- Stacking game
- Small object organizer
- Cookie cup
- String of lights lampshades
- Percussion instrument
- Tower construction pieces
- Bullhorn
- Tooth fairy cup
- Dolls
- Cut up to make confetti
- Bug catcher
- Build a pyramid
- Starlight projector
WHAT IS INNOVATION? LET IMAGINATION GUIDE YOU.
Beyond the dictionary definition of innovation as “The act or process of inventing or introducing something new,” ITEF believes that what defines innovative technology varies depending on the unique needs in each grantee’s educational environment.
The question we like to ask is, how innovative can you be when thinking about technology in the classroom? ITEF encourages its grantees to think broadly about the possibilities that technology can bring to the classroom.
Digital natives—those brought up during the rise of digital technologies—might envision innovation differently than other generations, and that’s great. We try to listen to young people as they speak about what innovative technologies catch their interest. We learn from their discoveries. So how do you define innovation? When applying for an ITEF grant, a tremendous array of projects and materials are in scope.
CHILDREN ARE BORN INNOVATORS
Kids are smart, savvy and creative by nature. They are eager to show the world what they are capable of, both inside and outside of the classroom. In so many ways, they teach us as much as we teach them. For this generation of game-changers, our motto is, “stand back and get out of the way.” Because kids will astound you if you let them.
Take our experiment with a plastic cup. Adults all know it has several uses. One popular brand of cup manufacturer even touts four distinct uses on it website, beside beverage container.
However, we asked a group of four fourth graders to list all the possible uses for a plastic cup. They handled the cups, talked about them, took them apart. Below is the list they came up with. Time spent? Five minutes.
- Binoculars
- Sound amplifier
- Totem pole
- Planter
- Wind chimes
- Pet food scoop
- Wall decoration
- Cyclone fence sign
- Toothbrush holder
- Watering can
- Bug observation jar
- Funnel
- Luminaries
- Plastic flower
- Sunburst
- Bead organizers
- Change holder
- Stencil
- Gameboard pieces
- Garland
- Shovel
- Sandcastle mold
- Circle of paper dolls
- Obstacle course
- Parking markers
How many uses can you think of for a plastic cup?