Curious Combinations + Execution = Innovation

USD 497 Board of Education Ipadpalooza report from my perspective:

First, I’d like to thank each of our Board of Education members and the administration of Lawrence Public Schools for allowing me this eye-opening experience. Eye-opening–in more ways than one might number. Including but not limited to just how much sweat and body odor one charter bus can handle on a boiling summer day. All of that said, I wouldn’t trade one moment for how this experience has transformed my mindset over the last month. 

I’d like us to consider the working parts of the Classic Tin Kaleidoscope when sharing my experiences at Ipadpalooza: the peephole, the multi-colored/various shaped beads, the turning mechanism and the mirrors.

Peephole

The peephole is our vision. We have to peek into it to see our very own starting place–our unique beginning.

When attending Ipadpalooza, I began with my beads aligned in a beautiful image of excitement, wonder and my very own philosophy of innovation in education. However, I entered the conference searching for new beads, eager to gain new information and knowing I would NOT leave there the same way I walked in. It’s safe to say, I was not let down with this expectation. 

Multi-Colored, Various Shaped Beads

The beads within the tube are a variety of shapes and sizes; they are also many different colors and textures. The beads are all ideas in the world–every theory, philosophy, field, profession, ideology, power, etc. ALL represented. The truth is no idea, in its entirety, is a brand new idea but rather a collection of many concepts, thoughts, opinions, and influences. 

Mark Twain put it this way, “There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible.” 

So, here we have every idea contained in one tube–our world. 

Needless to say, after developing new personal learning networks from the Ipadpaloooza experience, I was able to collaborate and relate to MANY diverse sizes and shaped beads and add the unique combinations to my original vision. The image viewed through my kaleidoscope peephole at this moment is more beautiful than I would have ever dreamt. The first of which is meeting my newest #EduHero, George Couros–author of The Innovator’s Mindset. This meeting was the springboard to launching my growth mindset to a new level–an innovator’s mindset.

Turning Mechanism

The turning mechanism on the end of the kaleidoscope is ACTION! Being willing to become an innovator requires this vital step called action! 

“If we want to create a culture of innovation, we must first focus on furthering our own learning and growth.” -George Couros

“Vision without execution is hallucination.” -Thomas Edison

So, after meeting George and attending his Digital Footstep session, I realized I too wanted to create a “Google name” for myself. I began with enhancing my Twitter account to reflect WHO I am @TaraMartinEDU. I had been stealing ideas from Twitter for about a year, and now I was willing to reciprocate the favor. And this is where the first turn of my kaleidoscope occurred–making a beautiful new combination. 

The turning mechanism is not automatic or battery operated. Which means, there is no mechanical limitation to stop the user from making another turn. It just takes a willingness to reach out, grab the turning mechanism and MOVE the instrument. Stretch yourself–create, launch your ideas, INNOVATE.

After reading sections such as this from Couros’ book, I decided it was time for me to act.

“Rather than limiting educators’ initiative, and thereby students’ learning opportunities, let’s create environments of competitive collaboration, where educators at all levels push and help one another to become better. For this to happen, ideas need to be shared openly and consistently, not hidden for fear of being shut down. Likewise, we must build and strengthen relationships with (and between) our educators so that every individual sees him or herself as an integral part of the larger whole.” – George Couros

And with a little (ok a LOT) of encouragement and support from George, I created my very own website–a Professional Digital Portfolio–to contribute ideas to fellow educators, not only to LPS teachers but for those in our profession around the world. This adventure has hands-down, been the most challenging thing I’ve attempted in a long while. I’ve had a straight-up 180-degree learning curve. Within my website, I have been able to apply many ideas, applications and technological support that I received from Ipadpalooza. Some examples include app-smashing, links to information around the globe and learning experiences from my new Personal Learning Network of colleagues created from attending this event.

Another turn on my kaleidoscope…

A week after Ipadpalooza, I Tweeted a few quotes from Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess–a book I found advertised in the back of The Innovator’s Mindset. I bought it on vacation and began reading it and found it powerfully passionate about teaching. One of many quotes that resonated with me by Burgess,

“Any endeavor that doesn’t hold the possibility of failure can’t accomplish anything meaningful.” 

Just a few lines later Burgess states,

“Instead, be encouraged to push the edge and reach new heights.”

After tweeting these quotes, Dave Burgess–the Pirate, himself replied to my tweets. I shared with him that I have dreamt of becoming an educational author and am taking the first step to help fellow colleagues by beginning a blog. Long story short, I received my first consulting from Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc publishing company yesterday via Google Hangout and am thrilled about the possibilities my future might hold. While the new opportunities are a bit fuzzy, and there is a sense of uncertainty, considering the possible options leaves me in complete awe.

Mirrors

As you might have guessed, the mirrors within the kaleidoscope represent our reflection from all angles. How might we describe what we learned from that experience? In what ways does it compare to our previous view? What might we like to see next? The more we consider the questions mentioned, the more eager we are to turn the dial again and see what combination will form. We can’t wait to learn something new and share it so we will be stimulated and continue this cycle of Learning/Sharing/Growing. 

Image shared on Adobe Spark Page by Austin Kleon–keynote speaker at Ipadpalooza 

In fact, in the past month, the connections and enthusiasm during my new learning experiences seem to parallel to what I imagine students encounter when trying something challenging yet inspiring.

The process of creating, exposing vulnerability in writing, sharing ideas and stretching to reach a dream has empowered me like none other.

I now consider this a formula for arriving at this new level of learning:

Curious Combinations + Execution = Innovation

THAT is what I want our students to experience, but NOT just the students–ALL educators, no one exempt.

Side note: I planned out this entire session, bought a kaleidoscope for each of you (USD497 BOE Members) at the local Toy Store downtown and creatively chose how each piece of the instrument related to my recent experience. Then, I Google searched for Mark Twain’s quote on “no new idea under the sun” to add to the beginning of my presentation,  just to find that he too used the same analogy concerning ideas.

I immediately sent this text to my husband–BUBBLE busted! 

At first, I was a bit disappointed and wondered had I read that before, but after much consideration–this moves me and proves his point even further. (I do admit, after reading the quote, I changed my title and snagged the phrase “curious combinations.” It fit too perfectly.)

“There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces or colored glass that have been used through all ages.” – Mark Twain

Oh Snap, Mark! Proving your point over a hundred years later! I have to admit the idea of thinking like Mark Twain quickly turned my frown upside down.

Let’s innovate–create new curious combinations. No two combinations are exactly the same and NEVER will be. THAT IS POWERFUL!

Prepare for INNOVATION in Lawrence, KS!

I’m beyond ecstatic about what 2016-2017 school year holds for USD497!

Thank you for investing in us!

Click the image below to see the Adobe Spark Page developed for this presentation–an app learned at Ipadpalooza 2016. *Make sure to click on the links captioned on various images.