Over the last few weeks, I’ve enjoyed experimenting with illustrated videos. Here are three of my examples: One of the questions people ask is, “How did you make these?” This is often followed up by a second question, “How long did it take?” That…
For the last eleven years, I asked my students to fill out a survey about how they use technology. Although I am now teaching university students, I think I’m going to do a similar survey. The questions are both about technology use (have you ever…
It’s easy to bust on standardized tests. They suck. They’re boring. They’re virtually meaningless. They kill instructional time. But what’s the alternative? If we’re not using multiple choice tests, what are we using? If we want a more creative classroom, what types of assessments exist…
My Recommended Reading List on Creativity and Design Thinking I’m a big a fan of reading — especially in the summertime. Later in the day, when it’s blazingly hot, I usually have a quiet time. We all sprawl out on different chairs or couches and…
I’m a fan of digital writing. After all, I’m sitting at my computer typing right now. And yet, when it comes to my deepest writing, I nearly always scribble it out by hand. When I’m stuck, I doodle. When I plan, I sketch out webs….
Why, yes, I am talking about AT&T Ballpark I’m passionate about seeing kids make stuff. This why I’m offering a free, short course this June called A Beginner’s Guide to Design Thinking. Spaces are limited, so sign up now if you’re interested. Last week, I spoke at a TEDx…
It’s funny how much can be accomplished with a simple five-minute conversation. It can be a chance to guide students in self-reflection, help provide needed advice, or work provide a chance to review mastery of standards. This is why I tend to schedule short, five-minute…
It’s no secret that I like to make stuff. My wife and I co-wrote Wendell the World’s Worst Wizard and I have been blown away when classrooms choose it as a read aloud. I worked with two other people on creating Write About, a digital publishing…
I’m writing this post during recess. It’s not really recess. It’s lunchtime. However, for this half an hour, students have a break. They can move. They can play. They can socialize. They can be free. I contrast this to my daughter’s class. She’s in pre-school,…
Just a few years ago, I would have been mortified for people to see that picture (above). When I was in high school, I decided not to go into Advanced Art, because I was scared. I had created a few pieces that won awards and…
I’m a professor and a maker. Sometimes I make things. Sometimes I make a difference. On a good day, I get to do both.
