Creativity Tools

For students to be successful in the 21st century classroom, there needs to be an integration between the pedagogical, instructional model and technology.  Many students today are well versed in technology and use technology on a daily basis, from playing video games to socializing on social media sites to researching materials to gain more knowledge about a certain subject.  As teachers, we must take advantage of this interest and ability of students and effectively integrate technology in the classroom with our instructional materials. 

What is TPACK?
The Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) is a "framework that identifies the knowledge teachers need to teach effectively with technology" (Koehler, 2011).  At the center if the TPACK framework is the complex interplay of three essential forms of knowledge: Content (CK), Pedagogy (PK), and Technology (TK).  Beyond this, TPACK emphasizes new types of knowledge that "lie at the intersections between them, representing four more knowledge bases teachers applicable to teaching with technology: Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK), Technological Content Knowledge (TCK), Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK), and the intersection of all three circles, Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK)" (Koehler, 2011).  To have an effective technology integration for pedagogy encompassing the specific subject matter, it is required that there is a development of sensitivity to the "dynamic, transactional relationship between these components of knowledge situated in unique contexts" (Koehler, 2011).    

Enhancing a Student's Creativity
For the purpose of this blog, I reviewed the article How can technology enhance student creativityby Saomya Saxena.  I specifically appreciated her comment: "Technology will not live up to its potential until we start to think of it less like televisions and more like paintbrushes.  That is, we need to start seeing computer screens not simply as information machines, but also as a new medium for creative design and expression.  The more we learn about the abilities of technology, the more creative we become" (Saxena, 2013).

There are a seemingly unlimited number of tools available at a teachers disposal that can bring technology to the classroom. What is important, however, is to ensure that this technology integrates with the curricular and instructional requirements and expectations in the classroom. The following are tools that Saxena (2013) recognized which use technology that students may enjoy and may enhance their creativity:

• Blogs for creative thinking
• Cartoon and Comic Strip Tools
• Mind-Mapping and Brainstorming Tools
• Infographics
• Video and Audio Tools
• Digital Storytelling Tools
• Games

Although I have discussed blogs in previous blog posts, I am drawn back to the benefits and capabilities of blogs for the purpose of this post.  Saxema (2013) explained the benefit of blogs:

Blogs are a great way for the development of creative thinking and writing in students.  It provides feeedom to students to post whatever they want and comment upon or share each other's material.  They can openly write on topics that intrigue them and give vent to their ideas without having to worry about grading or grammatical errors.  Students can volunteer to organize and manage a common class blog, which will act as a common source of expression for the entire class.  Blogging makes students feel responsible for their own learning and they are encouraged to incorporate creativity in their learning through them, which they could not do before.  Few free blogging platforms for teachers and students are; Edublogs, Blogger, WordPress, and many more. (Saena, 2013).

I have had this blog for a few years now as I have pursued my doctorate degree.  However, I never fully recognized the capabilities of a blog until now.  For example, I did not realize that I could post a picture and align it with the text as I did above with the TPACK model.  Further, I was unaware that I could make a block quote with the simple push of a button (I had been using five spaces to move the paragraph over into what appeared to be an APA acceptable "block" quote). 

Blogger was my immediate choice when I started this blog.  I do not recall immediately why I chose this site over others, but I have appreciated it's simplicity and ease of use.  I also explored WordPress and was impressed with it's capabilities and ability to be more creative with designs.  In fact, I may transition to WordPress in the future if I decide to maintain a constant blog for my colleagues to share ideas and knowledge.

Students have an opportunity to use blogs to express their thoughts, ideas, and creativity.  This could be similar to a discussion board at a university for online students.  Since most public schools do not utilize discussion boards for their students, blogging could be the next best option for opening up dialogue and sharing ideas.  Students could submit written assignments through a blog and be afforded more creativity through adding pictures and other visual products that may not be as easy or acceptable in Microsoft Word.  Further, the ease of access to a blog will allow other students and teachers the opportunity to view and share ideas and comments on the student's blog.  This also aligns with the TPACK model explained above, as a blog must show the technological knowledge (TK), pedagogical knowledge (PK), and content knowledge (CK). 

I know that I have shown a particular fondness over something that for today may seem very minuscule or even outdated.  However, I am thinking constantly as I explore different blogs the possibilities I have with each and how I can share my ideas and knowledge with my colleagues.  Most likely I will never again be back in the classroom with elementary or secondary students, so I also have to consider how this will benefit me as an administrative professional in the district apart from curriculum.  I consider my colleagues across the state as a close working family, and a blog will allow us to share ideas, knowledge, and thoughts in our field. 

Bottom line is this.  I was hesitant when I saw "blog" because I think about those who I know who use blogs as daily journal to tell the world that their scrambled eggs were delicious for breakfast.  A blog is so much more than bragging or complaining about random topics.  A blog is a place where ideas are shared, knowledge is spread, creativity is explored, and thoughts are provoked.  Plus, a blog is simple, free, and easy to manage.  This tool is something that students, teachers, administrators, and professionals alike should explore and use to enhance their creativity and knowledge.   

Kayne M. Smith

References

Koehler, M. J. (2011).  What is TPACK?  Retrieved from http://www.tpack.org/

Saxema, S. (2013).  How can technology enhance student creativity?  Retrived from http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/750-how-can-technology-enhance-student-creativity