INNISFAIL - Technology was a key part of the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre's Family Literacy Festival.
That technology included a live, one-hour, video teleconference from Japan during the festival on Jan. 27. Participants learned how to draw Japanese manga and anime characters.
"Our presenter gave them an introduction into what anime was and talked about some of her work," said Carol Lee Lowe, facilitator of the teleconference. "(Participants) can see her and they can talk with her throughout the presentation.
It was the first time the Innisfail centre teamed up to present a live teleconference from Japan, noted Lowe. Every participant, both young and old, enjoyed the experience and learning opportunity.
"A lot of the youth are into it (and) we've got some adults trying their hand at drawing anime as well," said Lowe, noting what participants learned during the live session.
"They're learning about characters, how to (draw) dimensions of their face. She's talking about emotions and what your eyes look like when you're expressing different emotions," she added, noting the emotion that manga artistry displays through its characters.
"(Our presenter) is going to move into some other types of drawing for other characters, but wanted to give them an overall view of manga artistry."
About 25 people filled the room for the live Jan. 27 teleconference.
"We are very excited with how many people have shown up. It's the first time we've done something like this in Innisfail," said Lowe. "It gives the kids something different and a lot of new people are trying out this experience."
Technology plays an important role today, she added.
"Computer literacy is a huge part of Family Literacy Day," said Lowe. "We want to celebrate the ability to read, write and computer technology literacy."
Lowe said the teleconference was a great success.
"I think it's fantastic. It opens up the doors for a lot more opportunities to bring to the community of Innisfail," said Lowe. "It's very exciting."
Carol Lee Lowe, facilitator of the teleconference
"We are very excited with how many people have shown up. It's the first time we've done something like this in Innisfail. It gives the kids something different and a lot of new people are trying out this experience."
