Computers and Creativity

Abstract

Computers have entered all walks of human life across the world. Computers are being used by people of all ages and in every profession, in their work as well as in their leisure. There is growing interest in the application of computer-based productivity tools to support simulation effects, higher level thinking, metacognitive processes, maintaining interest, promoting learning, developing curiosity, and fostering creativity. The Internet has brought abort a revolution in the world of information technology by providing searching facilities for exploring or seeking information from all over the world (e.g., e-learning, e-shopping, e-mail, Telnet and Usenet, audio and video conferences, etc.). Different viewpoints have been put forward to explain the concept, emphasizing different aspects of creativity. Generally, creativity has been discussed in terms of its end product, creative person, creative process, and creative press or environments. There are no substantial researches directly measuring the effect of the computer simulation technology to support either uncreative drill or creative production. Some researchers speculate that computer simulation technology may have a positive effect on creativity. However, due to a lack of empirical research, the true effect of simulation technology on creativity is still unknown and inconclusive.