Journal #6

Vaidyanathan, S. (2012). Foster in Creativity and Innovation through Technology. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(6), 24-26. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/February-2012.aspx

The article "Foster in Creating and Innovation through Technology", written by Sheena Vaidyanathan, concerns the use of technology in an art classroom setting. The research was done by providing all fourth through sixth graders in a California school district, a computer to use during a digital design class. The digital design classes taught the kids how to use programs to draw, build, and create different projects through the use of technology.

Question One: How may the involvement of a digital design class help improve the students' education?

To begin with a digital design class helps a student by allowing them to learn self-expression, something that is generally being denied in schools today. The students at first fear failing an assignment and try to replicate the teacher's example. Through encouragement they are grow to design their own images such as a house with secret tunnels underneath. The use of digital design also encourages the students' growth in the field of mathematics, science, and engineering. An example given is the use of vector graphics, which helped reinforce abstract concepts taught in math class. By seeing the lines move in response to their actions, they are able to see how the adjustment of a point changes the length and trajectory of a line.

Question Two: Is it the cost to establish such programs possible outside of the given school district?

The information given by the article supports the idea that such programs can expand nation-wide. The authors points out that all the software used during the program was either free to use from the beginning or free to use indefinitely after the start-up program had been purchased. The major cost of the computers is also a concern. However, most modern schools have an established computer lab of some kinda in which such classes could be taught in. The only real cost the schools are faced with is the employment of a teacher to teach such classes. If a school can budget for such a position, the overall costs besides this are relatively low.