When students are able to use their creativity in the classroom they are better able to express their understanding of a topic. On the surface, creative endeavors can look simplistic and juvenile but they often are means to creating deeper meaning for our students. As students become more engaged in the process and the outcome they better understand the content that they are delivering.
Digital media and technology expand the limits of creativity for our students. Using digital media students can make movies, podcasts, presentations, songs, cartoons, games, and many other projects. Technology also has several other advantages. Students tend to be engaged more engaged in technology projects. It expands the classroom beyond the walls of the school and the school day beyond the hours that school is held. Technology also offers teachers the flexibility to differentiate and scaffold learning very easily.
When it comes to using digital media and technology to support creativity, both teachers and students need TIME. For teachers they need time to explore and learn about the technologies that are going to keep their students engaged. They also need time to create lessons and design projects that meet standards. Students also need time. Time to learn and explore a new technology. Time to create and reflect on their work. The use of creativity using technology calls for Professional Development for teachers and a shift in ideology from that of teaching the breadth of a topic to one of teaching depth.