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Friday, September 7, 2012

Innovation

This is a theme you'll see in education more an more. Here's a video presented by my school's curriculum coordinator on innovation in education. The speaker Mickey McManus is president and CEO of MAYA Design, Inc.

Essentially, he points out that the rate of technological change is exponential, but we're not capable of humans to keep up. CEOs of companies want "creative thinkers", but there are not enough out there because our education systems are so out of date that we're not educating our youth for the 21st century. Common phrases in education these days, of course, are "transformational learning" or "21st century learning", with student-driven learning and inquiry - the "flipped classroom" where students seek the answers and work collaboratively. (seems so natural to me, what were we thinking before???) I like the idea that "design" is not considered a literacy in schools, pointing out that it's all about "critical thinking". I agree. Basic problem solving skills are so necessary. (were they ever not?) I'll add to this: problem identification. Where is the problem or the need? Figure it out first, and then move on through the process of solving it. 

Human Centered Design is a concept McManus mentions in the video, explaining how he feels this is actually a new literacy. Another is SEL, Social Emotional Learning, that serves the purpose of people learning to collaborate better. (I say "people" rather than "students" because we all need this) 

One final idea presented in the video is the fun part - real world application. You see groups of young people who have been to a "boot camp" through LUMA, in which the get to "make stuff". The "stuff" they make is aimed to address real problems in their communities/ contemporary life. (sorry, can't find a link to LUMA)

Twenty minutes well spent: 


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