The article 'Computer as Paintbrush: Technology, Play, and
the Creative Society' by Mitchel Resnick from the MIT Laboratory draws some
innovative ways of thinking about computers and how IT can be used in the
education landscape. There is a strong argument for engaging and evoking
creativity within children and one expressing themselves, not with the
traditional brush but technology or computers as the medium.
The mention of new technologies such as the 'Crickets', and
no they are not the irritating insects that keep you from sleep on a summer
night. They are small programmable devices that control motors, receive data
from sensors and enable primary aged children to explore their creativity
through the use of robotics (that can also be at university level).
Another element that can be drawn upon from the article is
the term "Edutainment". This is the concept that programs are
designed to integrate play and learning; which we can all agree that learning
is more enjoyable when you are engaged. However these and other technologies
are good in theory but without the right guidance the playful learning and
creative inspiration is lost.
Alas, educated officials that are mentioned in the piece
sadly agree with the generalisations of technology being a passive program that
is just another teaching instrument. The idea of not creating technologies but
producing technologies that stimulate creativity, thought and expression,
resonates with me and the thought of what teaching, in the coming years will
hold for us as teachers. The importance of technology in the classroom is
becoming more apparent and it is up to us as teachers, to harness this avenue
in which we can inspire the prospective minds of the artists of tomorrow.
I can see both 'shades' (pros and cons) of technology and the
benefits it has shared with the educational world. Traditionally I still prefer
a paintbrush any day, however I will endure to invoke the creativity of my
student anyway I can and welcome the new medium.
A special thanks to Flickrcc for the imagery.
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