Author: George Couros

Published February 5, 2017 by

#IMMOOC 2 Starting February 27, 2017! #InnovatorsMindset

Due to the popularity of the first “Innovator’s Mindset” MOOC (MOOC stands for “Massive Open Online Course”), we are running this free course again (you will just need a copy of the book to participate).  The approximate dates will be from February 27, 2017, until April 3, 2017 and here are some of the logistics of this free course.

Focused on the book, “The Innovator’s Mindset“, participants will join a global book study (the last group had over 2000 people sign up…check out the last schedule if you are interested), where they will not only have the chance to read the book together but also create and share their own learning with a global community through their own blog and social media accounts.  Weekly, we will have a Google Hangout discussing the book with special guests, as well as taking in participant questions while providing prompts for your blog.  The biggest benefit of this course is what you create, so you determine how much you want to create versus how much you consume.  The power of this process is not just in the book, but the ability to share and further your own learning through a global network.

To join here is what you need to do:

  1. Buy a copy of “The Innovator’s Mindset“. We will have a “selfie challenge” coming soon so get your book as soon as you can so you can win a prize for our draw.
  2. Sign up for the course (also listed below).
  3. Get your blog ready to go! (I suggest either edublogs.org or wordpress.com)
  4. Share that you are joining to the #IMMOOC hashtag on Twitter and share this link for others to sign up.
  5. Join the Facebook group.

Once you sign up, you will start getting updates as more information comes out including guests, blog prompts, and google hangout dates.  All of the information will come directly to your email.

We look forward to learning from you and having an awesome experience with new IMMOOC participants, while other IMMOOC alumni join us from the first round!

Join #IMMOOC!

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#IMMOOC2 #InnovatorsMindsetMOOC

#IMMOOC George Couros katie martin the innovator's mindset

Published October 22, 2016 by

#IMMOOC Final Episode – October 22, 730 PM EST

We are excited to have participants from #IMMOOC join us this evening for the final episode.  Below is the video for tonight:

We will be streaming tonight at 730 PM EST, and go for approximately 45 to 60 minutes. We hope you can join us!

in-education-our-learning-not-only-not-1

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educational leadership George Couros innovative leadership Innovative teaching and learning Innovator's Mindset katie martin

Published October 18, 2016 by

#IMMOOC Live Final Episode w/special guest, YOU!

As participants are finishing off their final blog posts, we wanted to do something a little different for the final #IMMOOC Live Episode. We wanted to have participants from the experience join the conversation.  We are limited to 8 participants in a Google Hangout, so the first ones that fill out the form will be the ones that will be able to join us.

Here is the criteria for being a part of the session:

  1. You have to be available online on Saturday, October 22nd at 700 PM EST until 830 PM EST (show starts at 730 PM EST, but we want to do a video check prior.)
  2. You have to have actively participated in IMMOOC in some manner.
  3. You are willing to share your experience.

If you are interested, please fill in the form below. Katie and I would love if you could join us for the final episode of IMMOOC.  It has been an amazing experience and we would love to finish it off with your voice.

Hangout Announcement

#IMMOOC Innovator's Mindset

Published October 15, 2016 by

#IMMOOC Live Episode 5 – Brad Gustafson and Week 5 Blog Prompts

Check out the YouTube Live session with our special guest, Brad Gustafson, on October 15, at 5pm EST (2pm PST).

For Week 5, we hope you can do the following:

  1. Read Part 4 of the book (pages 205-231)
  2. Do some type of media reflection on what resonates and share to the #IMMOOC hashtag.  I want to to leave this more open this week.  Do something that is a little bit tough.
  3. Comment on 3 other participant blog posts.
  4. Blog/Podcast/Video/Your Choice based on your thoughts of the Introduction, or use the following blog prompts to help you (Please feel free to use the images provided in your own posts):

screen-shot-2016-10-15-at-1-39-35-pm

How might we measure the impact of innovative practices in education?

What are you most significant takeaways from the Innovator’s Mindset MOOC?  What will you do as a result?  How will you hold yourself accountable?How are you telling your story, sharing your learning (making great learning go viral), and innovating “inside the box” to make an impact in your community?

Moving Forward

Please keep sharing to the #IMMOOC hashtag as well as the Facebook Group when you are done, as well as other spaces

We look forward to reading your reflections, and highlighting some of them on the Thursday post.

Important note…as we go into this last week, we want people to create some type of summary or final media project discussing their learning from the book.  We want people to do what they are passionate about but to also push their boundaries.

What have you taken away from the book? How will it make an impact on you moving forward?

We have loved the reflections and we know that not all people will take part in this final culmination, but we hope that several of us can finish the project until the end.

Keep inspiring, keep innovating, keep being amazing!

Thanks for all that you do!

George

Blog Prompts Hangouts

#IMMOOC brad gustafson George Couros Innovative teaching and learning katie martin

Published October 12, 2016 by

Special Guest @GustafsonBrad will join #IMMOOC on Saturday, October 15

We are pleased to announce that Brad Gustafson, visionary leader and author of “Renegade Leadership“, will join us for our YouTube Live session on Saturday, October 15, at 5pm EST (2pm PST). As always, the session will be recorded so don’t worry if you miss it!

Here is a little bit more more about Brad from his website:

Dr. Brad Gustafson is an elementary principal, author, and speaker. He is committed to rewriting the traditional educational narrative. Brad believes that schools can be spaces where high levels of learning, creativity, and innovation thrive, but only when we prioritize relationships and a relevant, connected pedagogy. His passion for leadership and learning is palpable.

Brad is Minnesota’s 2016 National Distinguished Principal and a 2015 Digital Innovation in Learning Award (DILA) winner. He earned his Doctoral degree at Bethel University where his research focused on innovation and professional development.

Brad is one of the most forward thinking principals I know so you definitely do not want to miss this.

To-Do’s

  1. Watch last week’s show with Kara Welty (or the redo).
  2. We encourage all participants to blog a weekly reflection and share a Twitter video (the ones posted have been awesome so far!)
  3. You can also subscribe to the podcast which has the same information.
  4. We want to answer your questions on the podcast, so please submit them before Saturday, October 15.
  5. Finish your blog posts for the week and twitter reflection video by Thursday morning to have a chance to be shared on the immooc.org blog.

Moving Forward

What we are hoping is that people will come up some “culminating” media or presentation to talk about their experience and learning. This can be some type of website, video, media, or anything.  The big thing to think about is what will you do moving forward after you have had this experience?  We encourage you to do something on your own or with other participants.  We do not want to even give examples, because we want to see what you will create.

There are no page number suggestions, lengths, or anything suggested. Just bring your learning together in some manner.

Keep inspiring, keep innovating, and continue to be amazing.

Have an awesome week!

George

Hangout Announcement

#IMMOOC brad gustafson George Couros Innovator's Mindset katie martin

Published October 9, 2016 by

#IMMOOC Live Episode 4 – Kara Welty and Week 4 Blog Prompts

UPDATE: Because of the poor quality of the audio and issues with technology, we will be redoing this YouTube Live session tentatively at 930 PM EST, on Tuesday, October 11.  Sorry for any issues!

Check out the YouTube Live session with our special guest, Kara Welty (430 PM EST) on October 9):

For Week 4, we hope you can do the following:

  1. Read Part 3 of the book (pages 123-201)
  2. Do some type of media reflection on what resonates and share to the #IMMOOC hashtag.  I want to to leave this more open this week.  Do something that is a little bit tough.
  3. Comment on 3 other participant blog posts.
  4. Blog/Podcast/Video/Your Choice based on your thoughts of the Introduction, or use the following blog prompts to help you (Please feel free to use the images provided in your own posts):

Blog Prompts

compliance-does-not-foster-innovation

What examples of strengths-based leadership from the Innovator’s Mindset resonate with you? How might you focus on strengths to unleash talent and foster innovation in your own context?

8-things-to-look-for-in-todays-classroom-badura

What elements of the 8 Things to Look For in Today’s Classrooms” exist in your professional learning? What elements are lacking?

Choose one of the “foundations for innovation” above…Talk about how you are furthering that in your own settings.  Give concrete examples that others can use.

Moving Forward

Please keep sharing to the #IMMOOC hashtag as well as the Facebook Group when you are done, as well as other spaces

We look forward to reading your reflections, and highlighting some of them on the Thursday post.

Please do not limit your learning and creation to our suggestions!!! We want this opportunity to be one where it is participant driven. We are giving some content, but we want YOU to focus on your creation.  This is a great opportunity to continuously build communities and learn from others.  Because of all of you, I have started my own YouTube channel to share short snippets on education and leadership.  I don’t think that I would have done this without your inspiration.

Keep inspiring, keep innovating, keep being amazing!

Thanks for all that you do.

George

Blog Prompts Hangouts

Published October 4, 2016 by

Special Guest @Kara_Welty will join #IMMOOC on Sunday, October 9

UPDATED: Please note that the YouTube Live Session with Kara Welty has changed:

We are pleased to announce that Kara Welty will join us for our YouTube Live session on Saturday, October 8, at 4pm PST (7pm EST) , Sunday October 9, at 130 pm PST (430 pm EST), As always, the session will be recorded so don’t worry if you miss it!

Here is a little bit more more about Kara from her website(karawelty.com):

I currently serve as a Mentor Teacher and Technology Integrationist leading innovative teaching and learning. I have a myriad of leadership experience, which includes roles such as: New Teacher District Facilitator, the Chair of the ELA Department, and Curriculum Writing Leader. I am also a national speaker, writer, blogger, and webinar creator. This May, I graduated with my Educational Administration degree which includes Elementary and Secondary Administration Certification.

Kara is an amazing leader and innovator, so we are looking forward to her joining the show!

To-Do’s

  1. Watch last week’s show with Kaleb Rashad (or listen to the podcast on Soundcloud or iTunes).
  2. We encourage all participants to blog a weekly reflection and share a Twitter video (the ones posted have been awesome so far!)
  3. You can also subscribe to the podcast which has the same information.
  4. We want to answer your questions on the podcast, so please submit them before Saturday, October 8.
  5. Finish your blog posts for the week and twitter reflection video by Thursday morning to have a chance to be shared on the immooc.org blog.

Moving Forward

One challenge I have given this week is to create some memes based on the book.  Some of the creations that I have seen have been awesome and some are absolutely hilarious. Check them out below!

Remember…this is YOUR experience. Do not wait for us to give you ideas of what to do…We are loving how people are creating their own learning and opportunities.

Keep inspiring, keep innovating, and continue to be amazing.

Have an awesome week!

George

Hangout Announcement

innovation in education kara welty katie martin meme challenge the innovator's mindset

Published October 1, 2016 by

#IMMOOC Live Episode 3 – Kaleb Rashad and Week 3 Blog Prompts

Check out the YouTube Live session with special guest Kaleb Rashad:

For Week 3, we hope you can do the following:

  1. Read Part 1 of the book (pages 67-119)
  2. Do a 30 second Twitter video reflection on what resonates and share to the #IMMOOC hashtag.  (Here is an example of what this can look like.)
  3. Comment on 3 other participant blog posts.
  4. Challenge Activity – Make a meme of some of your learning so far. Post it either on the Facebook group, #IMMOOC hashtag, or your own blog. Here are some examples taken from the #EDLdrsp325 Class (Example 1  |  Example 2  |  Example 3)
  5. Blog/Podcast/Video/Your Choice based on your thoughts of the Introduction, or use the following blog prompts to help you (Please feel free to use the images provided in your own posts):

Blog Prompts for the week

Image result for 5 ways to lay the foundation for innovation

How do you create or build on these conditions to support innovation? What has been the impact on those you serve?

 

What are your connections to the “School vs Learning image? What would you add or modify?

Which “what if” question challenges your thinking in the Innovator’s Mindset? What would you add to the list of what ifs?

Moving Forward

Please keep sharing to the #IMMOOC hashtag as well as the Facebook Group when you are done.

We look forward to reading your reflections, and highlighting some of them on the Thursday post.

Our goal through this process was to really tap into how we can “empower” you through this process, not simply engage. What are your thoughts on this? Would love to hear what you think.

Keep inspiring, keep innovating, keep being amazing!

George

#InnovatorsMindsetMOOC Blog Prompts Hangouts

#IMMOOC Innovator's Mindset K Kaleb Rashad katie martin relationships in education

Published September 27, 2016 by

Special Guest @KalebRashad will join #IMMOOC on Saturday, October 1

We are pleased to announce that Kaleb Rashad will join us for our YouTube Live session on Saturday, October 1, at 4pm PST (7pm EST).  As always, the session will be recorded so don’t worry if you miss it!

Here is a little bit more more about Kaleb:

Kaleb is the director of the Gary & Jerri-Ann Jacobs @hightechhigh (OG)!! | We are first and foremost an equity project. | We believe that passion matters in work and life. We think school should be a place where you find out what you’re good at doing, what you love to do, and what the world needs.

As a school, we exist to be EXCELLENT to each other & do BADASS work.

My belief in #HumanCenteredDesign is deeply rooted in my dissertation research on relational trust and I believe that #HumanCenteredDesign can be used to AMPLIFY our sense of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. 

As you might be able to tell, Kaleb is extremely passionate and forward-thinking. We are looking forward to hearing from him.

To-Do’s

  1. Watch last week’s show with Shawn Clark and Brady Venables (or listen to the podcast on Soundcloud or iTunes).
  2. We encourage all participants to blog a weekly reflection and share a Twitter video (the ones posted have been awesome so far!)
  3. You can also subscribe to the podcast which has the same information.
  4. We want to answer your questions on the podcast, so please submit them before Saturday, October 1.
  5. Finish your blog posts for the week and twitter reflection video by Thursday morning to have a chance to be shared on the immooc.org blog.

Moving Forward

We have really appreciated the sharing that is happening, and the human connection being created by the Twitter reflections.  Here is an example of one from Tisha Richmond:

What impact would this have if you do this type of reflection in your own school? What would this look like if teachers did this instead of a classroom newsletter including students?

The hope is that some of the things that are happening in this process will not only make an impact on you long term, but also give you some strategies to bring innovation to life in your own context.

Keep being amazing and thanks for all that you are sharing. Have a great week!

George

 

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P.S. Below are the “Selfie-Contest Winners”…You will be contacted soon to collect your prize. Thank you to Dave Burgess Consulting and Edublogs for the support!

Kelly Onyskiw Greg Lumb Debbie Harris Jessica Webster
Sam Shelly Pierson Kathy Standefrr James Russell
Lisa Esse Maureen Ferrel Irene Orozco Maria Stavropoulos
Jacie Maslyk Jamie Leach Celaina Huckeba Deneen Sawchuk
Nikki Davidson David Simpson Tamara DeFord Laura Jennaro
Alice Vigors Tracie Trey Wright Audrey Thurston
Chari Distler Kathy Brosch Joanne Fuchs Karen Compton
Tisha Richmond Valerie Ruiz Sherry Hall Becky Glenton
Sally Sternberg Traci Logue Jen Resch Lauren Paddick
Christy Cate Scott Ringkamp Paul McGuire Glenda Brown

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#IMMOOC innovative in education Kaleb Rashad katie martin the innovator's mindset

Published September 24, 2016 by

#IMMOOC Live Episode 2 – (Shawn Clark and Brady Venables) and Week’s Blog Prompts

If you are interested in joining #IMMOOC live (September 24th at 10am EST), check out the show below (it will also be recorded if you do not see the live broadcast).

For Week 2, we hope you can do the following:

  1. Read Part 1 of the book (pages 15-62)
  2. Do a 30 second Twitter video reflection on what resonates and share to the #IMMOOC hashtag.  (Here is an example of what this can look like.)
  3. Comment on 3 other participant blog posts.
  4. Blog/Podcast/Video/Your Choice based on your thoughts of the Introduction, or use the following blog prompts to help you (Please feel free to use the images provided in your own posts):

Blog Prompts (Week 2)

In Chapter 1, innovation is defined as a way of thinking that creates something new and better. What are some examples that you consider innovative?  How is it new and better than what previously existed?Image result for innovators mindset

Review the “Critical Questions for Educators” in Chapter 2.  Why are these important to understand those we serve in education?  What other questions would you ask?

How do you embody the characteristics of an Innovator’s Mindset?

 

 

Moving Forward

Please keep sharing to the #IMMOOC hashtag as well as the Facebook Group when you are done.

We look forward to reading your reflections, and highlighting some of them on the Thursday post.

Thank you again for being a part of this journey!  It has been amazing to see what people have been sharing.  Continue to do so!

George

Blog Prompts Hangouts

brady venables innovative leadership Innovative teaching and learning shawn clark the innovator's mindset