Weaving Creative Learning with Technology
Two innovative aspects of education are increasingly becoming hot-topics of discussion: creative-learning and substitutional technology. Whether we like it or not, technology is becoming a larger and larger part of our lives and this includes in the classroom. The overarching issue that recent studies have identified is that schools face the challenge of weaving student creativity and technology. This blog presents a simplified run-down on what the studies have found as well as the obstacles and possible solutions to this problem.
Technology access is actually quite widespread in schools across the country. In fact, a study done in 2015 by the National Center for Education Statistics reports that 80 percent of 8th-graders use a computer for schoolwork during the weekday. Comparisons with older studies suggest that this technology will continue to occupy an ever increasing role in the education of our students.
A recent study by Gallup found that 77 percent of parents and 87 percent of teachers agree that teaching approaches that inspire creativity will have a more positive impact on students in the long run. As previously mentioned studies have shown, technology is becoming more prevalent in classrooms. The issue seems to be that traditional lesson plans that often do little to encourage student creativity haven’t fully made use of the available technology which offers promising new ways of learning.
Gallup launched an extensive nation-wide study that investigated the nature of creative learning in classrooms and its relationship with available technology. The most significant finding was that learning paired with transformative technology use significantly increases positive outcomes for students. What exactly is transformative technology? It’s essentially any form of tech that opens new possibilities for teachers to deliver information to students. Furthermore, classrooms where students are paired with a computer for some lessons opens the possibility of individualized learning that frees up teachers’ time to focus on students that need more attention. And, as this study suggests, if these tech lessons can offer some aspect of student-led curiosity and initiative then students tend to have better outcomes in school.
Despite these findings, many schools are still found guilty of focusing on repetition and rote learning. "It doesn’t make sense to operate from a point of rote memorization," added Don Haddad, superintendent of St. Vrain Valley School District. "Our children will have to be agile, and they will have to adapt to an environment that is going to rapidly change.” However, part of the problem may be in finding ways to define and assess "creativity." While meshing creativity with transformative technology use can look different in every school, one common thread is that teachers who were given supportive and collaborative cultures, teacher training and autonomy to try new things were more likely to embrace creativity in learning versus those who didn't.
Simple ways to promote creativity include altering structured student schedules to include blocks for less traditional learning experiences and designating parts of the school building as creative outlet areas. Districts can also partner with businesses and organizations to incorporate real-world applications in the curriculum. These innovative techniques in education can be very difficult for teachers to implement on their own. Large changes as described above require a strong system of leadership in schools to provide teachers with guidance, direction, and help.