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Monday, February 24, 2014

TyRuben Ellingson: Digital Pragmata Brown Bag

Sketch notes 2/24/2014
TyRuben Ellingson delivered an outstanding talk today at the Academic Learning Commons 4100. I took some sketchnotes for reflection. Two major throughlines for this presentation, as I see it, are:
  • How do you become really good at doing something?
  • What fosters creativity?
I read and think about deep learning and effective learning -- constantly. TyRuben's talk adds to that mashup of ideas from print and nonprint resources. I see a pattern in learning that is necessary for one to become an exquisite and consummate artist (or an expert in any discipline) over time:
  • mentoring or apprenticeship - that is, to be in a position where you can closely observe and pick up the skills and practice of an expert (What would this look like in online learning?)
  • obsessive lifelong learning
  • sharp observation skills; an eye for detail
  • a fearless persistence in looking for opportunities
  • never ever think you can't (TyRuben, "I don't allow anything to block [my thinking].") 
Mostly, these are habits of mind we need to cultivate, with grit. 

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Seize Your Limitations



Need a pick-me-up for the day? Watch this video.
"Limitations may be the most unlikely of places to harness creativity, but perhaps one of the best ways to get out of ruts, rethink categories and challenge accepted norms." - Phil Hansen, artist