Creativity is Being let Off its Leash!

Creativity is such a vital skill that children should have the opportunity to cultivate. It is a skill that will be useful in any field or work environment. It allows for children to learn and discover their abilities such a more personal level. With the ever increasing use or technology the opportunities to be creative are expanding. Creativity has been let off its leash thanks to technology and now we can run along beside it in any direction we choose.

Being creative doesn't necessarily mean coming up with fantastical drawings or ingenious ways of solving a math problem. It should be used as a way to express thoughts, feelings and knowledge in a more full and comprehensive manner. With technology there are more ways than ever to allow students to express themselves in creative ways. Traditionally, there would be students who thrived at art, music, language, and so on while those who did not were considered average, with little creativity to their name. However, technology can allow for those 'average' non-creative students to find their own venue for creativity.

I believe that when used in the right ways, technology is the perfect tool for encouraging and allowing creative behaviour to take shape. Finding that activity which a student likes and is excited to engage in provides them the opportunity to become successful in school activities and reach out unlike before.

As opposed to traditional teaching methods which seem to rely more on comprehension through mental perceptions (ie reading, writing, etc.) technology provides a more creative method for students who are more hands-on, visual learners. It is easier for students to grasp the concept of a lesson when they can see it physically take shape in front of their eyes. Students should not be restricted to traditional methods because not every child learns in the same way, nor do they express themselves in the same ways as their peers.

For example, as a writing activity students could design their own stories on a computer and watch them come to live with the help of music, voice recording and images. Or when teaching music lessons, using a SMART Board program that allows students to place notes on a staff and then listening to the composition will enhance their ability to comprehend.

 

The opportunities are endless in the ways the technology can set creativity free!

(images imported from Google Images)

Modeling Creativity in the Classroom

The following post is in reference to these two documents:
http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/nets-t-standards.pdf?sfvrsn=2
http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/netsessentialconditions.pdf?sfvrsn=2

After reading the above documents provided by ISTE, I am pleased with the amount that creativity is valued in their standards. Sometimes I feel that with all the technology that is available to kids today (ie. video games, movie players, iPods, notebooks, etc.) their sense of creativity and imagination is vanishing. It appears that they have a harder time being creative and engaging in activities that do not involve electronics (yes, I realize this is a generalization, however for some kids it's not that far of a stretch). With the ease of technology today grand adventures, enchanting stories, and mystifying endeavours are at one's disposal with the click of a few buttons. Entertainment is no longer sought through the creativity of one's mind because it has already been developed and made available by someone else's.

I don't mean to sound like I am bashing technology or that kids today have no imagination, I just want to make the point clear that it is important to be aware of how we let it effect us. I would hate to see the creativity that is so predominant in childhood become nothing more than a thing of the past which we read about on our tablets and notebooks. Technology can be used for so many good things! And like it was noted in the above documents, it can be use to spur creativity in learning. Through teaching students how to use technology appropriately and responsibly, and that it holds a world of possibilities for them teachers are opening doors where the imagination has room to flourish and discover. Creativity is important for moving forward in developing knowledge and creating meaning.

Another point which I would like to highlight is the concept that teachers are to be models in their classrooms and school community. I fully agree with this. It is amazing what children pick up by watching others perform a task or exhibit a behaviour. When a teacher models positive and constructive behaviour towards something their students will be more likely to cheerfully engage in it. Along with this, I believe it is important for teachers to be knowledgeable in how to implement technology in their classroom. The more they know about the various methods, programs, and devices to use the better communicators of knowledge they will be for their students. This does not necessarily mean that all teachers have to be tech wiz's, but they should model that they are willing to learn and try new avenues. This teacher model will more likely result in students also being more willing to learn and experiment with new technologies.

Why am I learning about Digital Technology anyway?!

Hello readers and fellow bloggers,

I am Bethany Guthrie, an education student at Redeemer University College. In the field of education I am interested in becoming a special education teacher. From personal experiences I have found that I really love working with children with unique abilities to help them realize and reach their full potential! I have also noticed that children who have difficulty focusing and learning with the conventional methods of book and pencils often excel at expressing their skills and knowledge through other means such as technology.

My reason for taking this course is to come to a better understanding of how technology can be useful in classroom settings. I hope to become more confident with the different uses of technology so that I will be able to use it appropriately and most effectively in a classroom. I know there is soooo much technology out there today and I cannot even pretend that we will cover it all in this class. However at least by beginning with the basics and gaining a bit more advanced knowledge about the use of digital technology in the classroom I will be more comfortable with implementing it and seeking means to learn more about it.

Personally I am not all that efficient or knowledgeable when it comes to technology. I am willing to learn about its benefits and how to use it. I am not a fan of students having Ipods and phones in the classroom because they can be BIG distractions. I am not saying that I am against technology in the classroom but I do believe that it needs to be used appropriately and responsibly to have successful results. I know there are benefits for many students by having the opportunity to use technology. It can have them engage with their work on a whole new and exciting level. The a primary role of education is to prepare children for the world outside of schools, and since this world has become so technologically oriented it is import to prepare students for that world. My only concern about implementing technology in the classroom is the balance of digital technology and non-technology uses. It should be an integration not a supplementation.

The following link is for a small article which examines the views of some middle grade teachers and their changed views towards digital technology in the classroom. I found it very relatable in the fact that I know digi. tech. can be useful but I am unsure of how.

Enjoy!

http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Resources/Journals/VM/0194-may2012/VM0194Risks.pdf