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January, 2013

NMC conf

January 29, 2013 by

Rethinking the Meaning of Literacy

Redefining the meaning of literacy in the 21st century is an international megatrend! This was just one of the topics considered at the New Media Consortium’s “Future of Education Summit” here in Austin this past week. I was one of the lucky one hundred participants from around the world representing the different fields of education, research and technology. The NMC has built this extraordinary annual gathering on ten years of research in emerging technologies in Read More →

Where do ideas come from in the digital age?

January 26, 2013 by

What is Creativity?

    Creativity is not just for the “gifted and talented.” All children are creative. Even all adults are creative. It’s part of our heritage as human beings. Creativity is not just in the arts. Creativity is at the top of the list of best characteristics for business leaders. Scientists need creativity to gain new insights and solve tough problems. All areas of life need creativity. Creativity isn’t just being clever or cute. Real creativity Read More →

Janet Echelman

January 20, 2013 by

The Power of Imagination

When we write or talk about creative thinking, we are acknowledging that it all starts with imagination, whether in the arts, science, business or every day life with our families. This video about sculptor Janet Echelman from YouTube and TED is a wonderful example of the power of imagination. Echelman’s work is changing the cityscapes of the world, in powerful, evocative and stunning work. Work that takes noticing, collaboration, deep thought and research and the Read More →

Gracie-rubbing sm

January 19, 2013 by

The Care and Feeding of the Imagination

Your imagination doesn’t speak English. It uses sensory language and sensory knowings to communicate with your conscious mind. For example, if you are riding your bike down the street and start to skid and fall, the “idea” for what to do to catch your balance is a kinetic idea. It’s a movement impulse that comes to you from your imagination, lightening fast…no words involved. The same is true for solving the problem of: “I’m hungry. Read More →

DSC09860

January 9, 2013 by

Beyond the 3 R’s

We all want the best for our children. And that goes way beyond good grades. We hope they find their “path,” the way into a satisfying career, one that will match their natural passions and drive. But if you ask a young child what they want to be when they grow up you’ll often hear “fireman,” “ballerina” or “doctor,” ideas that come from toys, stories or the very same answers they’ve heard before, handed down Read More →

My great great nieces disagree over play

January 6, 2013 by

Conflict is Okay

Any parent or educator who believes, as we do, in the importance of developing children’s individual strengths must also be concerned with conflict. Where there is diversity, there will always be conflict. If a parent or teacher is different from a student, if they see things differently, there will be conflict. If two students have diverse ways of looking at the world, there will be conflict. Conflict is natural and should be expected. But, as Read More →