Naace Strategic Conference 2008

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One Response to “ICT and creativity”

1. on 27 Mar 2008 at 4:23 pm1 Feedback from Group

   4. ICT and Creativity

   The overriding opinion that came from the group is that significant change is needed to a) the examination system and b) KS3 if any progress is to be made and that these changes need to come from the top.

   What is creativity in ICT?
   • every child producing different outcomes
   • open ended
   • enlivening what is now boring
   • different way of using computer - e.g. film making, podcasting etc

   Andy Davies spoke about his experience:
   • Interactive work
   • Looking outside the box
   • Games consoles (Nintendo DS)
   • SATS results have risen due to enhanced ability to learn for themselves
   • Example of child with Aspergers unable to write but can create podcasts - shows real ability

   Issues:
   • Learning more personal with interaction through ICT
   • Creativity virtually impossible to define. Not burning bridges for children - opening up pathways for learning
   • Pressure of results can stifle creativity. Where is the room for teachers to work creatively within the current situation? Nervousness of teachers to do this.
   • Objective led curriculum - creative approach is a part of the tools in school for learning
   • Culture within the education system - tendency to stifle creativity
   • Observation indicates that creativity is greater in the UK than overseas - examples Romania and Singapore
   • Process vs product orientation and the balance between these factors
   • Frustration amongst teachers - leaving profession to find better outlets for creativity
   • Children value the opinions of parents/peers
   • The fixed times of lessons conspire against continuing work (i.e. bigger projects, children having to stop in the middle of work)

   Suggestions for future directions:
   • Encouraging children to take risks and leading by example
   • How do you measure? How can you be accountable?
   • Must come from top down.
   • Need to share best practice - what opportunities are there?
   • Need significant changes to the examination system if we are to increase creativity.
   • KS2/3 Transition - more synergy is needed.
   • Good example at John Cabot academy - helping children to understand learning rather than content based in Y7
   • Children want to learn, schools can stifle, use technologies at home, why not in school?
   • Digital Cre8or materials - David Baugh