Journal 6 Fostering Creativitiy and Innovation through Technology

Vaidyanathan, S. (2012). Fostering creativity and innovation through technology. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(6), 25-27. 
http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/DigitalEditionMarch-April2012.aspx
Summary:  The author explores states that children needs to be well educated in order to lead productive and successful lives in their future.  Society is driven so much by technology and computers yet students who are successful in technology and love technology often lack creativity.  The right-brained children often become the artists and have the creative side within them.  The author proposes the idea of teaching left-brained children science, engineering, technology, and mathematics while incorporating the creativity of right-brained.  She even researches specific ways to attempt to clash the two thoughts; it is call digital design.  This program teaches creativity and innovation through the use of technology.  The author worked with students from fourth to sixth grade to teach them using digital design.  After working with the children, they were less fearful of making mistakes because the children realize it is easy to make changes on a computer.  The students also become very excited about the idea of being on computers and being able to create their own projects. 


Reflection:  I feel this is a great way to combine the strengths of left-brained and right-brained children.  I also can see how this program also challenges the kids to want to perform better and be creative.  They also have the opportunity to share and learn from one another, which is a powerful teaching strategy. 


Question 1:  How reasonable is a program like this when schools are so focused on tests scores?  I know at my school, we focus and prepare the students months in advance to prepare for the California State Tests.  If we utilize a program like the one highlighted in the article, we are taking valuable time away from what all the kids are testing on; reading, writing, and mathematics.  


Question 2:  How realistic is a program like this?  Where do the funds come from when schools are so financially tight?  Who will teach such a program? What kind of certification would one need to teach such a subject?  I feel this is a program that would need to come from the top down as a state-wide initiative.  I feel our schools are constantly under a microscope for 'falling behind' other countries and by creating a 'new subject' or 'area of learning,' we are jeopardizing falling farther behind.