Enhancing creativity with collaborative learning and purpose-built environments

  • Authors:
  • S. Nichol;K. Blashki

  • Affiliations:
  • Deakin University, Burwood, Vic., Australia;Deakin University, Burwood, Vic., Australia

  • Venue:
  • Advanced Technology for Learning
  • Year:
  • 2007

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Abstract

This paper explores the creative and reflective practices of university students studying Games Design and Development as part of a Computer Science degree and the learning environments in which they choose to participate. The authors' aim is to explore the effects of purpose-built learning environments on university-level computer students' acquisition and retention of creative and reflective behaviours and activities, from which creativity might emerge. In addition, the authors will discuss the importance of creative and reflective behaviours and activities in the design and implementation of technological and social collaborative learning environments that support the creativity of those students. Such an environment provides encouragement and support to the students by the provision of a community space, both virtual and real, where they can share knowledge and ideas, and which directly engages their creativity. Of particular interest to the authors is the process by which the participants develop and control the learning environments via a combination of creativity and reflection skills, to enhance their own creative expression and become important social actors within their own learning community.