#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 February 10, 2016
Welcome to a weekly conversation abt K12 Education
My name is Alyssa,1 of 2 moderators 2night along w/
My name is Kami from San Jose, CA Excited to co-
moderate with this week! Welcome!
Introduce yourself and tell us where you are and your role.
My name is Kevin from Northfield, NJ USA and the awesome with !
Hi Kevin, how are things in NJ?
when we gettin' you down this-a-way for a visit, sir?
Hi Kevin great to have you join us. Any chance is joining too? The more the merrier
Hi. Have my left foot in here and my right foot watching B-Ball on the tele. Chris...DT MYP Teacher...Round Rock Tejas
Hope so! He's probably around. Glenn?
Hi Chris, hope it's a slow game!
super great! thanks! how's by you?
Michael Teacher teacher coach with NYC
Good evening. Great to see you.
Can't complain! California weather at it's best and the Superbowl crowds have left.
Hi Michael - great to have you join tonight
Put on your hacker hat, tonight’s chat will focus on what’s working, what needs upgrading, and community fixes.
Erin, ninth grade English teacher in Maine. No idea what I'm doing, but totally enthralled with the idea of .
Welcome! You've come to the right place is a community of amazing people. Jump right in!
Ashlea from SF Bay Area- Kindergarten Teacher!
Welcome! That's the fun of DT. It's always a surprise and you learn something!
Hi Ashlea! Glad to see you jump in this evening!
Today’s hackers are tinkerers and fixers who construct & de-construct the world. Let’s use our DT community and hack DT. Q1up nxt
You have a great handle and you're from Maine - you're already doing great!
Haha, thanks! Always fun to flaunt the heritage!
Q1: Let’s start by sharing recent successes. What is a recent success you have had using DT?
Also, Maine is bananas, but in the very best way.
It's a lite crowd tonight so jump right on in!
A1: Students are complaining less about NOT building. Coming around to a process before we build.
From CT and spent many a Summer in Castine. Love it up there.
A1: Recent success? My entire experience in K has been a DT process for ME. Surviving and I'd even say thriving! :)
A1: Recent success = introducing a group of teachers & admins to in Contra Costa County
A1: 's Extraordinaires Design Studio Pro & 's 'Ready, Set, Design' are superb and worth checking out!
A1: Went to an un-conference where 's DT session where the problem to solve was bringing the joy. Totes obsessed now
A1 Before I returned from sabbatical had students use dt for classroom arranging.
A1: Inherited a 3D Printer from another tchr. Student groups created and now printing Totems for that represent their group.
Awesome! Where is tonight? We could use some
Where is he tonight? He always brings the boomshakalaka!
A1: Went to an un-conference, and 's DT session, where the problem to solve was bringing the joy. Totes obsessed now
Prototyping Opportunity/Feedforward forum from first challenge about rituals & routines of innovation.
That guy ( ) has that affect on folks.
Can I asked if you solved it?
Q2: Where do you find DT to be most valuable? Where is it wasted?
It's been a while everyone. Crazy kid's schedules.i was here at the first few chats...I'm baaAACK. LOL
Natalie. Instructional and Tech Coach from Louisiana!
welcome back! I hear ya - the kid schedule sometimes makes it impossible!
A2: DT most valuable when showing kids it's a tool to change the world.
A1: Grew our in our library & started k/1st group.
A2: DT wasted when adults try to cram 'curriculum' into it. Square peg, round hole.
YES! And so accessible to anyone https://t.co/5hxhNHXh0E
A2: DT most valuable when showing kids it's a tool to change the world.
You need to share with She would dig it!
I've never laughed so hard at a conference in my life.
most valuable - for a teacher? labs and lesson plan design-most wasteful ? -as admin. we love pilots. Hate p.typing
A2: Using DT in my daily teaching life. Plan, teach, refine, re-plan, teach, repeat... Students are my clients/give feedback
A2: I haven't found a place where it is wasted yet.. Maybe not enough experience yet!
is this because they try to control the process?
A2 valuable to gain perspective & empathize. Wasted when brainstorming w post its is referred to as design thinking
So agree! We love to need find where convenient but are not always good at truly listening.
LOVE the notion of "students as my clients" They are our end users.
A2: Wasted -> I see people using "DT" as a Thing and not a process.
Necessary evil square peg? Hoping to find a way to make it work!!
A2 valuable when used to help studs get into mind of historical figure or character study.
And 7th graders WILL tell you what's going right and what's going wrong - we might as well listen, right?
A2: As a way to increase empathy & creative confidence. Luckily I've seen both this year, esp CC.
Tell me more about your process for this.
Yes, &... they tell us much younger. I listen to my 1st grader talk about his class..clearly his teacher is NOT listening
So powerful! Lost some of mine this year but working on getting it back!
Q3: Some fear that DT in edu is becoming too focused on a specific process, becoming it’s own “box” - thoughts?
A2b: DT is wasted when used in words only or as a program that a district states but doesn't understand.
Q3: Some fear that DT in edu is becoming too focused on a specific process, becoming it’s own “box” - thoughts?
I hate it when some of my colleagues think of design as only products or art. Never service
or use a process with a modified predetermined end result
Sometimes think we get caught up in the naming-DT, PBL, Challenge BL, it's all connected. create flow
A3 No fear here, just continuing to learn, educate others, and push kids' thinking so they can lead the way by example.
HMW use DT process 2 help ppl "get" it?Any kid not feeling heard is a red flag!!! DT; how 2 help Ts?
A3 too true. Many methodologies, all good. More about mindset. Ask good questions, empathize deeply, rapid prototype.
A3: All I've been doing lately is writing tons of rubrics and assessments. Hoping DT can help me to keep the PBE "box" organic.
A3 As long as the proponents of DT utilize it as part of a mindset & are open to diff ways to approach DT, it is > a fad.
novel study ex. Ss create "gift"for a char. tangible or intangible. Have to go through dt process to find great gift.
A3) like everything, it can get overly done & polished. DT needs mess. Mashup the processes based on ur users & needs.
A3 problem can be when too popular. folks implem but miss main method. need always focus on empathy,HMW
A3: cookie cutter approaches will make DT a passing fad/buzzword. Keep the Mindsets central rather than fighting over process
I feel the important piece of DT is the mindset and perspective more than following prescribed process. Messy learning.
Hi Steve! Great to have you join us - thanks for jumping in
It is interesting how encouraging Creative Confidence in others builds your own CC.
so true!! Description v. Prescription
A3: DT, like PBL before it, is wonderful when treated as a process and not a thing. It is, as just said, a mindset
Messes make me nervous... Need to keep outcomes as justification in my head.
A3: also worry about people forcing DT into situations it doesn't fit. If it's not empathy centred, don't call it DT
A3: I think "DT" is becoming a buzz word, much like grit/rigor. Google DT projects; Pinterest-ified. Love the messy perspective!
I see this also. Empathy is what sets DT apart from other similar approaches.
thanks, have missed the crew lately!
I see many use it as a "project" process w/out really gaining the benefit of design. There's a reason for D in DT.
Yes, please let's not "cute-ify" design thinking!
so true. Next it will be said that "DT builds agency." (Sticking finger down throat)
Q4: How do you apply design thinking skills outside of a design thinking project, “moving beyond design thinking”?
so true. Save us from another label. Grit has translated to "get tougher poorer kids" at times.
That is one of more exciting (& little scary) reasons DT with young Ss is so much fun.
Yep. Just reminding myself, lol. I'm used to tons of very specific structure.
A4 interesting -- focus on empathy-- imp skill to dev in stud no matter what.
A4: DT is a life skill, easy to apply to problems of all kinds, just follow the process, I say!
A4: Pushing back a bit -> Isn't life just a "design thinking project?" If we can show that to our students, everyone wins.
A4: I use various tools and approaches from all the time in mtgs, classes, my own head.
Agree, talk about a life skill everyone needs https://t.co/teemBJVAqd
A4 interesting -- focus on empathy-- imp skill to dev in stud no matter what.
You're right,becoming a slogan or a badge of failing, but not sure that it always suggests failing up.
I like to use DT as a way to develop myself as a stud also. ;)
and you, sir, are a STUD! ha ha....
daily- projects & program design at the district office level
great perspective! I certainly approach life that way, not sure I see being used that way, too many boundaries?
A4: Some interesting perspectives here: Hacking the Classroom: Moving Beyond Design Thinking
love the ones about searching for feedback and problems as opportunities for change!
true. Life brings in some interesting constraints and time lines.
The application & transfer of skills in is what we all want. "We don't need more , we need more Design Thinkers!"
That was my favorite also.
I love that my 5 year old now actively looks for problems to solve
Hey folks, late to party tonight but couldn't miss & !
Thought I'd throw out the fact that I'm missing - then POOF! he shows up
Yay! We were missing you!
SO honored that you joined tonight! 'tcomparetoyours
now THAT was a pretty darn good hashtag though.
Q5: What are your current challenges with DT? What is your “we could if…”?
YAY! Roll Out! Or Unite...Or...Something coll and retro!
. So stoked that Erin is on the train now; convos we've had since Sat are mos def worthy
A5: Being brave enough to dive in with my Ks. Going to start when I get back with the "what bugs you?" list. :)
. I'll try to bring it in these last 20 min w
A5: Getting Young Ss to unpack an interview. We're having some real trouble w/ listening skills. Imagine that.
A5: Struggling with authentic need-finding & getting kids to go the distance; close but not quite there yet.
A5: Current challenge is that my room is toooooo small. Next year I move into a new building with Art and Design rooms.
same, we should compare notes!
You will LOVE it! It is amazing when kids start to see the power they have to solve problems, no matter how small
A5: Just getting started, but a tad nervous about explaining creative use of class time that's not read/think/write/repeat.
A5: my issue this year will be adapting to 50 min lesson times after moving from school w 90 min blocks. Less time to unpack
Authenticity is always an issue for me, and for most. I know I need to work harder/smarter to bring it in to my class.
Such important life skills to dev. https://t.co/I2naKaDsEz
A5: Getting Young Ss to unpack an interview. We're having some real trouble w/ listening skills. Imagine that.
I must admit; I kinda cheated on the need-finding & asked our campus for ideas. Then had Ss choose. not perfect, but...
Lots of room for creative thinking within that constraint. Embrace don't fight it.
I feel your pain, I get 40 minute periods, but five days in a row, still not enough time!
As usual, just joining from Cambridge, MA...need to get these kids down earlier! Scanning through this great stuff now...
I'm having real trouble w/ this group of young Ss. I may need to work on it in smaller grps. Any ideas?
A5: As an admin at the school, my challenges remain fighting the status quo of analytical thinking & solutioning vs empathizing
I think there's something noble in the willful workaround though; if we own our bias, still informs design
Groups of no more than three...
oh man; that's a big big shift; will you get to see them more frequently though?
I think part of that is just helping 2 model real needs, not sure you always have 2 do entire process 2 learn
Yes, Please. I need a different perspective on this challenge. Maybe I should DT my DT?
So true! Maybe the ans. is "helps engage kids AND learn content better (bubble tests)?
absolutely, that's why I see it as me needing to adapt my practice rather than a major issue
And always a place to improve next time :)
modeling with simple task-- big bad wolf, 3 pigs? then have them interview you. video them?
Welcome! Better late than not at all! Happy you're here.
have you considered the use of authentic audiences or problem staters?
Yes! Now it seems so obvious. This is usually my approach to other areas. Not sure why not DT.?.
WOW! a real concern, yet it makes me SO sad what we lose at the expense of content
we are using authentic problem starter; The Weather Challenge is our latest Design Experience!
my problem is I'm new to DT and this school. Need to build my community helpers
*Gags over bubble tests* Feel like ELA is more skills than content, so writing practice necessary. Doable, though
I just got here a few minutes ago myself
no worries. I was at the first few chats when it started. Back now for good! lol
knowledge has a shorter shelf life than ever before, great argument for more process
I'm banking on this. We have so little time; it is difficult to know what to model & what to focus on.
Great advice. https://t.co/Cf8JMHbmrH
I think part of that is just helping 2 model real needs, not sure you always have 2 do entire process 2 learn
Welcome - discussing challenges with Design Thinking & doing some on the fly problem solving
my 1 class I will see 4 times a week so they will get the intense DT pedagogy focus!
A5. Current challenge w DT is making iterative & feedback process more robust & less lip service; feels like glossing lately
- I'm a HUGE fan of this (big part of why I work to develop a "compass" instead of a "process")
And there's a if I've ever seen one https://t.co/kdOs4C4kjr
knowledge has a shorter shelf life than ever before, great argument for more process
In the IB world, we have a Personal Project for 10th graders. 9th graders start planning in DT class.
Use the characters to role play an interview?
Indeed! :) I often counter by yes, anding to add the bit of empathy to make the predetermined more insightful
Love the problem solving on the fly tonight
Relates to our topic of moving beyond the process to more meaningful application, the transfer piece. It's hard.
love it, might be moving in that direction next year...
also: hey Kevin! great seeing you here tonight!
awesome example! What barriers keep it from happening in your colleagues classroom?
that feedback process is SOOO key to it all. Tough to scale up but so worth it in the long run
thx I'm burning the midnight oil, that's for sure
Notice I don't really have a solution for you but I definitely fell empathy : )
your workforce Dev. Or chamber of commerce might be a good place to start
A5: Trying to instill DT can be used for simple PBL within the class not always 4 pipe dreaming. Moving towards a way of thinking
Great analogue! I also picture a current that influences ideas, like other writings on mindset.
Q6: What is your go-to resource for all things ?
exactly-- 1st model with anthr Tchr. 1 be wolf & 1 ask needs and wants. kids interview you as another char. needfinding.
Thank you for those thoughts.
Thanks for the idea! Now I have to find a willing T on my campus. https://t.co/CCKswi4RE0
exactly-- 1st model with anthr Tchr. 1 be wolf & 1 ask needs and wants. kids interview you as another char. needfinding.
A6: I go right here when I need inspiration and insight.
A6: Trick Question... of course!
It's a real thing not just a metaphor, but the metaphor is very right: use when/how you need to.
A6: also amazing PLN members , , , so many others
hitting the hay-- thanks for great chat folks.
Q6: What is your go-to resource for all things ? great time to share links, projects, etc
Ha Ha! Obvious answer. This community is one of the best! Time and space not an issue!
right behind you, closing down an 18+ hour day right now...
Thanks for joining in Tara!
- Two great things to have: an ever-changing flow of fresh input, and a constant compass :)
8+ years on Twitter. Many great chats. But THIS really is one of the best for helping each other.
I second that! Continue to be amazed by the community and relationships formed
It's the stinkin' calendar; providing enough time for Ss to get to experiment & produce & get feedback AND iterate
A6: I always direct people to https://t.co/4OUxPrTZMs and the ever helpful crew to learn more about Design Thinking
A6: My go-to DT resources will be Amazing colleagues... like , I'm coming for ya! ..
Wait...you actually have a DT compass? Is there an app for that?
vacation is just time to let the DT ideas incubate; it will make March much more intentional
Great job tonight. You and did a nice job.
no problem. Let me know how it goes. Saying "future talent" for the areas businesses- might get new eyes/ ears
I think we can all agree that this deserves a mighty for the whole community https://t.co/k4E6NRNFmL
A6: I go right here when I need inspiration and insight.
Next week: join for a around Constraints - Containing and Creating Possibilities
Good call. Forced planning time. So impatient, though!
Thanks all for an amazing tonight - don't forget to keep the conversation going.
always the tension of how long to flounder intelligently and how much more is backing up to discover in next topic
Next week: join for a around Constraints - Containing and Creating Possibilities
for elementary storytelling, empathy, need finding! https://t.co/PQnmdvZhEc
exactly-- 1st model with anthr Tchr. 1 be wolf & 1 ask needs and wants. kids interview you as another char. needfinding.
. Seeing an awful lot of this answer to Q6... making me smile. :)
AND... if you haven't read "A Beautiful Constraint" consider it your homework before next wk https://t.co/Ket4URwHLH
Thanks everyone! I'm an hour late for my meeting with , see y'all later! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Thanks , great to reconnect with everyone
and then there's the ELA curriculum needs as well; which I'm fortunate to not feel so much constraint w/n
Thanks for your participation tonight! Happy dreams!
And there were a number of key DT'ers not here tonight.
thankful for the inspiration of who was the force behind
yes! holy cow! I did not know of this book until tweet minutes ago!
beware - you will likely not put it down. It's up there with "A More Beautiful Question" by
(oops to the group this time :) Sorry, I know some folks have seen it already!
Big ol to for modding tonight on
Thanks to an amazing community of learners! Same time next week for You all rock!
Agreed! Looking forward to looking backward through what I missed tonight. https://t.co/UQy0enmSY9
Big ol to for modding tonight on
