Creative Cafe Press
Renner Technology Cooks
Creating in the Cafe: Pockets to Chair
I LOVE making things. The satisfaction derived from seeing an idea through to fruition is like no other. Through years of making, I have learned some things...
- creativity and mastery of media techniques requires time and doing (not reading or watching)
- problem solving work between idea and end product is hard and sometimes not fun
- embrace changes in course during the process as opportunities for growth.
Why is this worth your consideration? Aside from developing their information literacy, our students' meaningful application of technology in their learning often revolves around their ability to create using technology. How are their voices, their ideas, their engagement with others, clarified and shared through technology? Do they have time to figure it out? Do they know it might not always be a quick, easy thing? Are they prepared to change course if needed, to make sure they are communicating and collaborating effectively?
- Mrs. Berka
Which Way Should I Go?
GCF: A One-Stop Shop
Thanks to Gerner Center's Sarah Mai for suggesting the GCF web page of technology tutorials, found at http://www.gcflearnfree.org/topics. GCF provides a one-stop shop whether you are looking to ramp up on technology know-how, or just brush up on a dusty skill set.
In keeping with the theme of creativity and mastery of media techniques, your fluency with a variety of technology resources better positions you to support the creative efforts of your students while integrating technology in teaching and learning.
As a friendly reminder, the GCF web page and a host of other technology support resources are always available to you at the Renner Tech Creative Cafe support blog, http://www.rennertech.blogspot.com.
Something Different: Paper Critters
Paper Critters gives users an easy way to create personalized 3-D models of fiction and non-fiction characters.
In Paper Critters, students may create their model using drawing tools, shapes, themed stencils, colors, and uploaded images. Users may preview the model in 3-D, as well as print the completed template and construct a physical model of their creation. Sharing a Paper Critter creation allows for creative collaboration among multiple users. My example is found at http://www.papercritters.com/pc.php?page=toy_id&id=78833
This application is offered online at http://www.papercritters.com/pc1.php and as a mobile app I have used on iPad.