Visual*~*Revolution

How do we promote creativity in schools? This is one of the prevailing concerns of many progressive education reformers. From a long-term fiscal perspective, creativity can lead to innovation, and for the U.S. to have a competitive edge in the global economy, minds capable of identifying problems and imagining new possibilities are a necessity. But given the constructs of public schools, can creativity truly be valued?

Creativity works in mysterious and often paradoxical ways. Creative thinking is a stable, defining characteristic in some personalities, but it may also change based on situation and context. Inspiration and ideas often arise seemingly out of nowhere and then fail to show up when we most need them, and creative thinking requires complex cognition yet is completely distinct from the thinking process.

At the heart of this move to Education 3.0 is learner engagement, something that has been lacking in classroom learning thus far. Contrary to being a fault of any teacher, low-engagement is simply a byproduct of curriculum’s irrelevance to students’ immediate and future situations.

Internet cookies are just plain text stored in your computer’s browser. However, these little cookies pack a huge punch by leaving an easily trackable internet trail.

A terrified dog walks into a rescue shelter. He's dirty, disoriented and unsure of what's about to happen. A person he doesn't know stands over him with a camera, snaps a photo and posts it on an adoption website.

The Educational Technology Development Stages for Kids Infographic walks you through the educational technology milestones for different development stages.

From The Awkward Yeti treasury of cartoons and commentary!

Dear USA

You know we'll always love you, but we need to take a break. Every four years we're overcome with a ruthless desire to beat you at every sport involving snow or ice and we just can't pretend that things are "fine" between us anymore.

Love Canada

Are you confused about whether multitasking is an asset or a liability? You probably are not alone in this. Some think that being able to do multiple tasks simultaneously is a necessity in this digital age; others view it as a waste of time and attention and a real hindrance to deep learning; a third camp adopts a softer stance claiming that it depends on the tasks you are doing: tasks that require profound thinking and attention are not to be multitasked while other less important tasks can be managed collectively.

In the age of budget cutbacks in education, there is one thing that is completely free… creativity. There are resources available online that will inspire kids to think, dream, write, create, design, and wonder.Whether you have ten minutes to spare or are looking for a great way to get started in a new project, these links include some fun ways to get kids minds in gear…and yours too! Enjoy.

  In 2006 Ms. Lockwood, an English teacher at Xavier High School, asked her students to write a letter to a famous author. She wanted them discuss the author’s work and ask for advice. Kurt Vonnegut (1922 – 2007) was the only one to write back and his advice is worth reading. 

The Best Pictures infographic from Beutler Ink is an iconic timeline through the history of the Academy Awards winners for Best Picture.  Can you identify the movies from the icons?

 In this fascinating capture from nearly a century ago, we see the photographers of the Byron Company getting together for a portrait on the roof of Marceau’s photography studio in New York City. 

Some of the best TED talks on how leaders inspire and motivate others. From George Ambler's Blog "On Leading in Turbulent Times"

We are already full of ideas. They shape everything we do, everyday. Yet it is important to strive for understanding. Reading more and listening to others can help you put life in a new light. Making adventure happen by traveling, taking the bus, or just experiencing something new will make you use new thoughts and strategies.

If you ask anybody on the street what they want most in life, they'll most likely say that they want to die happy. Most of the info on this little infographic points to one key element to staying happy: stay healthy. There’s more interesting facts on here that are worth checking out, but if you want to be happy, be healthy. 

Great resources on Google Hangout from Matt B Gomez's great blog.

http://mattbgomez.com/