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Dec 03 2019
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Designing Innovative Projects Despite the Time Crunch, the Curriculum Map, and the Lack of Technology

By John Spencer | Creativity, Podcast, Vintage Innovation | No Comments

This is my third article in the series on vintage innovation. Last week, I mentioned the Astrodome Effect and the idea of embracing both vintage tools and vintage designs in a mash-up with newer technology and new ideas. I mentioned Camden Yards as a place…

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Nov 26 2019
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Nine Vintage Ideas to Spark Innovation in Your Classroom

By John Spencer | Innovation, Podcast | One Comment

The Astrodome was a modern miracle, a Space Age wonder, with a glass dome, high-tech air-conditioning, and the world’s biggest scoreboard. When it opened in 1965, reporters dubbed it the “8th Wonder of the World.” This was the future. No more bad weather or quirky…

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Nov 19 2019
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The Power of Vintage Innovation

By John Spencer | Innovation, Podcast | No Comments

When I was in middle school, one of my teachers called the entire class up to the front of the room. He held up a shiny golden disc in wild excitement. “This will change education forever,” he said, eyes gleaming. “Someday, you’ll be able to…

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Nov 13 2019
35
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You’ve Done Enough This Decade

By John Spencer | The Epic Life | No Comments

I keep seeing this meme popping up on social media reminding us that we have barely over a month left in this decade and so we better getting working to accomplish that big goal before the decade ends. I suppose it’s helpful for some people….

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Nov 11 2019
164
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Seven Ways to Crush Self-Doubt in Creative Work

By John Spencer | Creativity, Creativity Deconstructed | 3 Comments

In a few days, I get to move into my new office. Next to the whiteboard, there’s a large blank area that would be perfect for a painting. I have a concept of what I’d like to paint. It’s a composite of these two pictures…

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Nov 05 2019
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How Student Journals Can Spark Curiosity and Inspire Creativity in the Classroom

By John Spencer | Creativity, Creativity Deconstructed, Podcast | 5 Comments

When I was in the fifth grade, I kept a journal for class. My teacher would give us fifteen minutes to write whatever we wanted. I pretty much only wrote about baseball — and the Giants, in particular. For me, those fifteen minutes felt like…

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Oct 28 2019
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The Goal of Education Isn’t Simply a Better Job

By John Spencer | Creativity, Podcast | 2 Comments

Before I went to Hong Kong, people would ask me, “What about the protests?” and I almost always answered with “I hear you can avoid those.” And that statement is absolutely true. The beauty of living in a pluralistic democracy is the freedom to avoid…

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Oct 14 2019
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It Might Be Hands-on Learning, But Is It Minds-on Learning?

By John Spencer | Creativity, Podcast | No Comments

It was the first Friday of the first week of my first year as a teacher and I was determined to have students engage in a hands-on learning activity. My students were going to solidify their understanding of the five themes of geography by creating…

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Oct 07 2019
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7 Ways UX Design Theory Transformed My Approach to Course Design

By John Spencer | Creativity, Design Thinking | 3 Comments

UX Design Theory can teach us a lot about how to build community, communicate clearly, and set up effective systems as we design our courses. The following is an exploration 8 ways UX Design Theory can change the way we teach.    What Is UX…

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Oct 02 2019
210
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Every Student Deserves Access to Project-Based Learning

By John Spencer | Podcast, Project-Based Learning | No Comments

Years ago, my friend Chad started the 21st Century Classroom initiative in our district. Teachers would be part of six-person teams where they would attend professional development, receive state-of-the-art technology, and have a learning coach who would help them implement student-centered learning. But this wasn’t…

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John Spencer

I’m a professor and a maker. Sometimes I make things. Sometimes I make a difference. On a good day, I get to do both.

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My Upcoming Book

Look for this book at some point this Fall.

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© 2019 John Spencer

  • Blog
  • Books
    • Launch
    • Empower
    • Making Learning Flow
  • Speaking
  • Learn
    • Workshops
    • Courses
    • Projects
    • The Toolbox
    • Videos
    • Podcast
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Creative Classroom Newsletter
    • Creative Classroom Channel
    • Creative Classroom Podcast