#dtk12chat Archive
Please join us for a weekly conversation about design thinking in K12 education. We will have a variety of moderators with a wide range and depth of design thinking experiences. Each week, we will connect the dots to the design thinking methodology and how it can and will play a bigger role in today’s K12 educational arena.
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Welcome 2 a weekly convo abt in K12 Education
My name is Kami,1of 2 moderators 2night along w/
Introduce yourself and tell us where you are and your role
Excited to be back - tonight we are talking new trends in Design Thinking. What can we learn & apply to K12ed?
Hi everyone! Chris here in Atlanta. 3rd grade teacher
So so so so so so excited that & are back modding tonight to the infinities!
Awww... we've missed you too!! How's tricks?
Dan Ryder, Eng T, improviser, design thinker, at Mt. Blue Campus, Farmington, ME talking emerging trends in DT
Elaine from northeastern Colorado! I teach 7/8. Hi to all my friends!
Hi and !!! Here for just about 15 or 20 of
Hi- coordinator in Southern California
Hi Bonnie from BC. back to twitter after self-imposed exile
great seeing you and in the mod seat! looking forward to another awesome
hi Jen! Great to see you joining
Hi LIndsey! Happy New Year!
Good evening ! Mike from State College, PA. Instructional Tech Coach
HI Mike! Thanks for joining - getting ready for Q1
welcome back Bonnie! I'm just back getting into the swing again after a quiet-ish November & December
I'm out on the plains in Yuma. Good to meet you!
2016 is forecasted to be year when design breaks through its tipping point towards large-scale adoption. https://t.co/ILF1LMTJ0a
welcome to the convo Jen!
While people are still joining - check out Ten Design Trends to Watch for in 2016 https://t.co/QGAQqDVL5C via Q1 coming!
good seeing you tonight Mike!
we'll get to that - trends in businees - people are taking notice!
Q1: shares “Design Thinking for a Better You“ https://t.co/0QZV1cSFGA How are you using DT to improve yourself this year?
Matt Tuning in from Sconnie, the home of the frozen tundra
Hi Matt! Nice to meet you! I hope there's a warm spot somewhere!
A1 - funny use DT so naturally in work environment, but haven't always applied same thinking at home....
So is no one planning on using Dt this year for a little self-improv?I'm thinking I might spend more time looking for true needs.
A1ish) working on drilling down to figure out users' (colleagues') real needs, below the "a fun activity." Discovery, I guess?
A1: trying to clear away the rubbish and refine my organization and practice in the classroom
Let's say you had a 1000 Sq ft. of floor space to reutilise for STEM. What would you put into your school?
good point- we should use DT at home
thinking about reframing - my own kids = end users, how can I better meet their needs in evening routine
June / July went to a fight club in Thailand. - 25 lbs but learned Muay Thai, some BJJ & martial arts. 1/2
A1: I'm not sure about this. I'm mostly trying to address personal challenges as opportunities for prototyping.
Maybe Q2 will be easier, less personal. Getting it ready now.
oh at home?? Same "discovery" I guess... What do we - OUR family - really need? Turns out not a tidy house
Q2:Employees are the heart of every org & comp must build work culture to meet the needs of their talent base. HMW do this in ed?
A1. Trying to rethink our spaces for collaboration
A1: I'd hafta say I use DT w/Ss to keep me focused on projects that feed my spirit.
Hey Peeps Mary here in the ATL on my phone so my LIVE interaction will be spotty Thx 4 modding
A1 starting to use DT as an Admin Team to tackle new frontiers
portable everything; hand tools & power tools; takeapart corner; junk cage; tons of rapid prototype materials
I like this. How do you approach?
dude. me. too. this week.
are you having any success? What new frontiers?
A1 cont.: I'm trying to approach solutions 2 larger & smaller problems as iterations of possible solutions instead of a single A.
I am having to remind myself that isn't my role & instead doing same for myself, my Ss & my friends
A2: DT the pacing of change. tearing of the "bandaid" might be too much. HMW make grow w/out burning out our colleagues?
hi Joseph! Love this - not every problem has a singular discrete solution
I'm there also. Trying to fight my hoarder nature.
Moving on to Q2 - a new trend is for companies to focus more on employee needs.
A2. We're thinking a lot about how PL must look different to support teachers
Or folded laundry or put away toys. None of those are necessary...apparently... https://t.co/sb4DuPQ8G3
oh at home?? Same "discovery" I guess... What do we - OUR family - really need? Turns out not a tidy house
A1 Using to revamp how we do PD. The fine people in collab 3 were massive help in generating ideas
Q2:Employees are the heart of every org & comp must build work culture to meet the needs of their talent base. HMW do this in ed?
looking for pricier answers? bc there are all sorts of tools & such; I'm a fan of nimble/agile/flexible/cheap
A1 I try to use DT in relationships Currently need to tackle a sibling issue Find empathy
I've developed bad habits that compete with this mentality. DT helps.
typos are out of control tonight
Spot on! We are really struggling with some of those issues in our district. Made the same mistake.
A2: 1/? Recognize the unique abilities of Ts & find the best way to utilize those talents/skills.
got radically outside of my comfort zone, let the body serve the needs of my spirit & fill cracks with gold
More I use HMW Qs w Ss, more energized & positive I remain. HMW use our recycling project to deepen our math skills?
Yes! https://t.co/quUYJZSHJI
A2: 1/? Recognize the unique abilities of Ts & find the best way to utilize those talents/skills.
A2: trying to do this now-focusing T learning time on T needs as learners-leaving out the 4 s's-growing capacity and buy in 1st
A2: 2/? Differentiate approaches to training & personalize growth plans.
when my 6 kids were little, I bought baskets and threw clean laundry in separate baskets, I threw out the toys
A2 I dont understand how this is not happening N EDU MayB a reframe of Employers 2 Learners as the heart of EDU org. Foundational
have you seen latest compass? It's been really helpful for me on relationships front
we can't control how fast change comes. so how does one decide when to get off one train and get on another?
A2 - wish more organizations empowered teachers to be trusted thought leaders
Yes saw it last week I will look over it more closely thanks
collaborative furniture,
Storage bins for prototyping, apples along way, robotics and laser cutter/3D printer
A2 I believe the leaders/admin have to estab a culture of collaboration/safety/risk taking
just read Zappos offers every employee a bonus 2 quit! Those who stay= super committed
Great Q! https://t.co/onuROjHsje
Q2:Employees are the heart of every org & comp must build work culture to meet the needs of their talent base. HMW do this in ed?
A2: Differentiated Training for Ts is not a new concept. Read this recently by Betts from 1950: https://t.co/4jR5VafNxH
A2. School leadership has 2 challenges: to meet needs of Ss & Ts today AND the needs they will exhibit in future thx
Hey Elaine! looking forward to talking with you more abt June! Is there a hashtag yet?
My philosophy is that teachers co-create the school and are empowered/equipped with tools to lead https://t.co/ImZcZ5Z9BJ
A2 - wish more organizations empowered teachers to be trusted thought leaders
Q2a: HMW build work culture to meet the needs of our talent base in the classroom?
& yet not so easy 2 answer w/in public ed space. We all talk about importance of teachers, but does culture reflect?
Popping into for a few. Love the topic!
I agree with and add drills, saws, Legos, and prototyping stuff to make, design and imagine.
WOW! does that level of commitment come w/"go down w/the ship" mentality?
wish that philosophy existed everywhere but sadly not the reality for many
yes and extend it to support - tools, funds, PD, leadership opps
you're not afraid to relinquish some control to Ts but some admin are caught up in bureaucratic tasks
no sure exact context, but this is also a thriving super successful company
A2: Building a team-centered professional culture and giving those teams autonomy is huge, IMO
Yes! Let's go with ! SO psyched for this event! Gonna do some Twitter chats soon! .
A2: for myself, I like the opportunity to be creative. There are many talented people in education so listen & let them take risk
A2a: Make sure all Ts have a voice in decisions & recognize that some Ts are VERY knowledgeable & are experts in their field.
good seeing you tonight, sir!
Agree - need to erase dividing line between Ts and admin when creating change. Flatten org.
you too! Will see you in person in March in Austin, I assume?
I hear ya - hope to mentor young As to help them see the value
IMHO, culture does not reflect. Needs to, but so hard to change stale/stagnant culture of veteran Ts & As.
Q3 coming next... another trend is integration - no more single solutions
A2a: ask the world to value people vs. a profile/grades, showcase our differences
a2: work from teacher strengths/talents/passions, avoid rigid standardized programs, admin practices radical collaboration!
2A: we're learning by doing. T's have selected tools (3D printer, green screen etc) 2learn Grow capacity &bring 2class
Yes! All Ts can contribute - consider letting Ts form affinity groups + lead "teacher lead" sessions https://t.co/s2CT3VqkCK
A2a: Make sure all Ts have a voice in decisions & recognize that some Ts are VERY knowledgeable & are experts in their field.
Q3:In today’s connected society,listening tech=needfinding.Are we effectively using listening skills/data in ed to design change?
A2a. Vulnerability & trust. "What do you need/would you like? Ok. Not my strength. Let's collab on path https://t.co/czdoVgN7IH
Q2a: HMW build work culture to meet the needs of our talent base in the classroom?
evening to all, great to see the turnout tonight
A2: must create a sense of urgency "the why" working w "we don't know what we don't know"
That's awesome! Did you have to create buy-in? Are they using the tools in meaningful ways/
thanks for joining tonight - jump right on it
comes from clarity of expectations. Nothing more deflating than thinking you have efficacy and finding out you don't.
HMW find identity among a field of differences?
A3 We have public schools and private schools, pose different challenges in each: public funded school often driven by politics
hi Martin - welcome! great to have you join us tonight
A2: Ss today: What's your position on P/F grades? I gave an earful. HMW show Ss they are more than grades? New culture needed!
Welcome 2 convo Chris! RT : evening to all, great to see the turnout tonight
A3: not enough edu leaders are listening - slow down. build empathy. don't be reactionary. build together. iterate and repeat!
a3: document learning outcomes (planned and unplanned), critique as a group, foster this openness of sharing
Inuit culture, those who have special talents for needed task lead the group. shared leadership through service 1/2
Respectfully recognizing differences is a way to encourage individuality & identity.
T's r having fun playing. Will be tougher to bring 2class. Last week t's recorded own version of "Shoop" in new studio
agree yet still feel building principals can make room for deeply listening/innovation
so true - there can be so many competing voices! Need to really listen to those who matter
A3: fear: there are so many ways to address change that the 1st one there (not always the best) get adopted
What do you mean by “work culture”
play is super important - have fun - laugh when you "fail"
Group moves forward together. Challenging process for Western worldview that likes a specific leader to make decisions
It does happen when those principals are open to it and have the capacity for flexible mindset
And plan ahead for that process; we seem to just barely be keeping up -- set flexible schedule for iterations
agree and yet sometimes struggle to understand what are people so fearful of?
That's great! Engaged is the first step to deep diving. Hopefully creating strong connections to authentic learning.
admins gotta get out into the "trenches" hear Ts and youth voice - if you don't do your not listening
There's been lots of laughter. Its been great so far. I'll have to bring it to classroom-but a good start
https://t.co/YIX9kgvSUD
A3: fear: there are so many ways to address change that the 1st one there (not always the best) get adopted
A3. Time and structure/guidance is needed to be truly responsive; not a priority in schools. Tyranny of the Urgent rules.
A3: In some areas, Yes. But only if trust & respect are the foundation of the approach to problems.
schedule is HUGE IMO - need to totally reimagine. I'm thinking flex-time in HSs
It could mean your physical environment as well as you mental environment. Do you share the same core beliefs?
Hi Alyssa- who makes the decision whose voices matter
and not just listen but document, collect, record, reflect & transform into now & later action
Struggling w/admin who only crosses/dots/complies. So discouraging.
IMO students first, community/parents 2nd - think we get the order wrong sometimes.
must be present, take time to truly know all staff
Imagine if a HS schedule was entirely flex-based and teacher teams were given 2 weeks off per school year to just think big.
individualistic society values competition and standing out. Very difficult to shift that worldview of talent .
https://t.co/c54jNpFGmA
A3: In some areas, Yes. But only if trust & respect are the foundation of the approach to problems.
Multiple Iterations Elusive Aspect 2 DT N classroom & workshops that kill me Time is always the factor
Urgency can create Rapid Responders who can diminish those around them for sure.
I'm a fan of stakeholder mapping for this
love these types of "What ifs" - just wish we had more ready to act on them!
Agree! i wonder why "we" can't exist as individs and contribute as individs to support the collective mission and vision
don't give up.. It will happen eventually!!!
with tech tools, these things are possible in less time than in previous generations
Q4:Single use transactional services are out, focus is on integration, a seamless 1-stop dest for daily needs. HMW apply to Ss?
A2a I think Culture Trumps Content N all aspects Classroom, Work Room, Admin, School Community No intentional Culture N play =bad
It feels like there's an urgency within innovative schools to tackle that time paradigm above others, no?
Work Culture:Why r we here? Are we about s's? how? Do we share beliefs? Not given at all schls
in some schools it's beginning to be - new models erupting!
Looking @ flexible block schedule w/interdisc learning for MS Ss. Ton o'possibilities! https://t.co/VSl9XVfAnJ
schedule is HUGE IMO - need to totally reimagine. I'm thinking flex-time in HSs
Yes nothing worse than having the same convo X# of yrs later with no change
Schools are ripe for disruption--I worry that too many just aren't able to adapt quick enough.
folk I am on a slow wifi and on a phone
um can you translate Q4for me :(
A D.Mentality approaches the end user as someone with a genuine challenge & not needing to change to avoid the challenge.
Re: Q4 could you please clarify the question?
Working on the flex based schedule now. 2 weeks off is way more difficult
Check out work by & his team
Q4:Single use transactional services are out, focus is on integration, a seamless 1-stop dest for daily needs. HMW apply to Ss?
Everyone's looking for one place, one stop, one app, one solution to many needs. Integration is key.
dig into collective societies and individualism
Definitely. For many, though, there are so many structures that have to be dismantled to be able to respond.
Bold change is needed - fearless leaders. Role models out there in all sectors of EDU public and private https://t.co/wCXoWMapSg
Schools are ripe for disruption--I worry that too many just aren't able to adapt quick enough.
agree. we encourage risk taking but there are still consequences outside of our communities ?
A4: stop teaching courses as stand alone. How does learning fit authentically across standards instead of within content?
I think individuality is unpredictable & scares those in power that need control & to maintain power.
So, HMW offer a more integrated experience of learning for students?
US citizens might see some of that socialism rather than humanism ...
Thanks! We fight the good fight every day.
What is single use transactional services? https://t.co/sNKDEygkLf
Q4:Single use transactional services are out, focus is on integration, a seamless 1-stop dest for daily needs. HMW apply to Ss?
Q4 (Clarification) how might we apply this thinking 2 schools? How we approach learning exp for students? https://t.co/BTQUGgEBfa
Everyone's looking for one place, one stop, one app, one solution to many needs. Integration is key.
Agree - this scares some people, have to explain why we do this at my school daily. https://t.co/HpQy1QkIf6
A4: stop teaching courses as stand alone. How does learning fit authentically across standards instead of within content?
inside our own circles we value and support the same things. what happens when we aren't holding the measuring stick?
more integrated as far as curriculum design? As far as student needs? I'm still confused
narrow solutions that only solve/ meet 1 need. How might we get away from that and work towards more integration?
different is in eye of beholder. How about 2 HR learning blocks where project is constant and t's and s's rotate?
Yes! Innovative, progressive schools are the firewall against disruption that favors testing culture.
Yes! https://t.co/fzzjb3ldjt
A4: stop teaching courses as stand alone. How does learning fit authentically across standards instead of within content?
It doesn't scare people. It terrifies them. Doesn't fit with established norms of school
Both. I see this as a challenge to integrate both learning experiences (curriculum) and S needs/services.
A4. HS was less courses & syllabus & more mentors/tutors/advisors/guides/pathfinders or at least balance of this & trad?
Working on it (slowly) now!
doesn't fit with there mental model of "what school is" might have to start there
A4: Not sure abt this but an approach to ed that recognizes the whole S, their community; not just as a vessel for knowledge.
This. https://t.co/OLvMPseTmB
Yes! Innovative, progressive schools are the firewall against disruption that favors testing culture.
A4 The Universal Design Model is beautiful; I'm not sure how it plays out in the trenches
Would love to see examples of practical steps if you have them.
A4. community partnerships
Yes, I like that! Connected, authentic learning experiences, collaborative and integrated into community.
designing concept of model key piece of activating change -been working on
This is what I'm feeling presently.
yes, because their lens is through an outdated paradigm
A4: maybe remove the "packaging" when we label practices it is immediately different/extra. maybe labels are the walls
agree that you have to paint a picture of what could be "A Day in the Life of a Students" Show not tell
use storyboarding, concept poster, alternate worlds DT methods to imagine
This. Yes. And: This. https://t.co/F664yO7nT0
A4. HS was less courses & syllabus & more mentors/tutors/advisors/guides/pathfinders or at least balance of this & trad?
labels are so interesting, many times people using the same label don't even mean the same thing !
I promise Question 5 will be easier! Coming up in a minute!
Vision: HS as 3 path exp: experiential, traditional, hybrid; Ss & Ps & Ts collab to determine best path 4 Ss & recalibrate as go
A4 (cont): effective practice exists whether we give it a name or not.
I'm trying to imagine a calendar that incorporates these concepts now.
much of what we do is derivative of the reporting software & process & scaled convenience not logic.
Wouldn't a "What Was/What Could Be" Day in the Life video be great? https://t.co/6LHLL7qZ7R
agree that you have to paint a picture of what could be "A Day in the Life of a Students" Show not tell
it can be done - we do this sorta well on Fridays and close to on the rest.. Longer days and year
Well said! I'm not sure. At times not having the "measuring stick" or a voice in its use makes me feel powerless.
Is it possible that MS may need to become more structured environments to help Ss navigate emotional waters while HS less so?
I'm going to create 3 more accounts so I can like this tweet even more times.
Q5: What new trends with are you seeing in k12ed and how might we capitalize on them?
blow up traditional! Ha.. All Ss get experiential,
Field based and multiple pathway options ;)
after 9 yrs in MS, I learned how impt structure was- balanced with empathy and common sense
Yes! Started creating in - even tried to show that 2 3rd graders might not have the same day
! https://t.co/mDsSdgxEcD
Vision: HS as 3 path exp: experiential, traditional, hybrid; Ss & Ps & Ts collab to determine best path 4 Ss & recalibrate as go
I'm ok w keeping the trad for Ss that thrive in that environment; keep what works for those for whom it works
+1 I think this is why establishing schls as learning communities that are prt of a larger community is VERY important
perhaps a quarter system 5-term year. Ss could choose terms instead of automatically being off in summer?
K12 vision: https://t.co/nNN6nIPdf2
Vision: HS as 3 path exp: experiential, traditional, hybrid; Ss & Ps & Ts collab to determine best path 4 Ss & recalibrate as go
A5: too many schools say they do DT when it's really , seeing Ss combine DT with and social justice.
Running to another meeting tonight! No worries! will take you to the finish! Thanks for joining our conversation.
right? It doesn't have to be all one or another; based on development needs seems like HS/MS could flip structures
we know that year round school works
this is an exciting trend that I hope will continue and make a difference!
The world is changing so fast! EdWorld needs to keep up w/true needs of Ss.
Hey thanks 4 modding a very cerebral & fascinating convo tonight… Look 4ward 2 reading feed
Hey thanks 4 modding a very cerebral & fascinating convo tonight… Look 4ward 2 reading feed
Followers are behind managers who are confident they are right. Leaders walk side by side with those work for what is right
Thanks for such a meaningful conversation tonight
does - "traditional" prepare Ss for a world where 75% of work is freelance in 10 yrs
LAST Q6: In the coming year, how might we help shift schools from design thinking to design doing?
what makes sense is to put what we know, based on research about developing teens to work in school
A school day that is part studio experience, part Socratic seminar, and part individualized online experience?
city charter high in PGH does this - cool innovative urban school + looping!
A5 love the idea of flattened luxury- everyone can have personalized experiences, technology can help but not substitute.
...I JUST got the kids down and missed the whole thing! Can't wait to read all this!!!! (Ela in Boston)
umm we have that... Online, blended, alt ed, typical school and homeschooling
I'm seeing this in TX. Using the term DT but not really knowing what it is. I'm not sure why this happens.
the trends are fascinating - so relevant to school & learning and yet?
A5. Seeing cross pollinate btw design industry worlds & education more & more; hoping 2016 continues this
sounds wonderful! but you would have to hire and fire and retrain a lot of staff to implement it
Yes - lab rotation at its best! I'd add field based learning. https://t.co/eqhIfPeugj
A school day that is part studio experience, part Socratic seminar, and part individualized online experience?
https://t.co/bSVemQQxWA
perhaps a quarter system 5-term year. Ss could choose terms instead of automatically being off in summer?
that ALMOST got me to squee like a 5 year old
So intrigued by idea (freelance). My daughters are there now. Our Ss will be there SOON!
They fear the cost in TX. AC is VERY expensive in summer.
A5: focus on communication. effective writers, analysts, and speakers make great DTers
people get on band wagon with the term without the empathy/iteration piece - drives me carry.
Followers are behind managers who are confident they are right. Leaders walk side by side with those who work for what is right
your ideas correlate w wouldn't it be cool if...lets get there
- I just saw notifications that folks were asking about the latest Compass - it's here! (ever shorter :) https://t.co/4sBm7DORtK
Yes, and bring Ss to experiences
I guess it would take rethinking where school happens and what Ss do there
And those parts are balanced according to student needs rather than to clock schedule or basic division
can you send docs for that. It is a wonder about that often
Yes. Empathy/Iteration are kinda a big deal in DT ;)
we are exploring Ss doing team DT projects for their work study companies - connect work to school
I'm wanting Ss to have more authority in how that happens for them.
Thank you for joining & letting us push your thinking. Look forward to continuing the conversations started tonight
Excited that my 1st grad course toward admin cert is in Organization Change; get ready
Next week’s will be hosted by Topic: Prototyping to Learn!
This might address weather challenges in TX - Ss do blended learning, meet in malls, camp, pool, country https://t.co/VnkPjD25RJ
blow up traditional! Ha.. All Ss get experiential,
Field based and multiple pathway options ;)
I'd *like* to think a trend is using DT at a lot more different scales - even just over moments for, and between, students.
