Introduction
The inspiration from this class came from two separate events. The first was the viewing of the following video from a TED
Conference in California. Google Summary: Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining (and profoundly moving) case for creating an education system that nurtures creativity, rather than undermining it. With ample anecdotes and witty asides, Robinson points out the many ways our schools fail to recognize -- much less cultivate -- the talents of many brilliant people. "We are educating people out of their creativity," Robinson says. The universality of his message is evidenced by its rampant popularity online. A typical review: "If you have not yet seen Sir Ken Robinson's TED talk, please stop whatever you're doing and watch it now."
Conference in California. Google Summary: Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining (and profoundly moving) case for creating an education system that nurtures creativity, rather than undermining it. With ample anecdotes and witty asides, Robinson points out the many ways our schools fail to recognize -- much less cultivate -- the talents of many brilliant people. "We are educating people out of their creativity," Robinson says. The universality of his message is evidenced by its rampant popularity online. A typical review: "If you have not yet seen Sir Ken Robinson's TED talk, please stop whatever you're doing and watch it now."
The second inspiration was a workshop I visited at the National Educators Computer Convention in San Antonio the summer of 2008. It was titled "Creative Consortium" and it featured Gary Stager and Peter H. Reynolds. The entire day was spent planning project-based activities using several different types of software. The software I used the most was from Tech4Learning's Pixie, ImageBlender, and WebBlender.
Links:
Most resourceses and downloads come from the Tech4learning website at www.tech4learning.com.
Downloads:
Pixie Download (and video overview)
ImageBlender Download (and video overview)
WebBlender Download (and video overview)
As part of the course, you are to download the trial version of the above softwares. After the course, a Product Number will be sent to you to make your trial version permanent.
Other Resources onthe Tech4Learning Website:
Pics4Learning
Recipes4Success
Rubric Maker
Graphic Organizer Maker
Bibliography Maker
Connect
Creative Educator
Trading Post
Downloads:
Pixie Download (and video overview)
ImageBlender Download (and video overview)
WebBlender Download (and video overview)
As part of the course, you are to download the trial version of the above softwares. After the course, a Product Number will be sent to you to make your trial version permanent.
Other Resources onthe Tech4Learning Website:
Pics4Learning
Recipes4Success
Rubric Maker
Graphic Organizer Maker
Bibliography Maker
Connect
Creative Educator
Trading Post