11089

11089

General Session - Conference Presentation Only (no formal paper)

A Visual Method for EdTech Innovation
Michael Kieley, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, USA, mkieley@lmu.edu

A case study, combined with a brief workshop in techniques for brainstorming ideas for the evolution of face-to-face courses to hybrid (or online) formats. Employing the technique of mindmapping in order to generate many possible options, and subsequently select, and organize those technologies that are most appropriate to a given subject matter.

Background: having taught a course called "Visual Thinking & Tactical Creativity," (http://learnvisualthinking.com/) for the past 12 years at Loyola Marymount University, I became absorbed in the idea of moving selected portions of the course content to 'the cloud.'

I have taught MindMapping as a technique for organizing complex ideas into a single visual summary. MindMaps can also be employed as a way to accelerate creative thinking in any type of problem solving. (http://www.slideshare.net/okyay2/map-storming).

I used these processes to sort through dozens of online technologies. I made a MindMap of these options, and rethought my pedagogy, sorting projects from past classes into what might be better accomplished online, from what was best done face-to-face. (http://edtechexplore.wordpress.com/)

I began to introduce collaborative, web-based projects which would amplify student engagement, and a more independent learning experience than that offered by traditional lectures. Within weeks of implimenting these changes, I saw that my students were involved in the course content outside of the once a week meetings, and student created wikis and podcasts meant they were learning from each other.

I believe this visual mapping process can help other teachers implement effective change.

All Audiences brainstorming creativity innovation hybrid, online