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.