Unit 5 - Create

In this unit, you'll explore how technology tools can support creativity in classrooms and in your own work. So far this semester, you've had time to explore how technology tools can facilitate learning - with specific emphasis on opportunities for students to communicate and collaborate. You've done a good bit of reading about ways that technology can make learning meaningful, how to design learning activities to meet the needs of all types of learners, and the value of an emphasis on the 4 Cs: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. You'll apply what you've learned so far as you complete this final unit.

** Each task for this unit also requires a different amount of workload. I highly recommend you skim through each task requirement first, and then schedule out the timeline wisely.

PART 2 - Mind Map / Sketchnote (3pt.)

1. Skim through the “Creativity and Innovation” section in the 4Cs reading (from pg. 25). You should already have read this section!

2. Read (or watch) ONE article (or video) from the list HERE that interests you.

3. Then, create a mind map (click here for more info) or sketchnote (click here for more info) of your two readings. (See the instruction below.) You'll need paper, pencils, and markers, or one of the tools listed in the Mind Mapping section of your textbook (starting on p. 165).

Requirements for mind map/sketchnote:

• Write the title of the article you read for PART 2 at the top of your mind map/sketchnote.

• Make sure to include a comprehensive view of both readings - ideally, you'll show how ideas from the two readings connect with each other. You mind map/sketchnote should clearly show the content of the two readings (4Cs article and one from the list).

• I don't want to have to tell college students how many "bubbles", references, connections, etc. that are required. Your work should be comprehensive enough to show your understanding of the two readings.

• Post it on your "Create" page. If you draw it, take a picture. If you used a mind mapping tool, link to it, take a screenshot, attach it - whatever makes the most sense. Please DO NOT take a picture of your computer screen with your phone. If you don't know how to make a screenshot on your computer, this is a great semester to learn. Screenshot instructions for a PC. Screenshot instructions for a Mac.

• Don't forget to publish your page! (Not published = not submitted)

Your Maker Project

PART 1 - Explore & Brainstorm

1. Take some time to become familiar with the following tool overviews in your textbook:

• Art p. 59-62

• Book Publishing p. 74-77

• Comic Strip Creators p. 88-89

• Infographics p.132

• Makerspaces p. 147-156

• Music p. 169-171

• Video: Animation & Production p.234

2. After reading through the categories in your textbook, think of a project you'd like to do that requires some sort of creativity. For example, you could create a comic strip of your story, an infographic of any topic, short piece of music, make a green screen video, write a piece of code using Tynker, cook a meal that you've never cooked before, try out sewing, etc. My expectation is that you'll choose a project that will take around 1 1/2 to 2 hours to complete (assuming you're not a perfectionist). I'm also not requiring you to purchase any items in order to create your project - so that might limit your options. If you're stuck for an idea, let me know and I'll help.

** You can choose to create something using one of the tools shown in your textbook, or you can choose ANY other creative activity that is not related to education - I just want you to choose something that interests you that involves creativity.

PART 2 - Create! (8pt.)

1. Build your project. Take at least TWO pictures/videos of your progress to include in your write up.

2. Write about what you learned: Write a 500-800 word reflection describing your maker experience. In your reflection, discuss how experiences like this might support K12 student learning. How does this activity relate to this week's readings on creativity and maker education? It's never a bad idea to quote readings - especially if you decide to include references to previous week's readings (this is a great place to talk about meaningful learning with technology or UDL.)

3. You will post your project in the class Edublog (see textbook p.72). Follow this guideline to create your own post. In your post, include:

   1. 1. Your project (link, photo, screenshot, etc.)

      2. Written reflection (500-800 words)

      3. 2+ photos/videos of your progress

• Make sure to put your [Last name_First name] as your username AND the title of your post. Please follow this format!

• Here is an example of what your post could look like. (But, as always, feel free to be creative - as long as you include all the necessary contents!)

For this task you'll continue to synthesize what you've learned about educational technology so far and how it supports creativity and innovation. You should probably look back at previous units and remind yourself of what we've learned so far. You'll write this on a new Google Doc and it should be 4-5 paragraphs. If you want more writing tips - here's a link to some suggestions.

Below are some suggestions of what to talk about in your writing. You don't have to address every single question here, but make sure to include how the creativity and innovation connect to ISTE standards and meaningful learning principles.

Questions:

• Our topic this week was about the "magic of learning" and encouraging creativity and innovation in classrooms. One way we explored encouraging creativity was through maker education. How do some or all of the ISTE standards relate to this idea? (You can review the detailed explanations of each ISTE standard, if needed.) How does encouraging creativity support those standards? How does maker education support those standards?

• What are other ways (besides makerspaces) creativity and innovation could be supported by ensuring those ISTE standards are addressed in K12 classrooms?

• How can the examples of classrooms you've read or watched in this module help foster meaningful learning for students? (You can review the meaningful learning article in Unit 2.)

When finished, embed your Google Doc directly on to your "Create" page, instead of just putting the link. Don't forget to check the share setting of your document and publish the page! (Not viewable = not submitted!)