On November 17th, educators from around the world gathered virtually to explore ideas around what it means to create at The Virtual Summit by EdTechTeam. Sessions ranged from Creating with Chromebooks to Creating Real World Problem Solvers and Creating Teacher Leaders. It was inspiring to see the excitement and motivation for teachers to begin creating opportunities for students immediately. Throughout the day, conversations centered on student creativity when designing instructional experiences. Empowering students through access to quality educational technology resources provides a platform for redefining learning and letting your creativity in your students and your classroom shine!
As you continue your journey on what create means to you, here are 5 ways to foster student creativity in your classroom.
Creative expression is in all of us
Start with you and the culture of your classroom. Try Sketchnoting and model your creative growth with your students as you journey alongside them. Do you use iOs devices in your classroom? Try Apple’s Everyone Can Create Project Guides to fuel creative expression in every student.
Celebrate Divergent Thinking
Cultivate the idea that there is more than one way to do something in all facets of learning. Showcase examples of products, creations, and discussions that promote different perspectives and ways to show an idea. Try presenting work to a larger audience either via Google Hangouts or a Google Site to model to students that their voice counts.
Provide choice in learning products/tasks
Providing choice is a strategy to unleash creativity and personalization in your students. Try using Digital Choice Boards or Interactive Learning Menus in your next lesson task/culminating project or a Choose Your Own Adventure Google Slide Deck. Or check out this Creative Apps Directory by SmashboardEdu. Choice allows students the freedom to be creative without restraints.
Creativity is everywhere
Integrate creativity teaching into content areas. Creativity can be taught. Intentionally highlight opportunities for discussion around creative thinking and problem solving throughout the day. Try implementing Design Thinking or Project Based Learning instructional models to facilitate creative thinking throughout a unit. Computer Science is even a great place to let student creativity shine. Programs like Google’s CS First provide scaffolded opportunities to integrate coding and creativity.
Design a culture of creativity in the classroom
Creative thinking is a mindset that needs to be nurtured. Are flexible thinking and deeper questioning evident in your classroom? Use this creativity roadmap from ASCD to get started.
What does create mean to you?
For your professional growth, your students and your classroom? Share your thoughts, connections and examples of student creativity with our EdTechTeam community on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using #WhatWillYouCreate and don’t forget to tag us! @EdTechTeam
Gail Moore
Educational Consultant
Instructional Technology Facilitator
Google Certified Innovator and Trainer
Washington State
@gailkmoore
Check out opportunities to get creative in your classroom with EdTechTeam!
