Creative Technology In The Classroom

At Youth Speak Out, we understand the importance of engaging students with digital tools and speaking with them about the impact that technology has on their lives. Through our after school programming, we provide children with a space to share their own experiences with the digital world, both positive and negative. Then we take those experiences and transform them into a collaborative project.

This Fall, we returned to the classroom for the first time since the start of the pandemic. In our Today’s Technology and Communication (TT&C) program, our facilitators help students make a short Public Service Announcement (PSA) about a topic of their own choosing that relates back to the overuse of technology. Students partake in each stage of the filmmaking process, from brainstorming to storyboarding to recording on IPads provided by the facilitator. Ultimately, those videos are shared with the public via YouTube. 

Research has shown just how important this type of curriculum is. According to American University, 59% of middle school students say that digital education tools have helped them with their grades and test scores. Additionally, 87% of teachers and 77% of parents agree that while it is more challenging to be creative in the classroom, the payoff is bigger. According to Gallup, students who have a higher focus on creativity and transformative technology engage in problem solving, demonstrate critical thinking, and retain what they’ve learned at a higher rate than other students. 

We’ve seen this impact firsthand. And it’s because of that impact that we are continuing to expand our services in these critical areas. We hope you’ll stick around for the journey.