Top 10 Ideas on the Nature and Design of Compelling Experiences

This course has truly been an intense journey that has challenged me in many areas of learning. Despite this, the overall knowledge I have gained has proved to be very worthwhile on a personal and professional level. Below are my top ten ideas related to the NDCE. Enjoy!

10) Collaboration among colleagues is a crucial means of learning

Each student in the course provided different background knowledge based on their individual experiences. Even though the course was online,  collaboration played a major role. Throughout our discussions, I learned so much from my peers. It has been amazing to gain new insights from the blog entries and module projects as well.

9) One must observe and analyze in order to understand

For each assignment I found myself being pushed past my comfort level and into a new realm of thought. The projects required several parts. First, I had to read and reread the articles in order to gain more understanding. This took time. Then, I had to be observant as I searched for something in my own world to relate to as I worked through each module project. This required patience.

8) Technology is a tool to be implemented with a clear goal in mind

I think it goes without saying that I am an advocate for technology when used to enhance the quality of learning experiences. Each module was carefully crafted with the proper use of technology in mind. Our course Facebook page was a great resource used for discussions that added to the overall learning environment.

7) Always keep your eyes and ears open for new ideas

The assignments and projects in this course led me to view everyday experiences in different ways. For example, during my module projects I was more aware of significant occurrences in life to capture and use in my work. In addition, for the 2MM videos I had to examine my personal interests in order to evaluate the impact they had on my own life experiences. 

6) Teaching is a form of art in more ways than one

There comes a time during the school year when I seem to hit a plateau. This is when I turn to professional development or my colleagues for inspiration.   This course served to inspire me with new teaching ideas to incorporate within my own classroom. The assignments and readings kept me motivated to think outside of the box in my lesson design and instructional practices.

5) A space shapes your environment and overall well being

The architecture module really opened my eyes as to how a space plays a major role in an individuals' overall experience. The project for this module was interactive and fun to complete. It was a definite challenge, but a positive one. I find myself constantly thinking about the layout and design of my surroundings and how they relate to my experiences. 

4) Fresh perspectives spark new ideas and innovative thoughts

There were times where I felt compelled to redo projects or rewrite posts (not just for the 2MM 1). At first, this frustrated me. Then, I took a step back and realized that this was all just part of the learning process. Often times the second try was where my most significant thoughts surfaced. I made sure to really think about projects and discussions before just jumping in and participating.

3) You have the ability to transform the ordinary into something more

Each module caused me to experience and relate to the arts in ways that I have never thought of before. For example, something as simple as a  photograph was transformed into a beautiful piece in a few steps. First, one must have a clear goal in mind. Then, with the right tools and vision, this feat can be achieved. 

2) Creating compelling experiences in the classroom is key

Students become bored and disengaged quite easily. Taking into consideration the ideas I have learned in this course have helped shaped my outlook in the classroom. I think it's beneficial to be back in school myself, because I can relate to my students with more ease. Reading can be a dull task, but creating these unique experiences for students can be highly rewarding in nature. 

1) Challenging your own personal creativity can be a positive thing


At times I have found that there is a stigma surrounding creativity. Everyone has the ability to produce original, artistic work. No matter what profession you are in, you should do this to the best of your ability. This course channeled my thought process and allowed to me take my work to a new level. It also provided me with background knowledge into the nature and design of compelling experiences. As I am writing my plans, I think- "Okay, this has been done before. What could be added or changed to cause my students to really feel the topic or experience what I am teaching?". This is an ongoing and worthwhile process! 

Two Minute Moment Project 3

The focus for my final 2MM video is culinary experiences. I do not mean dining out on the run or simply eating in for comfort. For me, the act of having a meal is far more compelling and goes deeper than just meeting nutritional needs. Furthermore, there is a vast difference between throwing together some ingredients in order to make a dish and really taking the time to craft the dish. There is also a stark contrast between going out to eat at a chain restaurant, or finding an authentic spot to dine at and delight in. These points are mentioned in order to add greater insight as to my line of thought on this important activity.

In my project, I place a specific emphasis on the diverse cultures one can encounter while enjoying new foods. If you push past your comfort zone, you may learn to enjoy foods you never thought you would ever be interested in before. In order to gain from this exercise, one must have an open mind and be willing to try new dishes and cuisines. For example, instead of sticking to a tried and true favorite on the menu, select something a bit more daring. Try discussing your choice with a friend. What did you like about the dish? If you had the chance, what would you change? Go into the city to dine, and stay away from chain restaurants, if possible.

I will say that I am someone who "lives to eat". My experiences have been heightened since moving to the East Coast. Four years ago I left Michigan in order to take a teaching position in Maryland. This is when my love of food took a different turn. Since seafood is fresh and plentiful in Maryland, this became my new food of choice. It was a group of new friends who introduced me to "picking" crabs on the dock on a summer day. Delighting in good company and learning about a different culture is another way to make a culinary event worthwhile. Heading into Annapolis or D.C is also a way to expose myself to new ways of life and various food choices. I can discover something as unique as a duck fat burger in a dive bar, to something as delicious as a chicken shawarma wrap from a food truck.

Cooking is another way to add something extra to your food experiences without blowing your budget. Trying out new recipes for close family members or friends is exciting. You do not have to be an expert, simply revel in the experience. Select fresh ingredients from a farmer's market. You may even opt to choose a specific cocktail to coordinate with the meal. Play music to fit with the choice of cuisine. It is about creating an experience that is unique and different. With a little effort, you can still enjoy yourself just as much as if you were out at a restaurant.

In all, food is my passion. It is something I really enjoy and spend a significant amount of time researching. The act of eating is just as much about the taste as the experience that is created when dining out or cooking in. Each of the ways outlined above can be incorporated into a dull routine in order to challenge your taste buds through diverse culinary experiences.

Thoughts on Fashion

I must admit that these readings have proved to be some of the most thought provoking thus far. I could easily make several connections between education and fashion, but also found myself making more personal connections to these texts too. Fashion is always changing and never stagnant. Education is always changing too. For example, we discover new practices and varied methods for our work. All the while new models are constantly being developed. Just like a talented designer, a fantastic teacher has the ability to take a regular idea and transform it into something far more compelling. In this entry I am trying to zone in on the key ideas related to fashion as a "form". These ideas have the potential to aid teachers in shaping an authentic learning experience for students.

In his piece, Postrel states that "Function, not form, creates legitimate value". It took me some time to wrap my head around that thought. Here, the author was referring to a product in terms of usefulness. It is not about the way something appears, but what purpose it serves. In education, it should not be about adding unnecessary extras to our lessons. As teachers, we need to focus on the actual content of what we are teaching. On the other hand, with the rise of technology students have become much more visual learners. We still need to motivate and engage our students in some way. Postrel further states that  "Our love of sensory delights is crowding out more cognitive pleasures". I feel that teaching experiences should be filled with creativity along with a balance of hands-on/minds-on experiences. Each of us are unique individuals and harbor a "desire to be different". This is why we should strive to treat and teach each student in this manner.

Continuing on with my thoughts, there was truly a lot for me to learn from the "If Ideas Were Fashion" piece. Integrating these thoughts related to the experience of fashion into education is an innovative way for teachers to shift their thinking. In order to learn from this though, one must be willing to be open minded. Much like fashion, teaching is all about fresh perspectives and new takes. As teachers, we should let our students explore while helping to spark their curiosity in diverse areas. Supplying students with new avenues for learning can be a useful tool for teachers to employ. I carefully read over the points in this piece to create my own imaginative bridges. The ideas within "teaching as advertising, learning as shopping" captured me in a positive way. I agree with many of the points. Of course we want our practices within the classroom to be more than a mindless exercise for our students. We need to create the "buzz" that attracts students and ignites a desire within to learn. With hard work, careful planning, and dedication to the craft, this can be achieved.