The internet is full of websites and platforms that allow digital media making easier and that requires little technical knowledge. Canva provides templates for posters and social media posts. Google Slides offers pre-made themes for slideshows that doesn’t require any decisions on font, color, and placement. These platforms invite students to follow simple directions and receive admiration on the creativity of someone else. Although students are starting to create their own media now, the ghosts of the shortcut websites are still there. Students are identifying their hesitancy and trial-and-error as a failure, rather than an inevitable and important part of the digital making process. Troubleshooting has helped students see their projects as works in progress and has allowed them to see the expertise in themselves and their classmates. We have to help students see that they are capable of producing digital media and they don’t have to limit their creativity with the platforms that are out there.
Head to my twitter @mrpopel for the full thread! https://twitter.com/mrpopel/status/1045437774655102978
I hope you enjoy!
Michael Popel