The next generation need to be the thinkers, leaders and doers.

Looking together for new solutions outside of silos.

Creativity should be at the heart of our approach to education and technology is the engine of that creative education.

#digitalcreativity

Creativity is a way of thinking- it can be incorporated in STEM subjects just as easily as humanities ones.

Creativity is a process rather than a eureka moment. It’s a mindset that allows us to think differently and creative innovative solutions to problems. It enables us to contribute to society.

We need them to think for themselves in a more global competitive world.

New ways of doing things.

Personal benefits of creativity:

• More dynamic
• More observant
• More collaborative
• More resilient
• Better problem solving skills

Economic benefits of creativity:

• Where does Britain fit into a more innovative, competitive and global nation?
• How will our young people fit into this?
• Our growth in productivity came from real innovation in the economy
• Since 2009, South Korean schools have incorporated creativity in 10% of all curriculum time- this is our competition.
• We need our young people to compete on a global stage.

STEAM based education is vital

They don’t need to be taught how to USE technology but how to put it to good use- this must be the job of the educator.

Fail fast and try something else ethos is used in the world of technology and that’s why it’s so linked with creativity and experiment. Failure is central to creativity but we’re often taught to fear failure. If it’s wrong, you can delete it. The costs and barriers are so low, there’s no reason not to try!

Technology allows us to collaborate with people on the other side of the world.

Samsung virtual headsets have been installed at the British Museum to transport visitors to the Bronze Age!

Challenge the status quo! The tools are more accessible and affordable than ever before and it’s a real game changer where creativity is concerned.

Q. regarding how technology is often seen as an activity done in isolation- how can it support collaboration?

It enhances the two-way communication with the teacher but all the collaboration with learners too.

A teacher got up to talk about how digital classrooms has worked for him.

It was never a gimmick- technology won’t save us- teachers will because they are the ones who will support the navigation.

Q. Teachers’ fears about technology failing- their lack of faith is a barrier.

Andy talks about teacher training and the need to get teachers familiar with technology and what to do when it fails. CPD related to technology is vital as well. Technology is just one tool of that wider classroom environment and experience.

My thoughts- a board pen could run out or you go in and forget your paper or they haven’t brought their homework in. There are many other things that can derail a lesson but we’ve been used to them for longer.

Q. What practical examples are there where technology has enhanced what we do and not just been a replacement for more traditional approaches?

– This wasn’t really described- it was mostly a game of name-dropping.

The video didn’t hit the message I expected it to- it was about the hardware- the tablets- rather than the opportunities provided by tech.

A thought- our learners need to learn how to make apps- can we offer a programme alongside their main course of study? Link with an employer/Apple?