Design Thinking, Visually Represented on Haiku

Check out the design thinking process represented visually on Haiku Deck. 

Digital Book Clubs--Connecting Classrooms Across Oceans

Over the course of the last year, I worked closely with a wonderful woman on creating a digital book club project for our students. Using platforms such as Edmodo, Skype, Google Hangout, Google Apps, and more, we crafted an interactive way for our students to learn about another culture as well as learn how to discuss literature. The following site is a step-by-step layout on how to put together your own digital book club with a school in another state or even in another country. Enjoy!

Design Thinking Stanford Venture Lab

Transitioning back to the bay area from a year abroad, means I am able to think about all the wonderful innovation and creativity that consistently breathes life into this beautiful place. When you leave a place you love, you return with a deep appreciation of what you took for granted. 

Monday I will begin taking an online course about design thinking through Stanford’s Venture Lab. I am looking forward to working with new colleagues as well as people from all over the world. 

It is amazing that technology allows us to work closely with others and move towards a more connected and collaborative learning community. 

Our first assignment for the course, is to write a letter to ourselves describing what we want to take from the course. A powerful tool, taking time to simply think about what you want to gain from work, relaxation, etc. is useful because it gives you space to go into an activity with an idea of the outcome you want. 

Below is my letter to myself: 

Dear Me, 

You are a strong, determined woman. No matter what others say, you have the potential to make powerful, dynamic, and lasting change in education. Out of this course, I want you to gain a sense of confidence in your ideas and opinions. I want you to be confident in who you are and what you think, but I also want you to step back, to appreciate the interactions you have, and to absorb conversations without having to speak at all. Design thinking is about trying, about testing, about thinking, and about failing. Overall, I want to see you dive into creativity and absorb every moment to its fullest. Strive to be the best version of you and seek to be as invested as possible—what you put in is what you get out. Be positive, be happy, love life. 

Love,

Me

Cards with the fam #relaxing #fun @pzaich @sylpz

Not too shabby. Thank you Hong Kong sunrise.#hongkong #sunrise

Sad to leave Bali excited about Hong Kong ecstatic about heading home to #cali with @pzaich @sylpz #family