Posts Tagged ‘thinking’
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
Learning is a tricky topic to discuss with friends or colleagues—perceptions can range from uncomfortable metal desks in elementary schools to musty lecture halls with professors to match. As generational preferences and expectations have shifted, thoughts about what constitutes learning has changed as well—from static text on printed page to hyperlinked, individually curated content. This shift is especially evident as one experiences learning or training in the contemporary context; no longer is learning a confining experience, but rather a vision of new contexts and establishing links to existing concepts.
It is within this framework that I readily admit, I am one of those geeky kids that actually enjoyed going to school…and not for any of the typified reasons—structure, tests & quizzes, or studying—but rather, because I truly enjoy making new and unexpected connections to new (and old) concepts. I am truly convinced that there is no such thing as boring content, only boring (or bored) teachers. Assuming that content is not boring—which is a big leap, I agree—the modern concept of learning, with all of the individual curation and user-led learning experiences that the moniker entails, actually reconciles the learning process as connection-building instead of rote memorization.
(more…)
Tags: academia, connections, curated experiences, instructor led, learning, thinking, training
Posted in learning | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, April 7th, 2010
Did you know from a language development standpoint it’s actually easier for a child to say the word “no” than “yes?” Suddenly that explains why my two year old’s favorite word is “no!” Unfortunately, as adults that scientific fact doesn’t change much. We live in a world full of rules, red-tape, processes and procedures. If we are truly honest with ourselves we should also admit that we live in a world in which the buck rarely stops with us. This ultimately means we all answer to someone else. Translation: to truly create something radical and revolutionary, you are going to have to overcome a heaping stack of “no’s!”
Before you get discouraged, let’s look at the facts. These days innovation is not only a fundamental source of competitive advantage for organizations but as recent times suggest, a necessity for survival. As a sign of the times, a quick Google search populates over 44 million hits. Research indicates that thousands of organizations are investing in innovation programs every year and yet, only a handful of companies out there are truly innovative. What gives?
(more…)
Tags: 3M, Apple, innovation, thinking
Posted in learning, on thinking, what I'm thinking | No Comments »
Friday, January 29th, 2010
I get a rush from thinking…literally. I actually feel my insides shift into a different gear when I go into deep thought…strategizing, visualizing, trying to solve world hunger. In fact, I am often accused of never turning my brain off. I’m sure some would like for me to give it a rest every now and then…especially on vacation. I just can’t. It gives me too big of a rush.
Now, let me be clear. I am not talking about the kind of thinking that just fills your head with mindless thoughts. I prefer thinking with a purpose. My favorite mental challenges come when I am struggling to invent an idea, solve a problem, design something new, etc.
I wish I could say that I use a tried-and-true, step-by-step process to think, but I’m not sure it works like that. And, what’s in my head certainly doesn’t fall into a nice/neat flowchart. Sometimes my ideas are formed very quickly and with little thought (within five seconds according to some sources). But, often they require a great deal of personal deliberation and collaboration with others.
I do have some guidelines that I personally use to help me think, and they may be worth a look…
(more…)
Tags: thinking
Posted in on thinking | No Comments »
