By Favor Khaoya
Children often use materials that are readily available to them to fuel their creativity. Generation X and millennials used clay and soil to make play dolls and other toys. Gen Z and Gen Alpha have the technology and are often playing video games on gadgets. Technology can ignite children’s creativity, enabling them to be more open-minded in thought, spurring divergent thinking, exploration of ideas and innovation.
Without ignoring the dangers technology may pose to children, let us consider some ways technology can support and enhance children’s creativity.
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Access to information and resources
If knowledge is power, technology creates one of the most powerful spaces. It provides access to a vast array of information, resources, and tools that can inspire and support children’s creativity. Using search engines such as Google and Bing, children can access new data, online libraries and educational apps to explore their interests and passions and find new ideas. Implementing new ideas is a show of improved creativity.
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Access to creative tools and software
Creativity thrives through expression. There are many creative tools and software available that allow children to express themselves in different ways. Tools like Adobe applications enable children to express themselves through drawing, painting, video editing, and music creation. These tools provide a platform for children to experiment with different forms of expression and develop their creative skills.
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Collaboration and community
In our previous article on what to do to foster a creative environment at home for children, we established the importance of collaboration in developing creativity in children. Technology can enable children to connect with others who share their interests and collaborate on creative projects. Children can join online communities, participate in forums, and share their work with others, receiving feedback and support. This, in turn, fosters their creativity.
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Flexibility and customisation
Technology allows children to customise their creative experiences, adapting to their learning styles and preferences. Applications such as Canva, an online graphic design tool, allow users to redesign presentations from a collection of ready-to-use templates to meet their needs. It offers children a chance to work at their own pace on the platform.
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Real-world applications
Technology can provide opportunities for children to use their creativity in real-world applications. For instance, children can use digital cameras to take photos of their creative play, edit them and exchange ideas with others. Supporting them encourages them to reflect on and review their photography skills.
The excitement and uniqueness that technology offers to children in developing their digital literacy are sufficient to keep them most consistent in their creative journey. Children’s technological capability is vital in ensuring that they become proficient users of technologies in the community. Therefore, parents should allow children to use technology to build their creative muscles. However, it is essential to balance technology use with other activities that promote physical activity, socialisation, and emotional well-being to ensure that children grow to be all-around individuals.
