do computers stop creatvity?

I am often involved in conversations with colleagues in education when I find myself as someone who uses, teaches and even spends time (probably too much) using computers of some sort at home as well having to justify the positive aspects of web based media, digital applications and the rest.

however, I am also of the belief that good design or a good idea will be able to stand without much help from mr gates or mr jobs & all. no matter how much software or how cool the pc or imac looks it will not make a bad design better. I have mentioned this before on this blog and I am sure will again. but it seems still that many fellow professionals still think that having the best software and the fastest processor will make students learn more and even make their ideas better.

so much of the work I am involved in is teaching applications and so much of that process seems to teach out the creativity that everyone I believe is born with. don't misunderstand me I am in no way wishing for time to go back or that I am anti-digital applications. just simply that their use should be monitored and encouraged when appropriate. it is all too easy for the software to take over the think and the design process. I think that planning is key the design/creative process is best when the initial thinking is not constrained by what a piece of computer software can do. more that once the thinking and design ideas are established it is time to make use of the machines whatever they maybe.

paul bennett >> hospital experience >> teaching?

I know again it might seem that I have taken the easy option and posted a video and an old video (2005) at that but I still think this has real relevance, especially the hospital experience section. perception is a consideration often forgotten.
I have spent the last few hours talking to parents of students I teach & wonder how their experience of sitting in front of a talking-head (me) measures up to expectation.
it would be very interesting to discover how much of the communication is actually received, as well as how much is relevant or even helpful. I will have to get back to you on that one.

creativity whatever that is? >>

I am not sure whether I think this is very bad or really good, or just over simplistic? that is why it is here.
I am off with that too many meetings (and talking), so not enough doing stuff mind set at the moment.

professor guy claxton >> creativity

I spent a large part of today listening to professor guy claxton speak at a network learning day he managed to make me think about things like I haven't done for some years, which has to be a good thing & I am still thinking................ as much about my work as a teacher as I am about myself as a learner.
creativity a guide for the advanced learner (and teacher) .pdf
guyclaxton.com

gizfolio >> hope the rain stops

for a while now I have wanted to mention gizfolio as I think the their refreshing attitude to design and creativity as well as working creating/finding work for freelance designers & others within realm of new media is worth checking.


perhaps it is a shame that I have cause to mention gizfolio today as I have been watching the news of the floods in the north of the country closely as carols family are from up there. hope you haven't been too badly effected.