Uses of technology to support creativity
Taking each area in turn it is interesting to watch the clip and see how skilled the practitioner is in supporting the child’s interest in the slug initially. This practitioner uses the skills that many of us possess as she recognises this interest has potential to develop in a myriad of ways and follows the child’s lead. At the same time the practitioner brings together a range of resources to enhance the child’s learning and fascination with the slug. It is a great example of how a starting point in the natural world becomes enhanced using technology to encourage mark making, observation and creative thinking. The practitioner asks, ‘What do you want to know?’ and whilst the child does not immediately answer the practitioner engages them by using an iPad to draw the child in.
The Office for National Statistics (2019) tells us that the links between poverty and digital exclusion mean that access to iPads and other technology in settings can enable digital capability in those that may otherwise struggle.
Whilst you may have concerns around children’s potential excessive screen time, the creative use of technology seen here supports research by Marsh et al., (2016) who propose that children’s play is changing and should be inclusive of digital play to enhance creativity. How you use technology with children still needs to engage children. It is now such a part of their everyday lives that practitioners need to consider how they use it as that everyday item rather than a distraction or a method for engaging children in a particular subject area such as mathematical games. Things are moving fast!
What feels so lovely about this video clip is that it is as natural to the child and practitioner that the iPad is used as a tool in the same way as the book and the magnifying glass. Abdula does not suddenly become obsessed with the screen but uses it to enhance the observational painting (supported by the practitioner); to learn more about the details of the slug’s appearance and to see what other slugs might exist. The ‘awe and wonder’ response to the red slug is wonderful to watch!