Here's how you can assess and gauge creativity in digital learning.
In the realm of digital learning, creativity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a crucial skill that can distinguish outstanding learners from the rest. But how do you measure something as subjective as creativity, especially in an online environment? It's not as straightforward as grading a math test, but with the right approach, you can assess and gauge creativity effectively. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that digital learning presents, you can develop strategies to nurture and evaluate this vital skill.
To assess creativity in digital learning, you first need to define what it means in this context. Creativity is the ability to generate ideas that are both novel and useful. In digital learning, this could mean coming up with innovative solutions to problems, presenting information in a unique way, or devising new methods to collaborate online. Having a clear definition helps you create criteria for assessment and gives learners a solid understanding of what is expected of them.
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Daniel Klinger
Head of Enterprise Training and Learning at OPKO Health, Inc.
I have had a chance to meet and work with outstanding instructional designers and technical trainers. Few effectively express back what the plan is to the SME before getting into the develop and design phases of generating a digital solution. Maybe it is because they feel the “tool defines the solution”. Many just “go down the rabbit hole”. The energy spent on storyboarding and planning documents can pay itself off in huge dividends by giving your SMEs an idea and glimpse into “the what” you can do BEFORE you are out there doing it. I feel that it is a critical time to ensure emphasis is in the right place and that your creativity SHINES. Best to come out of that rabbit hole with the prize (the rabbit!) and with little waste as possible.
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Stella Eraikhuemen
Educator/PMP/IGCSE/HSE 2/TRCN/SEL/TDE/
Open-minded: Embrace the concept of creativity in digital learning and its potential to enhance the learning experience. - Inquiring: Consider how to apply the definition of creativity to your teaching practices and assessment methods. - Reflective: Think about how you can encourage and support learners in developing their creative skills in a digital learning environment. - Purposeful: Recognize the importance of having a clear definition and criteria for assessment to ensure learners understand what is expected of them. - Innovative: Be willing to try new approaches and strategies to foster creativity in digital learning.
Once you've defined creativity, establish clear learning objectives that include creative outcomes. These objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, you might set an objective for learners to create an original digital story using multimedia tools by the end of the course. By aligning your assessment with these objectives, you ensure that creativity is not just an afterthought but a central component of the learning process.
Designing tasks that encourage creative thinking is essential. These tasks should be open-ended, allowing for multiple solutions or interpretations. They might involve creating digital content, solving complex problems, or engaging in simulations. The key is to provide enough structure to guide learners while leaving room for them to explore and express their ideas. This balance encourages learners to push boundaries and think outside the box.
Rubrics are an effective tool for assessing creativity in digital learning. A well-designed rubric includes criteria that are directly related to the creative aspects of a task, such as originality, relevance, and presentation. Each criterion should have clear levels of achievement described in detail. Rubrics not only make the assessment process more transparent but also provide learners with valuable feedback on how to improve their creative skills.
Peer review leverages the collective insight of the learning community to assess creativity. Encourage learners to evaluate each other's work using the same rubrics or criteria you've established. This process not only diversifies the assessment but also fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can learn from one another's creative approaches. It's important to guide learners on how to give constructive feedback to ensure the process is beneficial.
Encourage learners to engage in reflective practice as part of the creative learning process. This involves looking back at their work, considering the choices they made, and evaluating their own creative process. Reflective practice can be facilitated through journals, blogs, or discussion forums. It helps learners to internalize the assessment criteria and understand how to apply them to their work, leading to deeper learning and greater creative development.
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