Following aCommons Education Committee call for a return to creativity
in the classroom, the British Computer Society
has introduced a"digital
creator"qualification for school
children.
Launched at this month's BETT
educational technology show, the qualification is designed to
open up the world of digital media to students at Key Stage 3. It
encourages learners to create digital media projects through a
blend of theory and practical activities that will build into a
digital assessment e-portfolio.
Digital creator can be incorporated across the curriculum to
support project work in any subject, including English literature,
language, science, drama and maths, said the BCS. As a
non-supplier-specific qualification, digital creator allows schools
to make use of free support software, such as Quicktime.
BCS strategic marketing manager Pete Leavy said, "With digital
devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players, digital cameras and
camcorders permeating our lives, the use of digital media is seen
by students as exciting and relevant to their interests outside of
school.
"Students in the pilot studies showed an incredible enthusiasm
in learning how to use these devices and discover the creative
possibilities. However, it is not just about creativity. Digital
creator also improves literacy, problem solving and planning skills
as students need to develop and write plans, storyboards and
scripts to support their projects."
Many students in the pilot scheme worked outside their normal
lesson hours to deliver a range of creative films with a portfolio
of supportive work, including detailed written concept and design
plans and online correspondence with their tutor and team members.
Teachers using the qualification will be supported by a two day
assessor course.
The course is divided into modules, presenting different aspects
of digital media, allowing students to acquire complex knowledge in
bite-size chunks. Through a series of creative activities and
projects built into each module, the award also helps to develop
learners' planning, problem solving, collaboration and literacy
skills, said the BCS.
Leavy said, "The digital creator syllabus has been developed in
conjunction with teachers to provide cross curriculum support and
be suitable for students of all abilities, including those with
special needs."
Digital creativity modules include:
● Digital audio
● Digital still images
● Moving image language
● Digital video
● Storytelling and animation
● File sharing with optical media
● File sharing on the internet.
More about the digital
creator course >>