Creative Play with Technology
Image taken from http://www.flickr.com/photos/mundoo/313716925/
In a podcast with Micth Resnick entitled ‘creative play’, the host states that imaginative play at a young age is essential. This podcast looks at toys as a form of technology and using these “toys” as a way of delivering information. Kids are enabled to experiment, create and explore through playing with toys. There are no “blue prints or rules” when playing, except there may be guidelines such as having a theme to their play. Resnick however looks at the use of Lego and other craft with technology in which students themselves can create and build. An example given is a birthday cake that when you blow out the candles which have sensors, the cake plays the music for HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
The way this could then be used within the classroom, would be by having specific time where students may be able to build and construct with toys, along with craft materials. If possible students may even be able to include some forms of technology… these may be lights, sound sensors and sound makers. By enabling creative play, students with shorter attention spans due to lack of interest are more interested and enthusiastic about learning. Therefore technology such as this may not be for each and every student, for each and every classroom, however some students may benefit from this along with learning how to be creative thinkers.
