“Teachers who frequently assign classwork involving creativity are more likely to observe higher-order cognitive skills — problem solving, critical thinking, making connections between subjects — in their students. And when teachers combine creativity with transformative technology use, they see even better outcomes. (Krueger, 2021)
Have you attended the MACUL (Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning) Conference? MACUL is known for this annual conference, but they actually do so much more such as offering multiple professional learning opportunities throughout the year.
As education professionals, we know that professional learning is required. The great thing is that not all professional learning needs to be a heavy lift. Sometimes professional learning can be presented in a way that is creative, freeing, and even, dare we say it…fun?
As educators across the state look forward to the MACUL Conference each year, hearing the keynote speakers is a much-anticipated experience. However, sometimes it can be hard connect with the keynote especially if you are unfamiliar with their work. We are excited to announce that the Kent ISD is offering a professional learning book study that will focus on the work of the MACUL 2023 keynote speaker.
10 Reasons to Participate in “Unboxing Creativity”
The keynote speaker at this year’s MACUL Conference is Austin Kleon, a bestselling author who is known as a “writer who draws.” One of his signature styles (incorporated into many of his books) is creating “Top Ten Lists.” In the spirit of channeling our inner Austin Kleon, this book study (focused on three of his books) will embrace creativity, and we will start with our own top ten list of reasons to participate in “Unboxing Creativity.“
1. Unlock Your Creativity
Creativity is all around us and sometimes we simply need to take a leap of faith and try something new and different. Sometimes we don’t know what we are capable of, or give ourselves credit for what we are capable of, until we dive into the unknown
“Creative work helps students connect new information to their prior knowledge, says Wanda Terral, director of technology for Lakeland School System outside of Memphis. That makes the learning stickier. Unless there’s a place to ‘stick’ the knowledge to what they already know, it’s hard for students to make it a part of themselves moving forward, she says. It comes down to time. There’s not enough time to give them the flexibility to find out where the learning fits in their life and in their brain.” (Krueger, 2021)
2. Open Up Your Cabinet of Curiosities
Educators have enough work and responsibilities on their plates as it is. Consequently, the minds of educators can often be hoarding places of ideas and collections that never quite come to fruition. So, why not pick one of those ideas, pair it with something that you genuinely enjoy or are passionate about and simply try it. Be curious. Be open to failing forward. Be open to connecting with others who fuel your curiosity and creativity.
3. The Ordinary + Extra Attention = The Extraordinary
No need to wait until you feel you have permission from those around you to try something new. Take a lesson that you feel students struggle connecting to and find magic in the mundane. Take some time to slow down, evaluate options, ask for help, look for inspiration, and create something you are personally proud of and something that your students will enjoy. By paying attention to the things that are most meaningful to you in the process, you might even discover something new about yourself that has been hiding beneath the surface.
4. Steal Like An Artist
Educators understand the power of collaboration and sharing when it comes to designing creative teaching and learning artifacts. Embracing the face that most ideas are a mashup or remix of one or more previous ideas speaks to the power of “stealing like an artist.” Injecting yourself into this creative lineage of ideas will not only open doors for yourself, but most likely serve as inspiration to others.
Not sure where to start? Keep a notebook or digital file of ideas as they come to you so you can return to them later when you have the capacity to do so. Chances are those ideas might have grown or remixed on their own by the time you come back to them!
5. Show Your Work!
It is never too late to show your work! What is your work though? This can be whatever is meaningful to you professionally or personally. Are you a pro at using Google Slides? Share templates you have created on social media or on a blog. Is classroom management your strong point? Create short videos with tips and tricks and post them on YouTube. Whatever you share, it is important to understand that it does not need to be a large masterpiece – share your passion with a good story, and your ideas, processes, and products will give you confidence and a voice you might not have known you had inside!
6. Keep Going
It can sometimes be difficult to stay creative in good times and bad. Building a list of things that you are thankful for as well as things you could use some help with is a great way to help you to keep going forward. Honor your need for breaks and the ability to change your mind. Understand that creativity has seasons and that taking one day at a time will help re-center your creative journey.
7. Connect to Statewide Initiatives
Many educators have found themselves in a learning experience where they have questioned why they are there, what the purpose is, or why the meeting couldn’t have been an email. This book study is directly related to the annual MACUL Educational Technology Conference as the books are published by the keynote speaker. This will help provide further insight and context as to creativity and art support teaching and learning.
8. Be a Local Leader
This book study is structured as a “train the trainer” model. That means by participating in this experience, you will receive all digital materials needed to run a similar model in your own school or district. If you participated and recognized you could make some tweaks to make it run a bit better for you – by all means, steal like an artist (with providing due credit of course)!
9. (Mostly) Asynchronous Learning
To meet the needs of learners, this book study is structured to be mostly asynchronous. There will be one synchronous meeting to kick off the book study, but the rest of the pace will be decided by the participant. Honoring the time and capacity of educators helps us support your curiosity and stamina in completing this course.
10. Rooted in Adult Learning
Much like students, teachers are also learners. Adult learning has many parallels to student learning, but there are also different needs that need to be met when working with adult learners. The principles of adult learning, specifically having a problem- centered approach to learning, have been interwoven into this learning experience to make it as learner-centered as possible.
Join this Book Study!
Now is the perfect time to register for the latest PL in a Box learning experience called, “Unboxing Creativity.” This three part book study will focus on three of Austin Kleon’s books. As a participant, you will be able to walk away with a new creative lens to look at your teaching and student learning.
This learning opportunity is FREE for Kent County educators and only $10 for out of county educators, that includes ALL THREE BOOKS! The work is mostly asynchronous (minus the first in person meeting), and you can earn 7 SCECHs! What are you waiting for? Spots are limited and will fill fast. Reserve your spot now!
#Technology #MACUL23 #EdTech #WeLeadLearning #KentISDpd #PLinaBox
Sources:
- Krueger, N. (2021, October 5). 5 reasons why it’s more important than ever to teach creativity. ISTE. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://www.iste.org/explore/5_Reasons_Why_It_Is_More_Important_Than_Ever%20_Teach_Creativity
This blog post was written by Sarah Wood, Education Technology Consultant, edited by Amanda Walma, Professional Learning Coordinator and Sara Johnson, PD Hub Intern for Kent ISD.
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