporting Speech and Communication Skills

Artist Mode often becomes a storytelling tool. Children explain what they created, describe shapes, colors, and ideas, and discuss their work with peers and teachers. This supports:

• speech development

• vocabulary expansion

• social interaction and collaboration

It is also effective in inclusive educational settings.

Artist Mode in Kindergartens

In kindergartens, Artist Mode is most commonly used for:

• creative development activities

• free play with educational value

• individual or small-group sessions

• relaxation and emotional regulation

The mode is intuitive and requires no complex instructions, making it suitable even for younger children.

Using Artist Mode in Schools

In primary schools, Artist Mode can be integrated into:

• art and creative lessons

• extracurricular activities and clubs

• project-based learning

• emotional and sensory breaks during the school day

It complements traditional teaching methods without replacing hands-on creativity.

Why Educators Choose Artist Mode

For teachers and educators, Artist Mode offers:

• easy integration into existing lessons

• flexible use without strict сценарии

• suitability for different ages and abilities

• support for both group and individual work

The teacher’s role shifts from instructor to facilitator, encouraging exploration and discussion.

Conclusion

Artist Mode in iSandBox UTS is more than a visual feature — it is a powerful educational tool that supports creative, sensory, cognitive, and communicative development.

For schools and kindergartens seeking innovative yet pedagogically grounded solutions, Artist Mode provides a meaningful way to combine play, creativity, and learning within one interactive system.

Learn more about iSandBox