Journal Post #2

September 4, 2013
Chapter 2 Transforming Learning with Unique, Powerful Technology

Focus Question 7: How can students express their creativity using technology?
Creativity allows students to electronically enhance their work. It is a talent shown throughout the students that gives them a chance to go beyond paper and pen. Now, they can use programs such as photo editing, podcasts, desktop publishing, design tools, and much more. Computers transform ideas and make them better; students can change the colors and sizes of letters in a presentation, even a simple picture that was copied and pasted can become a new work of art. The use of these technologies has helped me when I want to make an engaging Powerpoint or spice up a research paper.

Photo credit to San Jose Library on Flickr

Information technology and creative practices (ITCP) give artistic students an opportunity for self- expression and creative thinking. They are able to use paint, Word, and  design programs to further their assignments. Also, it allows students to work together and put all ideas into one project. Creativity must stand the test of others; apparently, they decide who is creative and who is not. As a teacher, every student is creative in their own way and each piece they create will be seen as magnificence.

Tech Tool 2.1 
I liked how some of the websites had interactive parts that you could work. The websites were very informative and easy to follow. It was interesting to see how all these subjects like frog dissections to skeletons were portrayed to help students learn more about them.

Summary and Connection:
There are many unique and powerful technologies that enhance students learning. We can use computers that contain so many programs to edit photos and papers, create Powerpoints and Word documents that are visually engaging, and even bring together students to make art. Technology does not have to control the classroom and we do not have to rely fully on it, but with the help of computers, we can create work we could not make without the use of them. I may not know much about computers, but I do know how to manipulate letters and pictures to make my assignments visually pleasing and to make them my own.

Resources:
Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.