Creativity Rocks

For some reason in our society, creativeness is a virtue held above all others. It makes sense, since our country was founded upon principles that were antithetical to the established order.

We practically worship non-conformity. From Apple's "Think Different" ad campaign to the "Change" theme of Pres. Obama, we have always rewarded those who think and do uniquely.

Technology is a vehicle for creativeness and novelty, and drives it at the same time. Why is technology so instrumental in change? Why is it good to use technology if you seek novelty?

Or, are there limits to creative thinking? How do you know when you've reached those limits?

How's This for Clarity?

Tonight, a guest blog.

http://my-public-affairs.blogspot.com/2010/02/teaching-in-army-part-1.html

Our guest? Me.

The question is, how can technology facilitate clarity? Better yet, does it make it more or less likely that we will be clear during instruction?

I would love to simulate life. Well, maybe not. I am reminded of the movie Vanilla Sky, by which I am fascinated, and about how we can tell the difference between reality and simulations, if no one tells us the difference.

Simulations help us analyze reality, and technology makes simulations possible.

For example, the Army is increasingly relying on technology to simulate combat, because the cost of practicing in actual combat is too high, and not simulating it results in poor performance when Soldiers meet reality.

Classrooms are the same, and the costs may be just as high, though the effect dulled by time. Nevertheless, teachers should look for ways to align learning to reality as much as possible.

Out of the five types of Academic Software we discussed in class, which do you think is the best suited for learning and why?

Death by PowerPoint

You may have heard the phrase.

If you are in the Armed Forces, you have definitely experienced it.

Here's another one: "with great power comes great responsibility." (Who said it? If you know, just shout it out. You'll impress your classmates, and that's what college is all about, right?)

PowerPoint fits the theme, and is a metaphor for how we use many technologies. We shouldn't wield a technology without learning how to use it appropriately. A hammer doesn't make a good screwdriver.

Sure, the technology we study in here is supposed to make teaching more efficient, but our paramount consideration is that it make learning more effective.

Read this article, inspired by too many clumsily-delivered PowerPoint presentations.

Which techniques suit your style the most?