What is it about?
This chapter shows how combining art, storytelling, and simple computer programming can make learning more fun and engaging. It explains how students—from young children to future teachers—can use tools like Scratch and ScratchJr to create animated stories and interactive projects. The idea is to let learners express themselves creatively while using digital tools, helping them connect with their own ideas and experiences. The chapter also offers easy-to-follow tips for teachers who want to use these creative methods in their classrooms.
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Why is it important?
This work is important because it shows a fresh, accessible way to connect art, storytelling, and simple computer programming in the classroom. By blending these elements, it helps make learning more engaging and fun while building digital and creative skills. This approach is timely as schools are increasingly looking for innovative, hands-on methods to integrate technology into everyday lessons. It offers real examples and practical tips that can help teachers reach a wider range of students, making learning a more interactive and meaningful experience.
Perspectives
From my perspective, this work is a natural extension of what teachers already do every day. Expressive STEM isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it builds on familiar practices like storytelling, art-making, and hands-on learning. The twist is that it brings in digital tools like simple computer programming, which can add a whole new layer of creativity and engagement without discarding traditional methods. I find it exciting because it shows how innovative tools can enhance our curriculum and make learning even more connected to real-world experiences, all while remaining true to the core practices that teachers value.
Sean Justice
Texas State University San Marcos
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Expressive STEM Storymaking, December 2024, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004714748_014.
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