Do schools kill creativity? Well they certainly don't value and nurture creative endeavors as they should. This is large in part due to the NCLB legislation and the current emphasis on standardized testing. I can sum it up by saying in eleven or twelve years when my current 5th graders graduate college, will their future employer ask to see their PSSA results? OR will the employer look at the total body of academic work (the whole student)? Will they look at the ability of the individual to work collaboratively with tolerance and leadership, think independently, act ethically, and create new paths to problem solving? The path to the new workplace begins with creativity, collaborative working relationships and seeing the value in one's personal point of view as well as the points of view of others.
This mindset begins and grows with exposure and opportunities in the ARTS and opportunities to be creative in ALL disciplines. Sir Ken Robinson states in his TED talk that we (the current education system) are educating children out of their creativity. We do not currently have a system that encourages an environment where it is safe and productive to make mistakes and fail. The focus on standardized tests is showing students that there is ultimately only one right way to do anything. Gardner states, "the mind of a five year old represents, in one sense, the height of creative powers" (p.84). I think this statement is meant to reflect the fact that a five year old sees no wrong in failure, only an opportunity to try something again and apply what was learned the first time around. Is that not the true definition of creativity?
Digital media represents a way to bring the creative aspect of the arts to the everyday assignment or project. It often taps into a visual from of organization that is intuitive and based upon personal logic and design. The tools of the Web 2.0 environment make it easy to design and present visually appealing performances of knowledge. These tools are increasingly user friendly and based on a social platform that encourages thoughtful and creative feedback. Not critical in the classic sense, but informative opinions designed to enhance the personal outcome.
Additionally, Digital media excites and motivates the current students in education. It is natural to them. A form of creative expression just as important as conversation and written narrative. Many students thrive on the social aspect of technology. They are extremely savvy at incorporating critical ideas and assimilating the successful attempts of others into their own learning. Why not utilize this interest and harness the educationally productive outcomes technology can yield?
Will digital media increase creativity? Gardner states, "Only through the honing of discipline would genuinely creative options ultimately emerge" (p. 85). Technology and digital media are but a tool through which teachers can further engage students in the creative performance of understanding in a discipline. I think the use of digital media will appeal to students in that it is motivational, natural and opens up many different modes of creatively demonstrating understanding. It is also social and critically rewarding through the collaboration and revision of ideas. This social interaction activates self-critical evaluation and breeds a safe environment in which to try, revise and ultimately succeed.
Resource:
Gardner, H. (2008). Five minds for the future. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press
Robinson, K. (2006, February). Do schools kill creativity? Retrieved August 3, 2008 from TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design)
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html
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