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David Andrews

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iPads if used correctly in the classroom can develop children's creativity.

I believe, if iPads are used correctly in the classroom by teachers they can develop children's creativity. It is imperative that teachers know what skills the iPad can be developed, otherwise it's use in the classroom could be wasted. Technology now needs to be central to children's learning in the classroom with creative well planned teaching. Every teacher using the iPads in their class should be asking; How is this technology going to enhance the teaching and learning in the my classroom? Show the children what the iPad can do, what it can be used for, they soon pick up how to use apps through trail and error. The option for the audio, visual tools are endless! Facilitate children to direct their own learning and what skills and knowledge they need to be able to do that. Let them experiment, children will quickly master it. Ask children to blog about their experiences on the iPads - get learning on the iPads to viral! An example of creativity of use of the iPad could be in a maths lesson. Using Skitch the children could import their pictures of different angles they found around the school.. They could draw the angles, measure using a protractor - maths in the real world. Alternatively, they could do the same lesson but this time use SonicPics to create a photostory with voice recordings of their findings.

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Topics: Education Innovation Education kills creativity education systems educational technology
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    Jaime Lubin 10+

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    Mar 28 2012: Pencils also ...

  • David Andrews

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    Mar 10 2012: The iPad does develop creativity! There are of course other ways, but why can't technology be used to be creative? For example, On an iPad the children could create their own Ebook using a book building app. They could add voice recordings, sounds, or jingles they created in Garage Band. Edit and include their own video they've created in iMovies, take photos and edit them using a photo editing app. Even add an animations or drawing they done, publish it and get feedback from their peers. Is this not creative?

  • David Andrews

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    Mar 10 2012: I'll have a look into the Nao robot, sounds interesting. Always a good thing to see technology in action, which is having a positive impact on children's lives - thanks.
    The iPad only develops creativity, if children are taught how to use the tools it offers and combine them to present their work. The built in audio visual tools and combinations of apps can produce some amazing result. I agree, that there is nothing wrong with traditional methods, but this style of teaching in isolation, is not going prepare our children for the ever developing technological world and competitive job market. A few, may be successful without being tech savvy in the modern world (Mozart was a genius, who also never went to school :)) and good luck to them. But for the majority of children surely they need to learn how to be creative with modern technology - the iPad is cutting edge technology.
    Who are our modern day geniuses? Jobs? Gates? Just a thought ...
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    Simone Lackerbauer 100+

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    HostTED TranslatorAssociate
    Mar 9 2012: I think that the whole iPads-in-classroom thing is already widely covered by Apple's own marketing campaigns :) It is true that learning paradigms are changing and I am looking forward to the day when we can start to learn using personal robots and immersive 3D technology, instead of just devices limited to screens with 'retina displays'. You should take a look at the Nao robot and read about how they are using it to help autistic children practice interacting with 'others', and how language learning is less painful, because a virtual instructor will have you repeat a word a thousand times until you pronounce it correctly, without ever judging you lke a regular teacher.

    On the other hand, I'd be careful to create the link between iPads and developing creativity in children. Like Rhona said, nothing is wrong with the traditional tools: the iPad is neither worse nor better, just different. So we should not praise technology without remaining cautious -- and we should always remember that there was a pre-iPad era were people were pretty creative, too. At least I think Mozart didn't have an iPad back then :)

  • Rhona Pavis 50+

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    Mar 9 2012: So can paper without lines and clay and musical instruments and pencils and nonjudgemental people and pieces of wood and.........+n.
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      Ken brown 30+

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      Mar 9 2012: Exactly! I'm with you rhona.

    • David Andrews

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      Mar 10 2012: I agree, there's a time and a place for these primitive method, but it's the 21st century! If we're going to educate our children to be prepared for life after education, surely we would be doing an injustice to them if we are just teaching children in the styles you mentioned. Technology needs to be central to all learning in the classroom. It's engaging, motivating and produces great results.

      • Rhona Pavis 50+

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        Mar 10 2012: David, I agree with you. But I thought the issue here was developing creativity in children. Personally, I think every child should have his or her own computer with the latest and greatest technology from birth onward. But, if you are talking about developing creativity, I do not think computers are at the heart of that issue.

    • chris wild

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      Mar 11 2012: We can do both. That's what I do in my classroom. iPads and technology will never replace traditional creative tools such as clay and paint and musical instruments, but when it comes to animation, film making, digital music production, photography etc, then the iPad is an amazing tool for learning. I embrace both and so do the children in my care.

      • Rhona Pavis 50+

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        Mar 11 2012: Good. Glad to know that, Chris. I am confident that you are having positive impacts far beyond your awareness and they will continue. Right on! Sounds like you are making optimal use of technology. Your students are fortunate to have you for a teacher. May you and your students thrive in every way. I'm glad you are allowing for and encouraging creativity in your students instead of just doing the powerandcontrol, ego, authority figure kind of teaching. Respecting the personhood of your students seems so important, their creativity, their interests. We can all learn from everyone we encounter. I guess you are learning from your students as they are learning from you. Keep blessing each other. Happy Today.
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