Kentucky Academy of Technology Education

Creative Writing in the Classroom

Core Connections

Creative writing plays an important role in the development of a student's ability to communicate. We all want our students to succeed, and communication is essential for success. Effective writing = Effective communication.

Most students don't enter school with an urge to write a research report or a haiku. However, most students do have a natural desire to be heard and to express themselves in a creative way. Thus by honing this skill of writing creatively, this goal of expression can be fulfilled. Once the student realizes that what they say is credible (by reinforcement from the teacher), their self-confidence as a writer will grow and they will be ready to tackle another writing task that may have previously seemed too daunting.

So, in a way, creative writing proves to be the hook to grab the fish. Once a student experiences success in one facet of writing, he will be ready to conquer another. Creative writing can be used as the lure because it is appealing in its ability to entertain, foster artistic expression, stimulate imagination, clarify thinking, and explore a new world!

Holidays Around the World

Core Connections

December is a month filled with celebrations and festivals around the world. Bright lights and holiday traditions fill the air each year as annual holidays take place in different countries throughout the month. Bring the experience of Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas, and other world holidays into your classroom and let your students discover and learn about the traditions that take place all over the world!

Open Source

TechKnow

When you hear the words "Open Source" what comes to your mind? Linux? Red Hat? Open source doesn't necessarily mean "Linux" it means "Open". Of course when you talk about open source applications and concept you have to bring up Linux because the Linux community is model of open source success.

So what is open source? Open source, in general, refers to any program's source code being available for public viewing, use and modification if desired. Most open source applications are created by the public. The source code is downloaded change and integrated together to produce a final product.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to open source:

Advantages Lower software cost Simplified license management Quality software Support Disadvantages Learning curve Support Time is Money Whether you are using a Microsoft system or an Open Source system it is well worth the time to see if an open source application will work for you.