 Our understanding of terms such as diversity and influence has changed over the years. What does diversity mean and what does it mean to have influence? In my opinion the same would apply to terms like innovation, creativity, teaching and learning. However, I feel that today we have better access of bouncing ideas around to form new ideas. Whereas in the past you would need to physically make the effort to meet with individuals to have discussions. Perhaps the change in our understanding of terms morph by giving ourselves the time and space to contemplate concepts holistically. I just got a copy of Ivan Illich's book, Deschooling Society, and I am really impressed with his progressive point of view - knowing that the book was first published in 1972. Illich says in his opening paragraph to his book: 'The pupil is thereby "schooled" to confuse teaching with learning, grade achievement with education, a diploma with competence, and fluency with the ability to say something new.' (Illich, 2009) There are so many other factors that influence teaching and learning, which influences creativity and innovation. What comes to mind is the globalisation of our world, where I feel we're still learning to live with each other. Perceptions take time to change sometimes generations. Some people catch on quickly, while many others do not. According to the World Economic Forum, 4 billion people are still not connected to the internet, which is more than half of the world's population. (WEF, 2016) In addition to this, even though we are connected with the internet doesn't mean we have the 'right' kind of information. Who defines what is 'right'? According to Alan November, one of the misconceptions with having access with the internet is to be able to access information, but we are more prone to using information we can relate too. This alone can be very problematic. I feel that at a professional level, we need to work towards challenging ourselves. Just because we live in the 21st century doesn't mean that we're doing things 'right'. I am sure 20 years from now we maybe thinking...wow what were we thinking? I feel that concepts of the past have its place in today's world or else how else would we make sense of what is happening today? What is important is to set time aside to challenge our thinking, but also to collaborate with others to share ideas to form innovative ideas - perhaps in a professional learning network. According to Steven Johnson, in his talk on Where Do Good Ideas Come From, the heart of innovation comes from the interaction and ability to exchange your ideas and to think things through.
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