TED Talks about Education

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TED Talks directly about education

 1. John Wooden on Winning vs. Success.
What strikes me most about Coach Wooden's talk is his emphasis on teaching and
developing character over winning. One of his three most important rules, "no criticizing of
teammates, I'm paid to do that," is a great rule that translates well to the classroom and the
workplace.

2. Clifford Stoll Teaches Physics to Eighth Graders.
Clifford Stoll has done many cool things in his life including catching a KGB spy, but the
coolest thing he's done is teaching college level physics to 8th graders. What I like about
Clifford Stoll is that instead of just talking about ways to teach and improve education he is
actually getting on the front line and trying his ideas. (Stoll has definitely done enough
things and made enough money to sit back and be a "consultant" but instead he's actually
teaching, something I have tremendous respect for). In this talk he gave at TED in February
2006 Stoll talks about and demonstrates measuring the speed of sound with an 8th grade
class. Stoll also makes a very profound, but somewhat obvious, statement about the future.
He says, "if you want to know what the future generation will be like, ask a Kindergarten
teacher."

3. Don't Eat the Marshmallow
In this TED Talk given by Joachim de Posada talks about the behavior of children when they are
given a marshmallow and told not to eat it for fifteen minutes. In the talk Joachim de
Posada reveals that the response of children to this challenge can be indicative of future
success in life. In addition to being informative and thought-provoking, the talk includes
some really cute video clips. The information shared in the talk confirms what most of us
know about the impulse control of small children. None-the-less, it's nice to have a
reminder that can inform our planning of day's lessons.

4. Bill Gates Talks About Mosquitoes, Malaria, and Education.
In this interesting TED Talk (they're all interesting) Bill Gates discusses mosquitoes,
malaria, and education. The education part of his talk (the last eight minutes) presents
some interesting fodder for conversation. While you may not agree with everything that
Gates proposes in this talk, it will definitely make you think about what does and doesn't
work in education.

5. David Merrill Introduces Siftables
Siftables are the high-tech version of the alphabet and number blocks we all played with as
children. Siftables are little computer blocks or digital blocks that contain motion sensors,

neighbor detection sensors, digital displays, and wireless communications. The blocks can
be manipulated to create words, equations, pictures, and designs. Siftables are not yet
commercially available nor do I have any idea what they would cost, but there is a ton of
potential for Siftables as an educational resource. Siftables would be great for young
students just learning to spell and do arthimetic. Siftables could also be great for older
students to develop and try solutions to mathematics problems.


TED Talks with implications for education

 6. Tom Wujec - 3 Ways the Brain Creates Meaning.
In this short talk Tom Wujec explains how the brain interprets words, images, feelings, and
connections. As an educator I always take interest in research and discussion about how the
brain absorbs and processes information. Knowing how the brain processes information
should influence how we present information to our audience(s).

7. Jimmy Wales - The Birth of Wikipedia.
Do a Google search for just about any academic term and more times than notWikipedia is
at the top of the results. So how did Wikipedia get started? How does it continue to run?
Watch this talk by the founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, to find out.

8. Julian Treasure - 4 Ways Sound Affects Us.
In this talk Julian Treasure tells us that people working in open plan offices are 66% less
productive than those in quiet rooms. Treasure follows that up by saying if you are in a
noisy open plan room, wear headphones and listen to soothing sounds and your
productivity goes back up. The ideas and information in the video are good to remember the
next time you have students working independently in a large classroom. Perhaps instead of
trying to keep them as quiet as possible, we should allow kids to use their mp3 players when
they're working on independent assignments.

9. How Cell Phones, Twitter, and Facebook Can Make History.
In this talk Clay Shirky examines how text messaging and social networks empower citizens
to report the news without state-run media censorship. This TED Talk could be good for
getting students to think about the positive things that they can accomplish using the
technologies that they often think of as just fun tools.

10. Matthew White Gives the Euphonium a New Voice.
If you're a music teacher, this two minute performance might be something you'd like to
share with your students to encourage them to develop their improvisation skills.

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MAC Wk 4: Leadership Role Model

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At different points in my life, I had different role models. I remember when I was young I wanted to be just like Wayne Gretzsky and be a professional athlete - although my sport was softball, and it was just making it's debut nationally. Later in high school and college, I admired Woodward and Bernstein, the American Journalists that uncovered the Watergate scandal. I wanted to be an investigative reporter just like them. Next, I moved onto Dan Rather, back when he was an AP correspondent. I wanted to travel and see the world, reporting on it as I went. When I moved to a small town in Missouri and I switched careers to teaching, my role model was Jaime Escalate, the math teacher who was featured in the film Stand and Deliver. I too, wanted to inspire the next generation. A couple of years later, my role model switched to Erin Gruwell because we shared a passion for writing and teaching. I thought what she did was amazing!

However, my parents have been in my life for the past 40 years, and have been both an inspiration and role model. Both of them pushed me to try new things and from this I developed a fearless life - sometimes too fearless. My Dad always told me that just because I was a girl, didn't mean I couldn't... (fill in the blank). He taught me how to rewire electricity, plumb anything, build a house, shingle a roof on the second story, change a tire, change oil, change spark plugs, and the list goes on. I was a severe asthmatic, but they never kept me out of sports, in fact, I played soccer, flag football, softball, roller hockey and so on. My mom used to tell me that she wasn't going to be like so and so and keep me out of sports because of my asthma. My mom let me try out the new and crazy hairdoos or clothing - I remember her telling me - it's your hair! Many of their lessons and ideals have been carried into my unique parenting style. I don't sweat the small stuff - as my mom used to tell me. My parents also instilled a strong drive in me - no matter what project, sport, activity it was - they taught me to stick it out to the end AND do the best I could do, even if I hated it.

However, one of the most important things they taught me was family comes first. I was an only child and my parents had only one sibling each, so we were a small family. I always went with them on trips, conferences, and trips they won through work. I also went with my parents to their work places many many times and helped out how ever I could. Now that I am a parent, I am the same way. I always want the girls to come with us or me when I have to go out of town. I want them to think they are important and they do matter. They come to school with me (two girls are in the same building as me). They are part of the family coffee shop business - Their opinions matter. These are all live lessons I learned from growing up with my two wacky parents.

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MAC Wk 4: Comments

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1) Katina Moss
http://katinamoss.blogspot.com/2012/06/mac-week-3-reading.html

MAC Week 3 Reading


For this week’s blog, we will journey through the chapters.  For Chapter 5, which is entitled, Leading from Any Chair, interesting questions were posed:  How can we make a difference in the people we’ll influence each day? How do we listen to those who help us make our dreams become reality?
I believe the biggest difference that we make in people’s lives is to recognize their strengths and to support their weaknesses.  I believe it is the jobs of leaders to be chief observer of those they are responsible for leading.  In my career switcher program, our teacher always told us that teachers have the ability to speak students into existence.  Sometimes people have been so discouraged and degraded that they don’t have confidence in their abilities.  It is empowering for leaders to tell people how valuable their specific skill set is to the organization. I also believe it is the leaders’ responsibility to help their colleagues, employees, etc. become strengthened in areas where they are weak or need improvement. Encouragement, not criticism should be the operational mode.  Instead of constructive criticism, I prefer offering feedback.  I’m not trying to be politically correct, I just know words are powerful. Criticism is so damaging, and I don’t like the idea of people being critical of others. I believe leaders should offer people feedback on how to improve their practice, not tear people down with demeaning words and personal opinions.  I believe in practicing the highest regard for human life and dignity. The human resource is our most valuable Earthly resource. We should do everything in our power to honor and respect people and the unique gifts, talents, and abilities they contribute to the world.
On to the next question:  How do we listen to those who help make our dreams become reality?  I love this question!  We pay attention to them.  We pay attention to what they say.  We process what they say.  We pay attention to their actions.  We pay attention to what they don’t say.  We listen for who they are and look beyond their personal idiosyncrasies to see their heart and their intentions.  As leaders, we help them develop into people whose intentions and actions are aligned.  We listen for their fears and help them see beyond them to believe in themselves and their abilities.  This really ties in with one of my favorite quotes from Chapter 5…
…the true power [of a conductor] derives from his ability to make other people powerful… [Zander] began to ask [himself] questions like “What make a group lively and engaged?” instead of “How good am I?”
Shaka Smart, coach of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) basketball team said, “It’s amazing what a team can accomplish when no one cares who gets the credit.” I believe comments like this epitomize the nature of leadership. They are demonstration of a philosophy that obviously focuses on the power of the collective.  Of course, in order for the collective to be strong, each individual member must be strong, but not strong for self.  The strength is in knowing that their individual contribution is necessary for the collective to be successful.  What makes a group lively and engaged?  I believe a group is lively and engaged when they know they are valued and that their individual contributions are significant, necessary and appreciated.  It is each individual member knowing that for their team to be the best, they must aim to be the best in their particular role.
So, on to the gleaning from Chapter 6… It was this: “Don't take yourself so seriously. Life is a journey--enjoy and learn along the way. Live, laugh, and love!!”  Wow!  This week I am at a conference.  I was speaking to one of the students.  He is a colleague to my student who is attending the conference.  He wanted to know which student was my student. When I told him, he said, “I’ve talked with Tyesha. She’s pretty funny. We need some humor during these things.” I love youth!  They will tell you how it is.  Sometimes we just need to relax and laugh and free ourselves to have a good time.  Often, being a responsible adult isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.  Whenever we can take a break from the serious issues of life and just enjoy ourselves like children, I think it reenergizes us toward our purpose and gives us fresh vision to see beyond ourselves. If we begin to take it easy on ourselves, not take ourselves so seriously, then we will not be as afraid to make mistakes.  We will be freer to learn and explore and take risks, instead of playing it safe all the time.  We will reap the freedom to leave our comfort zones and venture out into the land of possibilities!
For Chapter 7, The Way Things Are, there was a thought provoking statement followed by a question:  “Sometimes settling for the way things are is a lowering of expectations, sometimes it’s finding a starting point so that one can make things better. Where are you in this continuum?”  Here’s my answer:  I don’t settle well.  I need to see things around me improve.  I don’t like stagnation. It’s not a good sign. It symbolizes a build-up of harmful bacteria and there is not an atmosphere for growth.  Problem! So, I would say that I come to terms with how things are, so that I can deal with situations from a realistic standpoint, identifying where we are and envisioning and planning for where we need to go.
Finally, we move on to matters regarding Chapter 8, Giving Way to Passion. “Control says that the only way to avoid disappointment and frustration is to not care at all. No hits, no runs, but most importantly, no errors. What are you doing in your daily life that expresses your passion or the things you are passionate about?” I am extremely passionate about educating students. So, I work very smart and very hard to provide life-changing and skill-developing opportunities and experiences for them. I put a lot of heart and a lot of passion into making sure that students are aware that they gain something real and valuable from my instructional program.
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MY RESPONSE: (IT WOULD NOT POST UNTIL KATINA APPROVED)
Wow, I think you have found your strength - listening to your students and acting upon them, as well as helping them with their needs/weaknesses. I remember texting you awhile back and you stated that you were helping some students get ready for prom. I remember thinking that they were lucky to have a teacher like you. I agree you are very passionate about your job and you care tremendously about your students.


2) Jessica Isla
http://jessica-isla.blogspot.com/2012/06/week-4-blog-post-2-leadership-post-wk4.html


Week 4: Blog Post #2 - Leadership post: Wk4 Leadership Role Model Reflection

There are many people who have come and gone throughout my life that I would consider to have been inspirations, as well as role-model leaders.  However, there have been two that have stuck around my whole life--my parents.  Both of my parents have influenced my life greatly, but in two different and distinct ways.

My mother has always showed me how to be a great leader with larger group of people.  My whole life she has been a project manager.  I have watched her interact with people on a larger scale.  I have seen my mother on conference calls and on-site at an office.  She has a very easy-going personality, but demands greatness from her teams.

My father, on the other hand, has lead groups of people as a civil engineer on smaller types of projects.  I have seen my father interact with people in the field, as well as had the opportunity to work under my father in the drafting/maps division for the city of Novato when I was in high school.  I love the way keeps his cool when problems arise.

As I grow and begin to develop my own sense of leadership, I would love to encompass my mother's ability to work with (and manage) larger groups of people, but also have my father's knack of separating emotions and decisions when working with smaller groups.  Both are eager listeners and absorb knowledge and possess the ability to analyze all situations carefully.

 
 
I think it is wonderful that you mentioned your parents as your role models. My parents also came to mind many times while I was thinking of someone to write about. I like how you separated the unique gifts that each parent possess and how you are learning to combine those skills and abilities into your own life.
 

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MAC Wk 4: The Future of Possiblilties

Posted by Unknown ,

I enjoyed wrapping up this book, but will definitely not put it away. It will be a go to book when I need some encouragement. In regard to the last chapters, a couple of points stuck out.

Being the board helps me to see the big picture. This chapter empowered me to take control of my life and my experiences. Eleanore Roosevelt once said “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”

The other point that stuck out was regarding vision and needing a vision. I really never thought about having a vision for my classroom, which is funny because in the the weight loss program I am a member of, we have to do monthly vision boards. In Proverbs 29:18, it simply states that "without vision, people will parish..." Well, I certainly don't want my students to parish so I have put it on my summer to do list to start off my school year.

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MAC Wk 4 Wimba Don't Relax

Posted by Unknown ,

The was grateful for the overview of month 12 and the suggestion to work during the one week off that we have. It sounds like month 12 will be packed with items to be wrapped up... final presentation video, getting confirmation of submission for presenting or publishing, tidying up capstone website... and more. It is important to attend the week 1 wimba of month 12. The overview of the Art of Possibilities was also interesting the questions and answers were insightful. It reminded me of a 2006 movie called "The Secret." The whole concept of the Law of Attraction is interesting. I just might have to revisit this movie.

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MAC Wk4: One Child Per Laptop

Posted by Unknown ,

When I first read about this many years ago, I though it was really cool. I still do. I agree with Prof. Bustillos in that the media totally missed the point. It's not about comparing it to what we have in America, but it's about providing resources and opportunities to kids in third world countries. I was excited to read this entry because I was curious what the OCPL was up to these days. It's great to see how the program has expanded and all the lives it has changed.

If you haven't had a chance to read about the program or see the pictures and stories. It is well worth your time!
http://one.laptop.org/stories

(photo from http://one.laptop.org/stories/india-music-khairat)

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MAC Wk3: Wimba

Posted by Unknown ,

I missed Wimba again because of career #2... I co-own and operate a local county newspaper. Most of the time nothing BIG happens in Schuyler County, but on this night... a hog truck hit a median and rolled - letting loose 200 hogs all over the highway. I went to go flex my first amendment rights, and the driver was not happy!

So, I viewed the archives once again. I really enjoyed listening to the presentations. So many directions and so many success stories. It is really neat to see the conclusion of everyone's research. I still remember the first months when we were struggling to come up with our "perfect" AR idea. We have all come so far! I am very excited to see where everyone gets published. I would like to have a central location where everyone puts in their information once their research is published or they presented so we can get copies, if available.

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