All of us have sources of inspiration that move us to think hard about our personal and professional values, ideals, and aspirations. Well, for me, the TED Talks have been one of the sources of thoughtful re-evaluation and perspective changer.
Let’s start with a TEDTalk that is going viral right now.
There are students like Thomas Suarez in every school who are passionate about technology, are ambitious and creative, AND are skilled beyond their years. What are we doing as educators to help nurture them? Enjoy this TedManhattanBeach YouTube clip featuring one amazing young man. A future Steve Jobs? I think Thomas has what it takes!
One of my all time favorite educational technology leaders is Will Richardson. Will has been a mover-shaker educator leading the rethinking of education through innovation for years. He is a major player in helping us understand the use of online resources and empowered teaching can radically improve teaching, learning and classroom engagement.
A parent of two middle school-aged children, Will Richardson has been blogging about the intersection of social online learning networks and education for the past 10 years at Weblogg-ed.com. He is a former public school educator for 22 years, and is a co-founder of Powerful Learning Practice, a unique long-term, job-embedded professional development program that has mentored over 3,500 teachers worldwide in the last four years.
Some of the takeaways:
- We are losing our students by continuing down the same, old familiar educational road. We must NOT continue down that road. Our kids are shutting down and finding their own path to a meaningful education. Let’s join them… facilitate that powerful learning model.
- Our children are motivated to learn… if we give them the tools — which are available, empowering, and facilitate learning. Key to this is access to educational technology tools, Internet tools, digital media, digital media creation tools, authentic learning (hands-on, real-world), global connections and resources.
Another of my favorite TED Talks is Itay Talgam inspiring leadership challenge.
There is a message of immense value in this talk for every person, no matter what walk of life.
An orchestra conductor faces the ultimate leadership challenge: creating perfect harmony without saying a word. In this charming talk, Itay Talgam demonstrates the unique styles of six great 20th-century conductors, illustrating crucial lessons for all leaders.
Whether you are a classroom teacher, a support specialist, an administrator, or supervisor the message is clear… just listen!
9/18/2011 My new favorite TED Talk
Richard Resnick: Welcome to the genomic revolution
Consider what this TED Talk means for all of us as we age, face health challenges, and determine our life plans. I am continually awed by the value of the TED Talks, not just for professional interests, but for all facets of our lives.
Have you tapped the Ted Talks and found a favorite? Which one? What inspired you?
I recently found two more TED Talks that I love – Diana Laufenberg is a dynamic presenter who understands the value of learning from mistakes. She is an advocate for experiential learning and students taking the lead on learning. Don’t miss this TED Talk!
I was really excited to see that TED Talks have expanded to those with a focus on kids. There is a new podcast series available via iTunes called Ted Talks Kids and Family that is very engaging. This Talk caught my eye and I am glad it did. Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids has so much to say to us about the way children learn best. From the TED TAlk desription: Child prodigy Adora Svitak says the world needs “childish” thinking: bold ideas, wild creativity and especially optimism. Kids’ big dreams deserve high expectations, she says, starting with grownups’ willingness to learn from children as much as to teach.
You also can join the TED conversations which provide the opportunity to discuss questions that matter to you and TED presenters and members.