Journal 9: Science + Technoloy = Creativity (and Fun!)

Citation:
Mader, Jared (2009). Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun!). Learning and Leading with Technology, 1, Retrieved 08/07/2009, from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=August_No_1_2&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4363&ContentID=23906&DirectListComboInd=D

Summary:
This article talks about how to use different technology tools to help make students think outside of the box in a science class. It lays out a 3 step process to accomplish this. First of all, a teacher must give students the tools, such as a digital camera, mircrophones, probeware, and camcorders. Allowing students to use these different tools will allow them to become more familiar with them and eventually be able to choose the appropriate tools for the appropriate tasks. Secondly, the teacher must give students time. This means that students must be given a sufficient amount of time to use the tools and become familiar with their capabilities and shortcomings. Finally, teachers must be vague about the final result. This means that the teacher must describe what the content of the assignment should be, but not how it should be accomplished. This gives students the freedom to think creatively and tailor the assignment to their own personal ways of learning.

Would this be an effective tool in the classroom?
This would be extremely effective in a classroom setting. It makes the subject more interesting and allows the students to have fun in accomplishing the assignment. It would break up the usual monotony of a class and make it an enjoyable experience for all.

Can this be applied to other subjects besides science?
This can easily be applied to all subjects. It would allow students to use their creativity in all subjects and assignments. This would be beneficial because it would allow learning to become more personal for each person, and therefore result in the students having a stronger grasp on the subject matter.