Journal 6

Vaidyanathan, Sheena. "Fostering Creativity and Innovation Through Technology." Learning and Leading with Technology. 39. (2012): 24. http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20120304?pg=26&pm=2&fs=1

NET 1, NET 3, NET 5

Fostering Creativity and Innovation Through Technology analyzes the importance of incorporating right brained creativity into left brained STEM subjects mandated through schools.  With technology innovation being extremely prevalent in our society, it is becoming less and less possible for people to survive in the workforce with computational and other left brained skills alone.  In order for children to be successful, teachers and parents are realizing the need for digital design curriculum for students to learn how to utilize their creative skills to learn their stem subjects.  Digital design incorporates art into technology and requires a basic skill of math and engineering.  The concepts involved in making digital design projects require understanding of concepts such as 3D planes, lines, vectors, and other math concepts.  Concepts that many students may feel weary of can be managed through computer programs and digital design products.  Rather than asking students to simply model something that is already done for them, they can use their creativity to make it unique to the individual.

           
With increase use in technology comes the question of how will this be funded?  One great feature is that these programs, or at least modified versions of programs can be installed for fee.  This is beneficial in the fact that it can then be downloaded at home or in computer labs so students can even utilize these programs in their free time as long as they have access to a computer.  Some schools have even seen such enthusiasm from students and teachers by these programs that they offer donations.  While many homes and most schools have access to computer labs, incorporating digital design programs into schools is an attainable idea.

Why is incorporating digital design important for students futures?

Students will be learning the skills needed for their future in the work world.   Students who do not want to, or o not have the ability to directly utilize core subjects for future careers can build skills that can get them jobs in companies that utilize, market, or produce digital media.  Students who are naturally creative may find a unique interest in digital design and can use their artistic skills in these companies as well.  Even those students who find comfort in utilizing their left brain can push themselves to utilize their right brain and compete in the ever growing digital world.

How will I get young elementary students involved in digital design?

As a future elementary school teacher, I can expect that most schools will not offer specific courses at that level for students involving digital design.  I can prepare my students for this possibility in later years and foster a desire to use digital technology and gain experience on their own.  One way to do so is to urge students to engage in digital design in their free time.  Students may realize that they have a talent or ability that they may not realize if they don't give digital design a chance.  The article talks about students that spent their time at a sleepover creating a video game, something a teacher would not imagine.  If students are introduced to these programs in the classroom, they might then decide to engage in this in their own time and discover and learn new things that they can use in the future.  I will try to incorporate a little bit of digital design into a few classroom projects so that students can be exposed to programs.