Journal #9: Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun!)

Mader, J., & Smith, B. (2009). Science + technology = creativity (and fun!).

Learning & Leading with Technology, Retrieved 8 10, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfmSection=August_No_1_2&

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Smith and Mader describe a process that will help students become comfortable using technology in the classroom and that will also likely encourage creativity in their use of technology. The first step in the process that they describe is to give the students the tools that they need and provide them with specific experiences with these tools. For example, give them an assignment dealing with videotaping, uploading, and recording data into a spreadsheet. While they are reaching the objective of the lesson, they are also becoming comfortable with the technology. Once the students are given the tools, they should then be given time. With time, students can more adequately explore the technological tools that they have been given and use them creatively to complete their assignments. Lastly, Smith and Mader suggest that teachers remain vague when it comes to the end-results of assignments, such as the format in which the students are to present their findings. This will foster students' creativity and innovativeness.

Can this idea be as easily applied to elementary aged students as high school aged students?

This process can probably be applied a bit more easily to high school students as they are more likely to use various forms of technology, such as video and tape recording equipment and so on. However, if younger students have the opportunity to be exposed to these forms of technology and are given the choice to work with them, they could learn how to independently use them and apply them to their work as well. Younger students could also use more simple versions of technology such as cameras rather than video cameras.

If schools or school districts cannot afford the technology to put a plan or process like this into action, especially for the whole school, how could a teacher continue to try and implement it?

If the school failed to provide the necessary technological tools, I believe that an individual teacher would still have several options available to him or her in attaining the equipment. The least desirable option would be for the teacher to buy all of the equipment themselves. If the teacher could not do that they could apply for a grant that would allow them the funds to purchase the equipment. Additionally, the teacher could go out and look for donations or see if any of the students' parents would be willing or able to bring tools in for the class to use, either with or without their supervision.