Archive for February, 2008
obama releases “innovation plan”
“In releasing this “technology and innovation plan,” Obama is the first major presidential candidate on either ticket to release a technology policy document that’s this comprehensive—some of the proposals …had… been pitched by Edwards and others, but Obama is the first to put them all in one place.”
fast company announces fast 50 (innovative companies of the year)
“We canvassed the experts, analyzed the products, and crunched the numbers. From visionary upstarts to storied stalwarts, here are companies that dazzle with new ideas — and prove beyond a doubt how business is a force for change. We call them the Fast 50.”
innovation series on pbs
Innovation was a short lived series (8 episodes) on PBS that “presented scenarios in which people are challenged to push disciplinary and design boundaries in order to create cutting-edge technology projects. These endeavors can inspire students’ curiosity and desire to participate actively in project design and building — so INNOVATION is ideally suited to be a starting point for project-based learning.” I really like their teacher guide on this site that frames how to use this tool for project based lessons.
innovation in small schools
Some of the best innovative practices in the small schools movement can be found at the Coalition of Essential Schools CESChangeLab project. “This online library makes it easy to access proven resources of effective teaching and curriculum. Through school tours, discussion boards, and “Ask a Mentor” panels, ChangeLab expands the reach of the physical Mentor schools to the larger CES and educational communities. Take a behind-the-scenes look and see how these thirteen Mentor Schools exemplify CES principles in action.” Make sure you check out what we’re doing at Eagle Rock School & Professional Development Center.
how “flow” is connected to innovation
This business week article references one of my favorite books. Flow, the concept with the book by the same title, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, is explained as “the mental state of operation in which the person is fully immersed in what he or she is doing, characterized by a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and success in the process of the activity.”
take note of this…
My favorite new innovation for time management and general organization is Jott. Here’s how it works. Set up a free account. Dial the toll free number. Speak up to 30 seconds. You are then emailed the text of your brilliance. Great for ‘task lists’ and much safer than texting yourself while driving. That’s the quick and dirty. Check it out and let me know how you use it.
