Digital Creativity as a Catalyst for Deeper Learning

Jillian Pratt, Director of Digital Learning & Library Services, Comal Independent School District

Students consume information at a rapid speed. Unless they do something with that information, they do not retain it. Digital creativity is a way for students to digest and export information in a manner that suits them. For example, third graders in Texas learn about Clara Barton in social studies and there are only so many activities you can do about the founder of the Red Cross. But what if those third graders researched Clara Barton and created a podcast about her and the American Red Cross. Can you imagine the conversations that could be generated about taking care of soldiers on the front lines, helping others and female leadership? Digital creativity is a means to getting teachers and students thinking differently about student products to show learning.

When evaluating a digital tool, I look for innovation and instructional value. I consider whether the tool offers multiple use cases, supports student creation and agency and can be meaningfully used across grade levels. I also examine how well it aligns to learning objectives, promotes deeper thinking, ensures accessibility for all learners and provides useful feedback for both students and teachers. Ultimately, a strong digital tool enhances learning not just engagement and is sustainable, secure and adaptable for diverse classrooms.

My digital learning team and I encourage teachers and librarians to experiment with innovative technologies by keeping the entry point small and purposeful. We emphasize starting with one tool and one instructional goal, rather than trying to redesign everything at once. We model the tool in an authentic learning context so educators can see its impact on student learning, and focus on how the technology supports instruction not the novelty of the tool itself.

“Ultimately, a strong digital tool enhances learning not just engagement and is sustainable, secure and adaptable for diverse classrooms.”

We also work to create a low-risk environment where experimentation is encouraged and perfection isn’t the expectation. By providing just-in-time support, co-planning opportunities, and sharing peer examples, teachers and librarians feel supported rather than overwhelmed. Celebrating reflection and iteration helps build confidence and fosters a culture where innovation becomes sustainable and collaborative.

I create environments where students can explore, create and collaborate by intentionally designing learning experiences that prioritize student agency and purposeful use of digital tools. We work with educators to select tools that allow students to create and share their thinking in multiple ways, collaborate authentically and engage in inquiry rather than passive consumption. Establishing clear expectations for responsible and ethical use of technology is key, so students feel safe taking risks and learning from one another. We also emphasize flexibility allowing students choice in how they demonstrate learning and encouraging collaboration through shared digital spaces.

When digital resources are aligned to instructional goals and embedded thoughtfully, they become a catalyst for creativity, collaboration, and deeper learning. One of the biggest challenges when integrating new technology is teacher apprehension. Many educators see a new tool as one more thing added to an already full plate, rather than as something that can enhance teaching and learning. I address this by leading with empathy and focusing on purpose, not the tool itself.

I work to reduce that fear by encouraging teachers to start small using one tool with one instructional goal and by modeling how the technology can streamline instruction or deepen student learning. Providing hands-on support, co-planning opportunities and real classroom examples helps shift the mindset from “one more thing” to “a better way to do what I already do.” By creating low-risk opportunities to experiment and celebrating growth over perfection, we build confidence and foster a culture where innovation feels supportive, not overwhelming.

My advice to educators who want to bring more digital creativity and innovation into their classrooms or libraries is to start with collaboration. You don’t have to do it alone. Seek out the “techy” teacher on your campus, partner with your librarian or reach out to a digital learning specialist or instructional coach. Collaboration reduces the overwhelm and opens the door to new ideas and perspectives.

When educators plan and experiment together, the focus shifts from learning a tool to designing meaningful learning experiences for students. These partnerships make innovation more sustainable and more impactful because both teachers and students benefit from shared expertise, support and creativity.