Real learning isn’t about memorization, it’s about creativity…
A recent article in Newsweek magazine talked of how the US is falling behind in creativity. Our education system, it wrote, has so focused on standardized testing that creative thought is taking a back seat to rote memorization. And, as schools are facing ever more drastic budget cuts, traditionally creative programs such as Art, Music, even Digital Design are being eliminated to save money. Additionally, more stimulating and challenging methods of teaching more “academic” subjects such as science, math, and english are being discouraged in favor of standardized lesson plans designed to help schools get higher scores in their annual assessment tests.
Yet, school is not the only place creativity can be encouraged. Over the coming articles, I’ll be examining and revealing exciting ways this most important type of learning can be inspired OUTSIDE of school using the very tools and activities that kids are already big fans of. From the next generation of iPhone/iPod/iPad apps that allow children to create drawings, animation, even movies to video games that provide the tools for them to build their own games. From websites that provide detailed instructors on how kids can become their own version of Thomas Edison with easily available things around the house to free programs that empower them to design and even invent.
