"5 TED Talks Teachers Should Watch With Students"--from Edudemic

TED is one of my favorite websites to recommend to students. During the last few years in my teaching career, I presented some to my senior students once in a while, including Ken Robinson's "How Schools Kill Creativity," Adora Svitak's "What Adults Can Learn from Kids," etc. The five talks listed here were not on my list. I'll watch them in the coming days.

http://www.edudemic.com/ted-talks-teachers-students/

5 TED Talks Teachers Should Watch With Students

By Katie Lepi on May 9, 2014

Periodically, I find it interesting to see what’s new over at TED Talks. While not every video they have really floats my boat, there is generally a wealth of inspiration and interesting stories shared there. We’ve shared a number of these inspiring talks in the past – some relate specifically to teaching, others cover more general life lessons or inspiration. So it is finally May, and even the coldest of climates are emerging out of winter into spring by now, we’re sharing a few more great videos to put some spring in your step. Check them out and enjoy!

On Gaming

When game designer Jane McGonigal found herself bedridden and suicidal following a severe concussion, she had a fascinating idea for how to get better. She dove into the scientific research and created the healing game, SuperBetter. In this moving talk, McGonigal explains how a game can boost resilience — and promises to add 7.5 minutes to your life.

My comments: "The Game That Can Give You 10 Extra Years of Life" by Jane McGonigal

                             http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_the_game_that_can_give_you_10_extra_years_of_life

On Progress

At her first museum job, art historian Sarah Lewis noticed something important about an artist she was studying: Not every artwork was a total masterpiece. She asks us to consider the role of the almost-failure, the near win, in our own lives. In our pursuit of success and mastery, is it actually our near wins that push us forward?

My comments: "Embrace the Near Win" by Sarah Lewis

http://www.ted.com/talks/sarah_lewis_embrace_the_near_win

On Teaching and Entertainment

What do rap shows, barbershop banter and Sunday services have in common? As Christopher Emdin says, they all hold the secret magic to enthrall and teach at the same time — and it’s a skill we often don’t teach to educators. The science advocate (and cofounder of Science Genius B.A.T.T.L.E.S. with the GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan) offers a vision to make the classroom come alive.

My comments: "Teach Teachers How to Create Magic" by Christopher Emdin

http://www.ted.com/talks/christopher_emdin_teach_teachers_how_to_create_magic

On Support

Pakistani educator Ziauddin Yousafzai reminds the world of a simple truth that many don’t want to hear: Women and men deserve equal opportunities for education, autonomy, an independent identity. He tells stories from his own life and the life of his daughter, Malala, who was shot by the Taliban in 2012 simply for daring to go to school. “Why is my daughter so strong?” Yousafzai asks. “Because I didn’t clip her wings.”

My comments: "My Daughter, Malala," by Ziauddin Yousafzai

http://www.ted.com/search?q=my+daughter+malala

On Innovation and Complexity

Are the simplest phones the smartest? While the rest of the world is updating statuses and playing games on smartphones, Africa is developing useful SMS-based solutions to everyday needs, says journalist Toby Shapshak. In this eye-opening talk, Shapshak explores the frontiers of mobile invention in Africa as he asks us to reconsider our preconceived notions of innovation.

My comments: "You Don't Need an App for That" by Toby Shapshak

http://www.ted.com/talks/toby_shapshak_you_don_t_need_an_app_for_that