Creativity Through Technology In The English Classroom

Abstract

First generation in college, low family income, and weak writing scores: This describes the students I teach at a historically black institute, Bethune Cookman College, in Daytona Beach, FL. These students dislike writing and hate grammar. Yet through technology, these students can be more motivated to write. With the use of a digital movie camera, students write and produce short films about stories they have written. A research paper becomes more interesting when students can add PowerPoint or film a background for their presentations. Even the digital photo camera becomes a source of interest as students make photographs of the people they are writing about for a biography assignment. Lessons become more meaningful when a projector with computer allows students to interact or watch examples of grammar or writing skills. So the basic grammar and composition class can be enhanced by the use of basic technology. Beyond the basic composition on the computer which is now the standard, students can use these other aspects of technology which encourage creativity, engagement, and motivation. Even for the professor, technology can inspire creativity. After having students help me videotape elderly people who talked about their lives here at the college and who knew the founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, I spent the summer transposing these interviews and then researched and wrote a book called The Life and Legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune. Thanks to technology, I am now an author. Thus technology inspires students and teachers alike to aspire to higher levels of writing.