I have just finished reading Computer as a paintbrush(2006) and found it a very fascinating reading. Today in schools there is a lot of focus on computers as an exact method or as a branch of science, but this article inspired me to think about computer learning in a new light, as a creative endeavour almost like an art.

The author strongly believes in the use of technologies that can challenge children’s thinking and get them to work creatively in a fun and playful manner. It also looks at the negative technologies which are pre-programmed to elicit a certain response and require no (or little) interaction from children such as the TV. As I teacher I believe it is important to be able to recognize the difference to be able to get the most out of technology based learning.

I strongly agreed with any attempt to move computer based learning from the realms of simply publishing word documents and internet research to a creative and exploratory medium with a strong emphasis on fun and meaningful learning.

Published in:

Singer, D., Golikoff, R., and Hirsh-Pasek, K. (eds.), Play = Learning: How play motivates and enhances children’s cognitive and social-emotional growth. Oxford University Press. 2006. Computer as Paintbrush: Technology, Play, and the Creative Society. Mitchel Resnick. MIT Media Laboratory