https://youtu.be/cT1vvewfAnoPut technology in kids’ hands as early as possible and let them drive the initiative forward, says Professor Katie Morrow.  Wow, to have students involved in planning? What an idea! At the University of Kentucky professor Nash developed Design Thinking which is sort of what Morrow is implying. Dr. Nash is an innovative professor that arouses his participants by saying, “Let’s develop a school based on the needs of students.” I went to one of his panels and was blown away by how he asked the principals, teachers, and students about their needs and fostered their development of school problems, policies and procedures.  I remembered one of his workshop and in his exciting introduction he said, “let’s design a wallet that fits your needs” while taking us through this task conversations filled the room. I asked myself, “If I could personalize my own wallet what would it have?” So I began developing this list:

1. A clear plastic for my pictures at least 5

2. A pocket for my checkbook

3. A pocket for my lucky coin and two dollar bill

4. It must zip up to close

Since we were in groups my partner designed my wallet, which included the listed items. I will never forget this workshop. This turned into identifying school systems that needed upgrading. Dr. Nash designs workshops that are action packed, hands-on, and collaborative that put basic principles into actions by tackling real world challenges. This gave me chills as I begin to create a bottom up approach to school practices, teacher evaluation, and student creative research. I left the panel with at least four different approaches to supporting students in the classroom while changing administrative policies. Yes, I investigate data, use current research to navigate direction, and push students to excel but to actually develop a culture that values student needs, and invites students to the table to discuss a schools next steps impressed me! Kudos goes out to Dr. Nash for pushing our thinking!