Students and Content Creation

Being that I am currently on sabbatical this year, I reached out to a few former students who are now in High School. We discussed the role that creativity plays in the classroom. We also discussed what type of digital media and technology that they find integral in supporting creative opportunities to demonstrate understanding.

I was not surprised to learn that the classes students find most engaging are the ones that provide the greatest variety of assessment choices. Choices that include the use of all types of technology and digital media to display and demonstrate content knowledge. The students I spoke with also said that many teachers are trying to infuse the normal lecture-note taking structure with more digital media. Students see digital media as the way the world communicates, publishes new work, shares images and video and searches for information. It is a system that is natural to students and they are not afraid to experiment with new technologies.

Students see creativity as something that rarely occurs in the regular classroom setting. They cite the fact that standardized tests, college prep and regimented curriculum leave little room for creativity. I asked, "Then where and when do get a chance to let your creative mind loose?" "We are told that we can be creative with certain assignments but often the rubrics are so specific that true creativity is difficult." Students said that the Arts and certain academic classes allow for and promote the most creative responses to their classwork.

I asked how teachers could create more creative opportunities in the regular education/academic classrooms? Students responses focused on a variety of CHOICES. I interpreted this response as meaning a differentiated approach to assignments that gives the student the choice of how they demonstrate understanding. Students mused that the use of technology would be a great option to some traditional projects and they are seeing more teachers who are encouraging these avenues.

As for technology use in the classroom, students told me that they are more engaged with classes that utilize web-based technology. Technology that allows students to engage in their own learning. Students feel that creativity is tied directly to the variety of choices they have in completing their assignments and researching answers to questions that are discussed in class. The greater the variety of digital media they can utilize to create and author new content, the more in control of the learning they seem to feel.

I have to agree with many of their points. As an artist, every time I execute an idea I have an endless variety of media to choose from to express my thoughts. This is a POWERFUL feeling. To know that I am in control of the way I choose to express my views and ideas is what true creativity is all about. The students I spoke with value the opportunity to have choices and engage in their own learning via technology that makes sense. Students are hoping to see more teachers embracing digital media as a way to research and supplement learning, as a way to complete assignments and projects and as a way to communicate and collaborate with peers.