Innovate INSIDE the Box - #IMMOOC Week 2 Reflection

Innovation is often thought of as "thinking outside the box".  But what is the box?  Why do I need to think OUTSIDE of it?  Is it better outside?  What if the inside of the box contains amazing, rich content, but just needs to be tweaked.  If I look outside for something new I may change the concept completely, instead of presenting something in a different way.  Maybe what teachers need to do is to think about the INSIDE of this box in order to be able to look at things at a new and different way

This idea of "Innovating Inside the Box" has really resonated with me this week.  While it is important to think of new and exciting lessons and concepts to share, it is also important to think about how to work within the structure you have and make it new and different. 

For example, I have noticed that I have students who each day linger in the library's makerspace when the bell rings in order to continuing tinkering or creating.  They are not in any rush to get to class.  Given the confines of a tight schedule, it is difficult to let them stay, regardless of my availability, and how much I would like them to.  These students are rushed off to class by their teachers (and me for fear of getting in trouble by their teachers). What if the project they were working on in the makerspace was part of their curriculum in the classroom? What if the school's schedule allowed students to begin their morning learning in different ways or in being part of a community like the makerspace offers?  What if I had the buy-in from teachers that this was beneficial for these students. What if teachers were doing these kinds of activities in their classrooms? What if....

I could go on all day with what if!  My ultimate vision, my ultimate "What if", is what if we changed the overall experience of how a student begins their day at my school, While I love that students don't want to leave the library in the mornings, I realize it is in their best interests to get to class.   So, maybe what needs to change is what's happening INSIDE the classroom or throughout the school once the bell rings.  Then maybe these reluctant kids may be rushing to get to "class", instead of stalling for time with me.  

When looking at the diagram of characteristics of the innovator's mindset I am drawn to two of them to help me get this grand idea I have rolling.  The first is "networked".  They always say it's not what you know, it's who you know.  In this instance, to foster the type of change I am talking about, it will be beneficial to connect with teachers who are ready to be innovative.  It will be important to connect with administrators who have the ability to encourage innovation through schedule changes throughout the school. 

The other characteristic is  "creator".  I am fabulous with ideas!  But I see on the diagram that what is also needed in order to create change, to foster innovation, one needs action, and only this will then lead to fruition.  Otherwise, it's just a great idea I have in my head. This is an area I am going to focus on.  Because I really would like to see this vision I have to "innovate inside the box" become reality.