Content creation tools appropriate for different ages
What is Digital Content Creation (DCC)?
According to Wikipedia, “Digital Content Creation is a modern term denoting the creation and modification of digital content, such as animation, audio, graphics, images and video, as part of the production process before presentation in its final medium. This large field encompasses many segments such as 3D graphics, audio editing, compositing, authoring, etc.”
What is a Digital Content Creation Tool?
There are probably thousands of Content Creation Tools available that can be used on a PC, iPad, smart phone or android device. A DCC tool is a digital programme that allows the user to create a product that can be viewed and shared by many users. Examples of DCC tools are “Movie Maker”, “Scratch”, “iMovie” and “WordPress” to name a few.
Part of my work in presenting iPad workshops to children is using blended learning to facilitate an integrated approach to learning that combines face-to-face classroom methods with computer mediated activities. The blended learning takes the form of gaming as well as content creation. For the purposes of my teaching, Gaming has to be fun but at the same time educational and goal oriented. This is used to engage the children in the content of the workshop before they get to the more challenging and creative part of the workshop.
In this post, I will be discussing what DCC tools I use in my workshops and how I believe they are appropriate for each age level. I have focused on iPad apps as this is the medium I have chosen to work with.
Grade 1-3:
The best content creation app in this age group is Scribble Press. This is a book creation platform that allows children to be creative at the same time as giving structure to their work. Starting with a blank book, the children can create stories or “manuals” on any subject including a Pesach Haggadah or the story of Creation using the many tools available within the app such as different colour markers and stamps, a rainbow or speech bubble tool as well as stickers of different subjects. There is also the ability to import photos preloaded onto the iPad or to take your own photo option.
Grade 4-5:
For this age group I prefer using Comic Book!. This app allows children to create their own storyboard using pictures of themselves or others. It works really well when describing the stories of the Chagim or Chumash. The app has realistic styling with lots of different comic fonts, filters, customizable captions and many different layout options. The end result is easily saved to the photo roll and can be emailed and shared with family and friends.
Grade 6-7:
I like working with Puppet Pals in this group. It comes in various versions. I prefer the Puppet Pals HD Director’s Pass as it gives the largest variety of options. This is an app that allows the children to make their own movie using puppeteering and their own voices. They can choose their own characters or even insert themselves as well as choose or create their own backdrop. This app also works well when there is a story to be illustrated from Chumash or chagim. The children of this age group are more mature and therefore are able to make a serious, realistic puppet show without the silliness that comes from performing in a group.
What do children learn through using creative tools?
Through the use of these DCC tools, the children can then move on to discover what best works for them and expand their use of the apps for example using Scribble Press when learning shorashim. They can also find similar apps on other digital media and start creating their own world of digital resources.
What are your favourite DCC tools? Leave your answer in the comments.
About the author
Nicole Mandelberg is married with 3 children and lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. She qualified at the University of the Witwatersrand with a BSc in Occupational Therapy in 2000. She has worked in private practice with children with learning difficulties as well as teaching study skills to high school pupils. She also teaches Taharat Hamishpacha and now runs iPad workshops for primary schools and parents.
