Tannenbaum Tech - 10/27/2021: The 3 Cs of Creation

Last weekend while presenting at UnisonEDU and Fall CUE, I first introduced my three Cs of Creation. This idea really resonated with the participants of both conferences. They liked the framework from which to select tools that promote creation. How can we best determine which tools will best support our students to be creators? My 3 Cs of Creation not only helps us determine which tools best fit our students needs but provides our students increased access to creating with these tools. Over the course of the next four blog posts, I will not only describe the 3 Cs in greater detail, but also share why at least one of the programs listed to the left need to be on your go to list when it comes to creation.

Digging Deeper into The 3 Cs

Many times while using technology, students consume content. Yes, there are valid times when students need to consume content, but far too often, we miss the opportunities available for students to create using technology tools. These tools offer our students new and innovative ways to share ideas and communicate with a larger audience. What makes a tech tool a good candidate for promoting creation?

Choice

Universal Design for Learning emphasizes multiple measures of engagement, representation and action/expression. Choice addresses options for action and expression. On the CAST website's UDL Guidelines, it shares this guidance: "It is important to provide alternative modalities for expression, both to the level the playing field among learners and to allow the learner to appropriately (or easily) express knowledge, ideas and concepts in the learning environment." (https://udlguidelines.cast.org/action-expression/expression-communication

Questions to Consider while looking at Choice

Do the tech tools you use offer choices in how students respond?
Do all students need to respond in the same way or can they choose based on their needs and learning style?
Can they use more than one modality in the tech tool?

Collaboration

Collaboration is more than just one of the twenty-first century skills we talk about. It is an essential skill that all students need to be successful in the future. In fact, it is even one of the indicators under the Global Collaborator standard in the ISTE Standards for Students, "Students use collaborative technologies to work with others, including peers, experts or community members, to examine issues and problems from multiple viewpoints."

Questions to Consider while looking at Collaboration

Does the tool allow students to work collaboratively?
Can students work on a tech tool simultaneously and still access content?
Do these changes happen in real time?

Clickable

You might wonder what I mean by clickable. In many ways, this is one of the most important points of entry to getting our students creating. We need the tools our students use to not only be accessible to them, but user friendly. If students cannot navigate the tools we provide them, then their opportunities for creativity will be limited. When I think of clickable, I look at the navigation of the tech tool. Are the icons recognizable? Will students be able to do as the Fonz says, "Get clicky with it" and use it immediately?

Questions to Consider while looking at Clickable

Is the tech tool easy to use and include icons to make it more accessible to students?
Can students learn the tool quickly and use it with lots of impact?

Consider the tech tools you use to create and see where they fall under the 3 Cs. In the blog posts that follow, we will examine six tech tools that embody the 3 Cs. Check out each blog post and share out your reflections on your social media platform of preference. Tag me at TannenbaumTech and use the hashtag #3CsofC.

What do you think of these 3 Cs?
What tools do you use that have them?
Do you have another tool to recommend that embodies the 3 Cs of Creation?