We’ve talked a lot about how technology is shaping education—AI in the classroom, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations. But this month, I’d like to shift the focus from what technology does to students to what students can do with technology.
Digital creativity is booming among today’s middle schoolers. Whether it’s designing a 3D model in Tinkercad, programming a video game in Scratch, or using Canva to produce a class newsletter, students aren’t just consuming technology—they’re creating with it. Tools that were once locked behind professional paywalls or steep learning curves are now browser-based, free (or nearly so), and designed with young learners in mind.
This creative shift is more than a novelty—it’s a powerful educational opportunity. When students code an animation, build a simple app, or design a virtual world in CoSpaces, they’re not just playing around; they’re engaging in problem-solving, systems thinking, storytelling, and collaboration. They’re building digital literacy, resilience, and confidence in their own ideas.
As educators, we can nurture this trend by making space for
creativity in our curriculum—not just in tech classes, but across disciplines.
A history teacher might let students create an animated reenactment of a
historical event. An English teacher might encourage digital storybooks or
AI-generated dialogue experiments. The key is to provide flexible tools and
encourage exploration, not just correctness.
Of course, balance is important. Not every moment needs a
screen. But when used thoughtfully, creative technology gives students
something even more valuable than answers: a chance to imagine, design, and
build their own. In a world increasingly shaped by innovation, these early acts
of digital creation are more than fun—they’re foundational.
