Written by Sydney Fratamico and Taylor Wyatt:
Photos by Taylor Wyatt, Sydney Fratamico, Eniko Berecki, ResearchGate,

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is sponsoring the UConn study led by Enikó Orsolya Bereczki. Her goal is to, “Explore the ways in which teachers use ICT (Information and Communications Technology) to foster creativity across the curriculum”. She believes creating, evaluating, and using information, media, technology, and ICT as a whole can have substantial benefits for learning. She wants teachers to support their students’ creativity by recognizing the advantages ICT has on helping students understand the curriculum.

The title of the study is, “Nurturing creativity in ICT-integrated learning environments across the high school curriculum.” The Morgan students from the Journalism class participated in the study. English and Journalism Teacher, Mrs. Chausse, allowed students to use digital tools during her class, while the students were observed by Ms. Bereczki. Afterward, six students joined her in an interview atmosphere where she asked questions about our thoughts on creativity and technology. She is collecting qualitative information for her research by asking experts and teachers from UConn for recommendations for teachers that positively use technology in their class daily. She tries to explore different schools and subjects, to help her understand what may be behind the data.

Ms. Bereczki was inspired to create this study by the integration into technology that is currently taking place in her home country, Hungary. With the information collected so far, she has concluded that classroom environments, relationships with teachers, independence and working together as a group, can promote creativity, especially when technology is a common factor. She said, “Creativity can thrive in a place where students can share their thoughts.”

Regarding her observation of the Journalism class at Morgan, she sees an atmosphere where the students all work together and use technology as a tool, not just for the sake of using it, however, it is not the center of attention of the class. She supports the independence the students have. She felt that freedom reflects in the way students are allowed to walk around the school for interviews, use cameras, and openly ask questions for guidance. This is extremely beneficial in promoting essential creativity. She believes the Morgan Journalists have had a “seamless integration” into technology.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program gives grants for research projects. provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs. The Fulbright website states, “During their grants, Fulbrighters will meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences.”  The scholars will receive direct interaction with others, expand their appreciation for others’ viewpoints and beliefs, while adding new ways to think.

Senior Lily Cummings said, ” It was nice to have a chance to be listened to and voice our opinions about the technology that we use in our education.” Sophomore Logan Smith said, “I thought it was a great experience for her to fully understand how we as students use technology in our everyday lives.” Both Logan and Lily joined the conference after the initial class observation.