I chose to create an infographic using Canva to summarize the Article Digital Ghosts in the Modern Classroom by Ashley Hinck. The artcicle speaks about the lack of creativity and individuality as a result of using digital technology in the classroom. I believe technology has not eliminated the “drag and drop” model of learning it just changes the medium by which we apply this model.
The traditional ways of learning through worksheets and simply plugging in the correct answer because it is what the teacher expects is not eliminated by the use of technology in the classroom. Many media platforms implement pre-designed templates for students to use when designing online resources. These templates are nothing new to students, they have been conditioned to follow the instructions to get the “right answer”, essentially eliminating any chance for creativity. Traditional school culture is reinforced in these “drag and drop” models of online learning.
It is critical for students to develop a better understanding of the creative process. As educators it is important for us to take students to the next level, moving from pre-determined to original, creating rather than filling out a template. I believe it can be difficult for students to move from high school to post-secondary to the workplace, engaging on a deeper level in online platforms helps students to develop their creative identity as well as problem solving skills. Working with online resources can be frustrating, however, it is important for students to recognize the variety of ways to accomplish their goals and recognize their “failures” as an opportunity to grow and learn.
We must move away from the idea that obstacles are equivalent to failure and that there is only one way of accomplishing a goal. This is an ongoing issue in the education system, the way we measure knowledge uses a “right or wrong” answer system with no room for creativity or opinions. I believe that we have begun to move in the right direction towards enabling students to express their creativity and to change their mindset so that they begin to break away from the drag and drop model enabling students to realize that there is more than one pathway to success.
