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Creativity and Creation: Is Technology Helping or Hindering

Page history last edited by Leslie White 13 years, 9 months ago

Stephanie K.

 

A Classroom Without Walls by Lucinda Rector

This is a powerful Time article that discusses how technology might affect our classrooms.  Just like any scenario there are different possibilities.  This article takes a look at how classrooms will look 30 years from now depending on how our schools embrace technology.  In one scenario, the teacher is sitting idly by while 30 or so students are sitting at computers doing basic drills.  (Not a whole lot of fun if you ask me)  The other scenario shows students engaged in different types of learning, from a simulation on the computer to students working together to collect plant samples to scan into a database.  Both scenarios show technology being used in the classroom, however the learning taking place are vastly different.  I believe the second scenario shows how a teacher who embraces technology can radically affect the learning in his/her classroom.  Although technology provides a lot to students, a teacher can still structure the learning to best help the students.  "Computers in a classroom with no thought given to the curriculum is educational junk food. Kids love it, but there's no nutritional value to speak of." 

 

 

 

RJP - Technology enhances creativity and imagination.

 

Resnick states that “computers will not live up to their potential until we start to think of them less like televisions and more like paintbrushes. That is, we need to start seeing computers not simply as information machines, but also as a new medium for creative design and expression”.  I tend to agree with this statement rather than computers and technology stifle creativity. 

In my own life, I know that the more I learn about the abilities of computers the more creative I have become.  The more I learn how to integrate technology into my teaching the more creative I have become in presenting information for students.  Computers have allowed me to express myself in ways that my artistically disabled self was never able to express myself before. 

 

My grandchildren have developed extremely creative programs on systems such as Scratch.  They have transferred many of the items they have developed to paper and pencil.  Their limitations to what they can do with technology is only limited to their lack of imagination, which seems to only improve with technology.

 

In their article, Shapira and Liberman discuss the effects that technology has on creativity.   They discuss that creativity can be enhanced and has been positively affected by increasing the psychological distance of the person with the problem.  They identify several studies that show that distancing in time – projecting an event into the remote future - and assuming an event to be less likely can enhance creativity.

A study completed at Indiana University showed that students given a problem on transportation with the distant condition generated more numerous and original modes of transportation than participants in the near condition.  They propose that “perhaps the modern environment, with its increased access to people, sights, music, and food from faraway places, helps us become more creative not only by exposing us to a variety of styles and ideas, but also by allowing us to think more abstractly”.

Resnick, M., (2006).  Computer as Paintbrush: Technology, Play, and the Creative Society.  Oxford University Press.  MIT Media Laboratory.  Found @ http://web.media.mit.edu/~mres/papers/playlearn-handout.pdf

 

 

Shapira, O. & Liberman, N.  (July 21, 2009).  An Easy Way to Increase Creativity:  Why thinking about distant things can make us more creative.  Scientific American.  Found @ http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=an-easy-way-to-increase-c

 

RJP (Leslie W.)

 

This was a great post!  It is so true the technology causes us to be more creative.  When we see what can be done using software and various computer programs, one cant help but to think how they could improve or create something brand new.  This is why it is so imperative that we expose our children to as much technology as possible in school.  One important aspect of school it exposing children to different subjects and situations, opening their minds up to the possibilities life has.

 

The article below features students in Los Angeles who have built and designed their own games and programs simply because they were exposed to it.  I believe we hinder our future when we dont incorporate technology in our classrooms. 

http://www.dailybruin.com/articles/2010/4/19/high-school-students-los-angeles-unified-school-di/

 

Here is another cool site that shows kids how easy it is to write a computer program!

 

http://marshallbrain.com/kids-programming.htm

 

 

 

Creativity and Creation: Is Technology Hindering or Helping

 

Personally I do not think that technology hinders creativity and creation but rather enhances it. I have read articles that discuss the problems our digital natives have now in regards to creativity and creation; attributing it to too much time spent with technology and less time spent thinking with their minds. Some of these articles purport that since our digital natives spend too much time with digital tools, they do not exercise any kind of creative thinking from their minds but let computers do this for them. I do not think about this problem as a hindrance. I think our young minds are still creating but the computer enhances and makes it easier for them to arrive at the finished or final product quicker. Follow these links to read about the different views on this issue and make up your mind.

http://musingsfromtheacademy.wordpress.com/2006/03/09/taks-is-it-helping-or-hindering-our-students/

http://thanksyouadvertising.com/?p=100

http://blog.surfacemedia.com.au/insights-in-to-a-creative-mind-are-computers

http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2009/10/5across-how-to-deal-with-technology-overload281.html

 

 

Kelly A.

I support the idea of technology as an outlet for creativity.  The current technology and internet-based tools may be run by computers, but they were not thought of and developed by computers.  It took someone’s brilliant, creative mind to conceptualize and compose the tools we all use today.  As for the argument that technology helps children exercise their creative abilities, I found an article which supports this argument.  Julian Sefton-Green and David Buckingham’s article, Digital Visions: Children’s ‘Creative’ Uses of Multimedia Technologies, uses research to prove that the process of learning how to use technology, access to technology at home, and the use of technology amongst peer groups fosters an environment for exploration and creation among children. 

One must keep in mind that the term “creativity” does not only pertain to works created with tangible materials such as paint or clay.  Creativity can be any artistic expression through any form of media.  Creativity is not solely one’s ability to produce physical art; creativity may also be represented through thoughts and behaviors.  To enhance this point, I have picked out and reflected on the following quotes in the article listed above:

·         “…writing on, or with, or between computers is transforming conventional literacy practices (50).” 

o   The development of available resources and tools that technology offers to students enhance their abilities to be innovative and therefore, creative.

·         “Software transforms knowledge beyond the limits of printed writing.  Word processing leads to the more fundamental activity of thought processing (50).” – Michael Heim

o   Just as students are able to express their voice through a paper and pen, they are able to do so on a computer.  Computer technologies such as Word processors, photostories, computer DJ systems and other software enable students to express themselves through writing in a more natural and comfortable form.

·         Students’ creativity, especially in the higher grades, thrives on learning through technology.  Students are highly interested in using technology (such as graphics, animation, video editing, and music production) for creative purposes (58).

o   Teachers can take this knowledge and incorporate tools on computers into any lesson.  Regardless of the subject matter or curriculum content, many types of technology, especially on the computer, may be incorporated to encourage and showcase students’ creativity.

·         “…computers can in themselves transform young people into creative cultural producers (75).”

o   Teachers need to begin to realize that computers and technology provide many opportunities for students to create work beyond written work.

 

 

Sefton-Green, Julian, and David Buckingham. "Digital Visions: Children's 'Creative' Uses of Multimedia Technologies." Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies 2nd ser. 2 (1996): 47-97. SAGE. Web. 5 Feb. 2010.

 

Melissa S.

Although I can't deny that I rely heavily on technology, I do feel like it has taken something away from me and what drove me to become a teacher.  Even as a little girl, I couldn't wait to have my own classroom with students that would learn from my home-made lesson plans, participate in arts and crafts, be involved in drama, dance, and music, and be starving for books of all kinds.  Instead, they'd rather play indoors-watch a movie, play on the computer, and listen to their personal music device.  It's hard now to balance the old with the new.  I do agree with Alicia's post that technology may help enhance a person's creativity if they are exposed to the right tools and have that "spark."  Here's hoping that both teachers and students find the right balance of technology and creativity so that it never HINDERS only HELPS!        

Creativity and Creation by Amanda T.

When I think of someone that is creative, I think of an ability to make something from what they envisioned or imagined.  Technology really has nothing to do with the process of creativity other than possibly lending an inspiration in the form of a supportive email, pictures, movies or other art forms.  Well, there is always the problem with people spending too much time with technology that might hinder a person from using their imagination to create something.  However, technology can be a help to someone that is creative and wanting to share or sell their creation to other people.   

 

 

 

Alicia Morris

Technology does not develop creativity, because that spark can only come from a human mind, but it is definitely a valuable tool for facilitating and expressing creativity. Technology allows people from every branch of the arts to do things they could only previously imagine. Architects and engineers also use technology in their work, and doctors, teachers, and other professionals use it to collaborate with colleagues, which can inspire creativity.

As to Cathleen’s question about Prensky’s, Should a 4-year-old have an iPhone? my initial reaction was absolutely not, but Prensky’s article made me reconsider. The fact that Prensky removed the phone feature had a lot to do with my change of mind, but his description of how his son uses the phone also changed my perspective; especially that he used it for his taxi business. I think that video games may stifle creativity, but other types of technology may help to enhance it.

 

 

 

 

 

Ali Heasley

I think that technology has the equal ability to both increase and inhibit creativity. This of course varries by who is using it, what they are using, and how they are using technology. Technology definetly allows those who lack creativity or lack the effort to think creativity to easily "borrow" ideas. However, if we arm our students with knowledge we can hopefully avoid this. If we use programs and technologies that capture their interests, than they will enjoy creating and learning and not find such comfort in borrowed ideas.

 

 

Kimberly Simmons

I struggled with this article initially as well.  Then I made a list of all the technology in my home and who used it…I was amazed to say the least! My oldest has already gone through three desktop computers and two laptops. My youngest got her first laptop in elementary school. Our home is filled with I-pods (each family member has at least one), cell phones with internet capabilities, and a Wii. That’s not including the various electronic hand held games we purchased for our girls when they were little.  I felt like a hypocrite when I realized just how significant a role technology has played in my home.  My children truly are digital natives, and I watch them (in amazement) as they use technology to communicate with friends, complete homework, and stay abreast of current events without exerting much effort at all.

            I have to admit I chuckled out-loud after thinking about just how ironic it was that I thought a four year old couldn’t handle an I-Phone when I just purchased an I-pod for my five-year old nephew.   I am now realize just how we are short changing these children when we don't allow them access to tools and software that highlight their strengths and develop their abilities to process and retain new information.

 

Cathleen Caves

 

I wanted to bring up something I found interesting from the earlier Prensky readings.  I chose to read one of his articles entitled Should a 4-year-old have an iPhone?  I thought this would fit well under this heading of technology helping or hindering.  My first reaction was definitely not, but after reading I was left wondering if there were any apps for my 3 month old…  Not really but the article did persuade me to change my mind about a child having such a device.  I am curious what everyone elses opinion on this subject is.  Read the article and weigh in!

 

Prensky, M. (2009, August 24) Should a 4-year-old have an iPhone? Handheld Learning. Retrieved from http://www.handheldlearning.co.uk/content/view/61/

 

Melissa Scotti

Thanks for sharing that article, Cathleen.  I found it especially interesting because my family and I just had a similar conversation about my niece, who is in first grade, if she should have a cell phone or not.  Although, an iPhone definitely carries more potential for learning applications than an average cell phone, I still think its completely innapropriate for a child that young to be carrying around such a device.  First of all, there is no reason that a small child, who should always be supervised by an adult/parent, needs calling features and/or their own phone for applications and such.  Why start the cell-phone attachment (that we ALL have) so early in life?  If they become dependent on it now, while they are still learning self-discipline, they will NEVER be able to function without it.  Speaking as an educator, I find it extremely annoying, discouraging, and worrisome that my students AREN'T able to learn without some kind of interactive/technology-driven/animated activity.  If we don't structure our child's learning now, by turning off some of these TV's, gaming systems, computers, etc., then our kids will never know what quality time is because we'll depend on the "screens" to teach them everything.  And some things just can't be taught through technology alone. 

 

 

Yoonsun Choi

 

 

Lowell Monke(2004) claimed that “In the rush to place a computer on every desk, schools are neglecting intellectual creativity and personal growth” in his article, The Human Touch.

The following lists are the problems of emphasizing technology use in education.

 

 

Ø  The Need for Firsthand Experience: A computer usually promotes the consumption and manipulation of symbolic, abstract information. However, a child’s primary educational need is to make meaning out of experience and this is better achieved through firsthand experience with objects, people, nature, and community.

 

 

Ø  Simulation’s Limits: Computers can simulate experience. However, the problem is these simulations may replace values inherent in real experience with a different set of abstract values based on the technological ideology

 

 

Ø  The Ecological Impact of Technology: We hear more and more about empowerment, student control of learning, standards, assessment tools, and productivity in our conversation at schools instead of those inner concerns–wisdom, truth, character, imagination, creativity, and meaning.

 

 

Ø  Technology with a Human Purpose: Schools are preparing young people to meet the demands of our machines instead of well-developed sense of human purpose to guide its use.

 

 

I do not agree with all his arguments. However, these are some good points we need to reflect on using technology in our instruction. Indeed, we need our own ideology in using technology for our students and need to ponder how this process influences our students learning – “meaning making.”

 

 

Source: Monke, L. (2004). The human touch. Educationnext, 4(4). Retrieved January 29, 2010 from http://educationnext.org/thehumantouch/ 

 

 

Creativity and Creation: Matt F.

Technology is a great tool for the advancement of music education!  There are many applications available to music educators to help enhance the student's learning experience. 

 

An example of this is Finale (a music writing software program).  This company provides a scaled-down version for students to purchase and download for about $10.  Once a student is familiar with the software, they can begin composing songs and exercises to be played.  There are many other music writing software companies out there and almost every music educator that uses one has their favorite (Sibelius is another great program).  In my state, these music writing programs can definitely enhance the teaching of the musical composition standards as the playback features allow the students to self-edit the music as they compose!  

 

A second example of how technology is helping creativity is a software program called Smart Music.  This program allows a user to interface with a computer accompanist and practice almost any piece of music (as long as it has been uploaded into the database)!  The program has become so advanced that it can adjust itself if the user slows down or speeds up the tempo! 

 

Both of these tools can greatly enhance the experience of a music student!

 

Chary B. Sagnip

Tampa, FL

 

Based on what has been posted on the following pages, I feel that commentary, disussion and research should be posted for us to ponder as educators:

 

CreativeCommons

CopyrightLaws

 

What happens to Creativity?

http://www.ted.com/talks/clifford_stoll_on_everything.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

 

Denise Low
Thinking Creatively:  Teaching as Designers of Content, Technology and Pedagogy
This collection of Youtube videos offers a discussion as presented by Mishra and Koehler at the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education in 2008.  The funny and uniquely styled videos offer tons of information in the realm of connecting technology, pedagogy, and content.  Teaching in itself is very complex and the arguement presented here is that technology is the creative solution to the complex teaching situation we have all found ourselves in.  Technology can be a novel, effective, and "whole" way to solve teaching issues creatively and it is up to us to find out what those creative technological solutions are.  :)
This is part 1 of 5.
 

All these articles and commentaries show intellectual benefits of children using the internet.    However, I have to wonder about the social effects of these technologies.  More and more children are not socializing with others around them.  They do not speak to their friends but write text messages or play online videogames.  Children do not communicate with their parents during dinner but instead are focused on their hand held video games.  I am a firm believer that some technologies are beneficial to a child especially as when it comes to learning but we have to be very careful on the way that these new technologies effect are children socially.  All these technologies are too new to show the negative contributions it will or has had on our children.  I wonder about the days when children were dying to finish their homework so they could go outside and ride bike with their neighbors. Where early on you learn to argue communicate and reconcile all in one night, how has not having those ancient long heard of nights effected our children,  that is the question?

Angela M.

 

Creativity and Creation

By: Anna Claudio

 

I believe that technology has the ability to enhance creativity and creation for students. Students can make various creations by designing with technologies. Students can design using computer-aided software, simulation software, develop programming skills with media arts, and design music with composition software. I believe that students can become creative with all of these types of technologies.

 

-         This software allows for creations of models using real world coordinates. Teachers can use it to personalize and design the set up of their classrooms. Students can use it to become creative and design their own room, neighborhood, or dream home. This promotes authentic learning because it allows for students to integrate what they know with their learning.

-         This simulation software allows students to use their imagination to create the city of their dreams. Students can also learn about the structures that make up a city and its importance to the city. Students can be assessed on their ability to identify and justify why they created the city.

-         This simulation allows students to learn about simple machines such as a wheel and axel, pulleys, levers, and inclined planes. Students have to think critically about how much force must be put on each simple machine. They have to become creative to move onto another simulation, but at the same time students are learning about physics.

-         Scratch is a software program that allows children to create their own interactive projects. Teachers can also create games, simulations, and other interactive learning tools that can supplement lessons. Students are able to use this software to create projects based on content being learned in the classroom. Teachers can then assess students based off of creativity, comprehension, and other goals based on classroom content. Meaningful learning is promoted with the use of the Scratch software.

-         Stop motion animation allows students to create various animations to express themselves. This tool can also be used in the classroom as a way to extend content. Teachers can have students use their creativity to elaborate on books read, bring awareness to certain causes, or extend the curriculum outside of the classroom. Stop motion animations can be used for almost any grade or subject.

-         GarageBand is a composition software program where students can express their creativity. They can learn how to create music, record a song, or learn more about musical instruments. Teachers can use this resource as a way to create podcasts or record announcements for the classroom. Students can also create podcasts as a way to integrate technology into the curriculum. Instead of a traditional book report, students can use GarageBand to explain what they learned and comprehended from the story in a creative way.

 

Taylor Arnold

Wow, Anna! Google Sketch Up is a wonderful tool! Thanks for sharing- this would be great to incorporate into a unit on Maps that we have to teach!!  We have ActiveBoards in our classroom, so it would be really great to pull some of these 3D images up on the whiteboard.  There are several images from around the world that you could pull up in order to create an 'out of classroom' experience for students who may never travel to these areas.  The 3D images make it feel as if you are really there!

 

Cassie Bell  

 

     I completely agree that technology helps improve and expand childrens work. I feel that I agreed with several of the quotes placed in the post by Kelly A (at the start of this page) especially the one which discusses students being able to naturally and comfortably express themselves. Students being able to work in such conditions are a key importance. I believe that yes, students these days can become much more lazy than students used to be due to technology (such as computers, video games, etc.) However, students can also be just as active and use such tecnology as well, for the good. It all depends on how they are taught and given freedom to use such devices. Within the classroom, when discussing how students related to the technology they interact with, I believe this statement from "Technology for Teachers," makes a very good point.

 

       " Using the guiding hand of a creative teacher, technology tools can engage active learners in their own learning process- learning becomes a matter of 

         discovery, reflections, and collaboration. "Technology for technology's sake"- the false notion that the purchase of technology tools will automatically result in

         educational change- is naive and even dangerous. Today's teachers must themselves be learners and leaders if technology is to be successfully embraced and

         integrated into instruction (2000)."   

 

     It was mentioned in a previous post that technology does not itself create more "engaged" students. I believe this somewhat but as I previously mentioned I also believe it depends on the type of exposure the students have with the technology. This statement supports my premise in that if students recieve proper exposure they are likely to start their own educational journey of discovery, reflection and collaboration.

 

     Howell, J. H., & Dunnivant, S. W. (2000). Promoting engaged learning . In Technology For Teachers: Mastering New Media and Portfolio Development (p. 1). United States : McGraw Hill Higher

 

Godswill Ulieme 6/9/10

 

Cassie Bell

      

 I was searching through the sites found on this page today, and found some interesting links so I searched through them. I know that the content within this post is not 100% relevant to the topic, but I believe it has a right to be on this page and I had to get my thoughts out!

 

This post was inspired by my reading of the TAKS: Is it Helping or Hindering our Students?, which is a webpage that was linked on the second post of this blog, entitled: Creativity and Creation: Is it Helping or Hindering? (author is not given). I could relate very closely to the content which was presented on this page, which discussed standardized tests and their benefit to today’s students (it revolved around “TAKS” which is Texas’ form of standardized testing which is very similar to Florida’s FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test).

        Being an individual that had to deal with the stresses and pressures forced on students by the FCAT, I have grown to strongly dislike standardized testing. When I started out in elementary school we took the CTBS tests each year before school got out however (though I cannot remember the exact year at the moment) as I moved through elementary school the FCAT was brought into our school and the CTBS was done away with. I was one of the first classes of students at my school who had to pass the FCAT in the fourth grade to be able to move on to the next grade. When I had to take the test it was in its early stages of development and implementation but even so, myself and my classmates all felt the pressure from being required to take this test. As we got older, and eventually got to high school I can remember how much more emphasis was being placed on this test within the curriculum we were exposed to. I can also remember the disappointment of my friends and classmates when they did not make a necessary “passing” score on certain sections of the test, and their disappointment when they found out they would have to retake that section before being able to graduate high school. At the time I disliked the test because I was the one taking it. I still have those same feelings about such tests, but not from the standpoint of a student, instead from the standpoint of a future educator.

        As I have gotten older and researched more into the reasons for the test and such, I can see the purpose of the test and I believe that it was integrated into schools with good intentions. The problem comes when things get out of control and students are not allowed to graduate from high school or move onto the next grade level for not knowing such things as physics and chemistry (items required on the high school “exit exam”). Depending on their future career goals, some of the individuals taking these tests will not need to ever know such content, but it will be vital for ALL students to know such things as “how to budget money, complete financial aid forms, solve problems and think for themselves,” things which I can personally say are NOT included on any standardized tests I have ever taken. Take myself for instance, I have received my BA in Education and am working on my Masters currently, and though I know it does depend on what field one chooses to go into, I have never had to take either a Physics or Chemistry course in all of my almost 18 years of school. It is mentioned in the TAKS article that these standardized tests which we as a state are currently relying on do not ensure any of the following; critical thinking, questioning and thinking for themselves, working effectively in collaborative groups, critical listening skills, articulation of thoughts, management of information, or validation of sources. These previously mentioned skills, I personally believe, will take individuals much farther than knowing a few facts about Physics or Chemistry.

But enough of my complaining, I know that at this point even though it is very clear to me that I am not the only one who feels this way about standardized tests, students and teachers even parents alike, I cannot personally do anything to change the situation single handedly. So, after reading this article I started thinking, is there a way to incorporate technology into the curriculum which would help students to learn the necessary content but at the same time enjoy the curriculum and actually take something useful away from the lessons? I was my goal to try and turn the testing situation into a positive one, and search for resources which support the use of technology in curriculum which would possibly help improve these tests scores.

        After reading through this webpage, Critical Issue: Using Technology to Improve Student Achievement I learned that the NCLB has set a literacy requirement for ALL eighth grade students (something I was unaware of because my focus is in at the elementary level). Though I was happy to hear this, I also found a “problem” with this at the same time. (What if the school has limited to no technology available to the students, what if there is no time for the students to access the technology while at school . . etc. (that is an argument for another time though). On a more positive note I am pleased to know that there are requirements set now for students so that educators can assure their students are competent in today’s technology. But I have two thoughts about this . . As I had originally hoped to research, how can and why isn’t technology (be) incorporated into preparation for such standardized tests as the FCAT?? Secondly, I believe that the eighth grade is too late to begin requiring technology standards be integrated into curriculum. With the rocket speed at which children these days are learning and experimenting with various technologies I believe that they should be exposed to such standards in at least the fifth grade, maybe even the fourth!

        After I continued my search stemming from my original idea, how to effectively incorporate technology into FCAT (or standardized test) preparation, I was able to locate this webpage, Library Technology Raises Test Scores, Too! This article explains a hypothesis and detailed study whose results indicate that students who have the skills to “seek, find, and use information” which is available to them on the schools research databases have higher scores than those students which aren’t granted this opportunity. This webpage, Technology’s Impact on Learning provides several examples of research done which has proven an increase in standardized test scores due to students use of technology within their curriculum. A study first administered in 1986 by Apple Computer Inc., The results showed a vast improvements in student achievement on standardized tests, in their overall engagement in the curriculum as well as the level of responsibility taken by each individual. I recommend that you take the time to browse through this webpage, I learned a lot as I was reading through it.  

        Through researching a few sites to help me create this post, I was able to learn a lot of new information regarding the use of technology to help improve standardized test scores. However my initial intention was to find specific activities which aided in improving student scores. So I took one final shot and went to YouTube to see if I could find any video resources which might provide me with further insight on my initial wondering. The first video I found, posted in 2007 discussed an improvement in student scores on standardized tests after the teachers switched the calculators being used on standardized test from Texas Instrument (TI) to Casio calculators.  Such a minor detail (as it seems to me) wouldn’t really make much of a difference, I mean come on its just a calculator! But then I realize that I am “showing my age” more so, and to me it might not seem trivial but after listening to these educators state their point and provide support as to why and how necessary it was to make the switch, I realize that even the smallest addition of technology can make such a huge difference!

 

 

Taylor T.

 

I agree with the statement that technology can promote and hinder creativity, it all depends on how you use it.  I agree with Amanda T. that the internet can be a resource to aide in creativity, it can be a tool, but it is not the source of creativity. While researching this subject of creativity in the classroom with the internet, I came upon a useful site that has some really good ideas for inspiring higher order thinking in the classrom. Technology, just like everything else, can be used wisely or used lazily, so if you can apply some of the techniques and strategies listed in this article, you can enhance your lessons. Sorry it doesn't focus on technology, but you can apply it to it!

 

http://www.helium.com/items/728501-tips-for-encouraging-creativity-in-the-classroom

 

I also think there is something to be said for using a pen and paper in writing. I had a class this year where the teacher made me hand write assignments, and I realized I never hand write anything! There was something more personal about writing papers with a pen and paper instead of typing it. While I understand how much easier it is to type and definately much more efficient, when I was hand writing it felt more personal and more creative. I think I felt more connected to my writing, and it encouraged me to write more.

 

 

Debbie H.

How creative are our students allowed to be without the use of technology? How creative were you allowed to be in school before the integration of technology in the classroom? When examining the question of whether technology hinders or enhances creativity, I think we need to ask ourselves how creative were we allowed to be before technology? 

 

“Here’s a paper map of the United States and today you get to choose which color of crayon Florida will be!”  Or, “We’re going to plant a bean seed and watch it grow while we feed it either blue food coloring or salt water.”  And, “No, you can’t write a story together, I need to see only what you can write by yourself.”

 

Creativity is relative to the student. Teachers who don’t understand there are numerous ways to express creativity will hinder a student, no matter what the media. In his article about creativity for the classroom, John Dimatos talks about the influence of sustainability on collaborative projects. Suddenly the recycling project at your school is coordinated with neighboring schools and a competition to see who collects the most plastic bottles ensues. Someone has to imagine and create that project to be an effort beyond the school walls (Dimatos, 2010).

 

Dimatos also talks about transparency. Creativity is now open to review and responses from peers like never before from planning, to collaboration and reporting of events.  A paradigm shift has taken place where anyone can join the ranks of reporters, writers, actors, artists, photographers, videographers, community planners, event coordinators, etc., whether we ask them to or not. Even children. And it’s not that creativity didn’t happen before technology, of course it did, just before, you and I were not likely to know about it.

 

In Discovery Education’s survival article for new teachers they encourage teachers to be creative with the use of technology in the classroom but caution,  “When it comes to integrating technology in the classroom, it's all about balance, about keeping the best programs and best practices in sync. It's not about pencils vs. PCs, it's about figuring out the best use for both.” I like that thought. There are times when “traditional” forms of creativity for the classroom are the best, like say, planting a garden outside the classroom door. But then, why not design the garden on the computer, upload pictures of the progress to share with others, and start a blog for young gardeners?

“Technology integration is about mindset, not just machinery” and so is allowing students to be creative in the classroom and beyond.

 

Dimatos, John. (2010, April 22) John Dimatos On Networked Objects, Creative Technology and Social Good. Retrieved from http://www.psfk.com/2010/04/john-dimatos-on-networked-objects-creative-technology-and-social-good.html

 

 

New Teacher Survival Central.  Discovery Edcuation. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=garening+for+students+online+photos&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

 

 

Teaching? Learning?There's an "App" for That! (Leslie W.)

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech254.shtml

 

This is so awesome! I think it is very important that we as educators begin to utilize what is available to us. 

 

With advances in technology, more educators are seeking to utilize various programs in the classrooms. Starting as early as elementary school, every child has a celluar phone.  Not just your average cell phone either, Blackberries, Palms and Ipods rule the day for the average kid these days. A teacher in Ohio decided to use this new fad to her advantage.  She has implemented the use of IPhone/Ipod Touch applications (commonly know as "apps") to teach her content.   Her experience has been a great one; students dont even want to leave when the bell rings.  Apple's technology allows her to collect pre assesment data from her students before going on to the next unit.  Allowing for better planning.  Grants allow her to have a classroom set of iPods, one for every child.

 

Personally I love cell phones! They are like toys for adults and teenagers.  I think it is a great way to allow kids to use something they like in the classroom.  When you are enjoying an activity, you are more likely to remember that event.  Therefore the content of the lesson is more likely to be taken in and students will most likely perform better on assessments. How amazing is that this teacher can easily collect her pre assessment with a tap on a touchscreen.  Data that can be easily transferred to a computer and analyzed effciently and effectively.  This saves the instructor time and allows him or her to spend more time planning a lecture that will specifically cater to the student's needs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments (2)

lsnider@ufl.edu said

at 2:45 am on Jun 9, 2010

Technology was created. It has been useful in creating this wiki, for instance. Is this creation helping or hindering? Helping educators who want to learn more about integrating technology, of course! The answer to the question is determined by another question: what is it that's being created? In some instances, technology is hindering students. When technology (such as the wii) takes away from students' study time, yes, it's hindering. When students would rather text friends in class, yes, it's hindering education. However, technology's beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. If one can wield the sword of tech effectively enough to make a lesson enchanted and the students spellbound, why, then, the answer is YES, technology is helping! Teachers using technology for good will say yes. At the same time, technology created which hinders learning and education is not going to be accepted by educators. Technology is a means to an ends, which can be embraced so that students and teachers can get what they want: creativity in learning, hi-tech style! That's why I'm in this class, to create a beautiful learning environment, whatever that may be!

Neige Snider, June 9, 2010

Taylor Arnold said

at 7:55 pm on Jun 9, 2010

Neige Snider- I could not agree with you more. I truly believe that it is all in the way that it is used. I, too, decided to enroll in an advanced degree program so that I can learn the best, most meaningful ways to integrate tech into my curriculum. As elementary teachers, we are encouraged not to create 'examples' for students to see when doing a project. It may hinder their creativity. I can see that viewpoint, but just like teaching with tech- it is all in how the material is presented. If a teacher simply says, I want you to create something like this____ and shows the example and has the students get to work, then yes, you are hindering their creativity and chance to soar. If a teacher elaborates on the project, energizes the students, brainstorms more ideas with them, etc... the students will really take off with even better ideas. With technology, it is the teacher's role to do the research to figure out the best means of incorporating the tech in such a way that will allow students to really discover new and meaningful learning opportunities. I feel that webquests sometimes hinder a student's creativity- it is a fancier way of doing a worksheet where you have to find answers in a text. You are just finding answers by clicking on links. (I am guilty of this at times.) However, some webquests can really lead students to new, online experiences that really excite them and result in "Look what I found, Miss Arnold!!" moments.

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