Journal 6: Foster in Creativity and Innovation Through Technology

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(2012). foster in creativity and innovation through technology. Learning and Leading, 24-27. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/February-2012.aspx

I think its great that this school and this class are encouraging creativity.  With funding low, art and music classes are no longer offered and fostering creativity had been pushed aside for STEM classes.  Its great that not only are students able to express themselves artistically, but they are also able to gain experience using technology for a different purpose than surfing the Internet.  Its also great practice in making connections with STEM class material.  One of the students was quoted saying, “we learned that in math”.  Making those connections deepen understanding and encourage students. 

My first question is how could I teach my students to use technology like the author and promote creativity while also teaching STEM requirements?  My solution would be to model professor Heil’s model of teaching where students complete STEM assignments by using technology creatively. As an example, a student wouldn’t be expected to write a paper about the history of Native Americans in California, instead they would be expected to create a computer model showing how they natives lived, where they lived, what they ate, and simulate how they were treated after Spanish conquest.  This would allow students to not only know the material but also create an innovative way of explaining what happened.

My second question is for teachers who are not technologically savvy could they still use this method in their classroom?  My answer has two parts.  The first being teachers need to be trained.  No teacher should be lacking skills in technology and if they are there need to be seminars, classes, and trainings.  Second, if there was a teacher who lacked in the creativity and technology field I still think they could and should hold classrooms in this way.  They would not be a good source for support or ideas however, which is why training and seminars are a good idea for teachers behind technology.