David Lee EdTech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb5CrlE_vpU When we think of a “classic” album—something like Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city —we aren’t just listening to a collection of random songs. We are experiencing a curated narrative, a cohesive world where every track serves a specific purpose in a larger story. As educators, we are essentially the “designers” of our students’ learning experiences. When we design Project-Based Learning (PBL) units, we aren’t just stacking lessons; we are composing a learning narrative. The realization that high-quality units share the same DNA as high-quality albums came during a conversation with my colleague Ben Summerton . As we listened to his record collection, the parallels became undeniable. Both require an overarching theme, an intentional structure, and interconnected elements that lead to a meaningful outcome. Starting with a Concept Just as Kendrick Lamar uses the theme of a “coming-of-age story” to anchor his tracks, a PBL unit must be anch...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JdJoz8j-Vo Are you looking to take your learning space design to the next level? When we set out to design new environments for our students, we started by defining our vision and understanding what the learning experience should look like. But having a vision is only the first step. To bridge the gap between our ideas and a functional reality, our STEM team leaned heavily into the principles of design thinking—specifically, the practice of prototyping. Through this practical, hands-on process, we went from early conceptual models to ultimately launching five new makerspaces that truly support dynamic, hands-on learning. Why Prototype Your Learning Space? Prototyping is an essential step that brings ideas into the physical world. Even with a clear vision, it’s crucial to see how those ideas will work in practice. A prototype allows you to visualize how teachers and students will interact within the space, making it much easier to iden...

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGZtOGTAh6M Transformational change in education is a visionary summit we collectively strive to reach. Whether it involves shifting instructional practices, implementing a new learning model, or designing a campus, driving this change can feel as daunting as climbing Mount Everest. With nearly half of all organizational change efforts falling short, effective change management is an indispensable skill for educational leaders. Climbing Everest is not a hasty sprint; it is a meticulously planned expedition requiring rigorous training, acclimatization, and experienced guides. We can use this exact journey to navigate our own educational "Everests" by following five critical steps for change management outlined by Kelsey Miller (2020). 1. Prepare the Organization for Change : Before stepping onto the mountain, climbers must understand the risks and treacherous terrain. Similarly, leaders must cultivate a culture that recognizes the need for tra...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pmgE1DqdXY Our ultimate goal in education is to empower students by equipping them with the dispositions and practices they need to succeed in their future professions, personal lives, and civic duties. While we cannot predict the exact problems our students will face, we can provide them with effective, adaptable tools. One of the most powerful tools we can offer is the design thinking methodology —an iterative toolkit of mindsets and practices focused on human-centered design to solve complex, real-world challenges. Early in my journey of teaching design thinking, I searched for a set of standardized guidelines to structure my lessons, similar to how I used the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for STEM projects. When I couldn't find them, I decided to create my own. Developing the Design Thinking Standards (DTS) To build these standards, I drew heavily from the teachings of the d.school (Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzUPOag86Z4 How do we prepare students to create truly groundbreaking innovations? While specialized knowledge is important, history and modern industry suggest that the most revolutionary ideas often occur at the "intersection"—the space where diverse disciplines and fields converge. The Power of the Intersection In his influential book, The Medici Effect , Frans Johansson (2004) introduces us to this concept of the intersection. The term is inspired by the Medici family of the Renaissance, who brought together artists, scientists, and philosophers. This collision of disparate ideas sparked an intellectual revolution that changed the world. Today, this same principle is visible in high-performing teams. Johansson highlights IDEO, a design firm that purposefully builds teams with engineers, linguists, psychologists, and MBAs. It is this diversity of thought that allows them to make unexpected connections that a more homogenous group might miss....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoZxs7BBlm0 This video shows the process I use (and mindset) to design project-based (PBL) learning experiences that are optimal for design thinking integration. Thank you so much for checking out this video. If you are interested in learning more please check the link below to receive free resources that can help you start on your journey of equipping your students with design thinking. Learn more about these experiences here: lpbeta.org/book Timestamp 0:35 Start with the Standards 1:81 Develop a Real World Context/Task 2:35 Develop a Learning Narrative 4:00 Develop a Learning Plan 4:56 Integrate Assessments You can watch these videos to learn more about the city plan project. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYyk4fLjIwR956i1EZWlFUIK8pc1G-HOr DT Unit Project Videos Designing Products and Services for Marketplace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypOJ2yfRi1s Designing Festival Floats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAlA-x-m0vQ ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFgvEVcPmRY Learn more about Design Thinking in education here: lpbeta.org/book  

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE-0aZL5_0A To learn more about design thinking in education, check out my book "Design Thinking in the Classroom."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCO0qh4_XrA If you look at the "About" page of almost any school website, you will likely find a mission statement about nurturing students to be "creative, collaborative problem-solvers." We all agree this is the goal. The Future of Jobs Report confirms that innovation and interpersonal skills are rising in prominence. However, when I entered the teaching profession, I have to admit I was ill-equipped to teach these skills. My training focused on content, not on how to design authentic experiences that empower students to design their own future. Through my journey to fix this gap in my own practice, I discovered Design Thinking . More Than Just Brainstorming : While traditional Creative Problem Solving (CPS) focuses on innovation, Design Thinking is the "ultimate toolkit" because it is rooted in empathy . It cultivates a human-centered culture where solutions are born from the needs of others. Putting It i...

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgvHMrQ6Vq8 Deion Sanders famously said, “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good.” I felt that extra boost after getting a fresh cut, but as I sat in the chair, I realized I was walking away with more than just a haircut—I was witnessing a masterclass in design. The place was K-Cuts here in Singapore. At first glance, it’s a budget option: 10 to 15 minutes, cost-effective ($12 SGD), and no-frills. But when I looked closer, I saw that everything was designed with extreme intention. I noticed the payment kiosk that eliminated queue friction. I saw the individual closets for customer belongings, the UV sterilizers for tools, and the ingenious vacuum system at the floor base that let stylists sweep away hair in a second. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about removing every non-essential barrier to create efficiency for both the customer and the employee. Design is Problem Solving We often confuse "design" w...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe9bv9w5-o0 In this conversation, Joyce Pereira and I dive into the innovative KoLAB program —a unique STEM and project-based learning (PBL) initiative that blends transdisciplinary pedagogy with real-world challenges. I share insights into the program's foundational principles, including its focus on authentic contexts and applied learning practices, while we explore its impact on students and educators alike. We also discuss thoughtful strategies to breathe new life into the program, from aligning with community needs to integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainability goals. Whether you're an educator, program designer, or STEM enthusiast, this episode offers inspiration and actionable recommendations for creating transformative learning experiences. Let’s reimagine the future of STEM and PBL education together! Joyce Pereira inkedin.com/in/joycelourencopereira

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVOlS5mUjHk I was honored to learn that a Design & Technology Book Club selected my book as their featured read for the month. It is always a privilege to engage with fellow educators who are passionate about innovation, and the members sent over some truly thought-provoking questions regarding the text and how my perspective has evolved since its publication. I wanted to share those questions and my responses with you here, as they sparked some deep reflection on my own journey with Design Thinking. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion. Has the Vision Changed? : A common question was whether my view of Design Thinking has evolved. The short answer is yes. While I still believe it is a powerful, human-centered toolkit for navigating a world of constant change, I’ve realized that Design Thinking is only as effective—or as harmful—as the person using it. As designer Jennifer Daniel noted, "Design is not good unto itself. D...

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeCyZcHoTLU Student agency is defined as having the ability and the will to positively influence one’s own life and the world around them. It is the capacity to set a goal, reflect, and act responsibly to effect change. I had the honor of witnessing this firsthand with a team of six elementary school students who used Design Thinking to solve a very unique problem: a monkey in the cafeteria. The Context During the summer semester, our Director, Ms. Colley, presented a challenge. An adolescent male macaque had been visiting our elementary school, searching for food in the rubbish and even drinking hand sanitizer. The goal was clear: What could we do to keep both the monkey and the students safe so the animal wouldn't need to be relocated? Empathy and Understanding To solve this, we couldn't just guess; we needed to understand the "users." We started by learning about the power of empathy through a case study of an innovation architect...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiUmYnBOKpw Recently, I found myself lost in a project that was 6,167 pieces of pure joy: The Rivendell Lego set. As I assembled this feat of engineering, taking in the intricate details of the Council of Elrond, I wasn't just admiring the bricks. As a lifelong   Lord of the Rings   fan—one who rewatches the trilogy and   The Rings of Power   annually—I started thinking about the group that formed there. The Fellowship of the Ring was the ultimate team. They were a mix of races and backgrounds—Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and a Wizard—united by a single, impossible goal. Whether you are in a boardroom, a classroom, or working with your family, the traits of these nine heroes offer a blueprint for becoming a more unified and effective team. The Anatomy of a High-Performing Team Determination (Frodo): Frodo proved that impact isn't about size or status. His courage to carry the burden inspired the rest of the group. In any professio...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hik_zwqtgeg Why is it so critical for us to design learning experiences that mirror real-world scenarios? The answer lies in preparation. When we create authentic scenarios, we help students develop the practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving capabilities they will actually need outside the education system. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing students to see the purpose behind their work. I often think of an analogy involving two awe-inspiring structures here in Singapore: the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest . These artificially designed environments showcase the extraordinary beauty of plant life. But what makes them truly special is how they were created. Horticulturists meticulously studied the ideal conditions found in nature and replicated them within these structures. Through the careful control of temperature, humidity, light, and water supply, they created microclimates that closely resemble nativ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EmgK2ATdHk We often think of Formula 1 as just a sport, but I view it as the ultimate STEM learning experience. The real-world context is high-stakes: designing, building, and racing the fastest cars in the world for the most prestigious competition. To achieve this, teams must blend science, technology, engineering, and mathematics seamlessly. As highlighted in Animagraffs’s analysis of F1 cars, these machines are a masterclass in applying STEM concepts—from designing suspension and sensors to mastering aerodynamics, braking, and energy recovery. Beyond the Engine But it’s not just about the car. F1 demands intense 21st-century skills, particularly in logistics. Teams must build temporary headquarters, strip cars down to the last component, ship them to the next country, and rebuild them from scratch. This requires immense agency and innovation. These professionals possess strong STEM identities, viewing themselves as scientists, technologists, and en...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwHekggV_OU Change is formidable, especially in schools with deep heritage. Last year, I had the privilege of leading the Technology, Computer Science, and Robotics (TCR) curriculum review. Our goal? To move from our current state to an "ideal state" of high-quality STEM learning. To guide this process, I looked to IDEO for their design thinking approach and strategy advisor Roger Martin , who defines strategy as “a set of choices that you can make today, in the face of uncertainty, in order to increase the likelihood that you will win now, and into the future.” Here is the journey our team took to design strategies with intention, rigor, and creativity. 1. Defining the Ideal State We started by asking: What does it mean to "win" in our context? Through literature reviews and team brainstorming, two key themes emerged: Authentic Application and Interdisciplinary Learning . This pointed us directly to a STEM approach —...

In this video, I got to chat with Sabba Quidwai who is on a mission to show the world how important of a tool design thinking is for students, and to showcase schools that are implementing the methodology well.  Sabba Quidwai Website: http://askmsq.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askMsQ/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/askMsQ Sabba’s Extraordinaire Design Studio: youtube.com/watch?v=1QD4vLgqDbw Get your hands on the "Design Thinking in the Classroom" book here to help foster creative thinking and problem-solving. This is a great toolkit to equip students and help you on your mission in student empowerment.  www.davidleeedtech.org/designthinkingintheclassroom MUSIC BY MARC TORCH - POPNROLL5  www.epidemicsounds.com Website: www.davidleeedtech.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidleeedtech/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidleeedtech Blog :davidleeedtech.wordpress.com Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Davidlee...

In this video I chatted with Matt Harris about design thinking in education on his YouTube channel, video series called “The EdTech Vlog with Matt Harris, Ed.D.: Global Conversations.” Thank you Matt for the opportunity to chat about something I am passionate about and for sharing the footage of the interview with me. Check him out here! Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattHarrisEdD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWEf... MUSIC BY VICTOR OHLSSON - "My Rain Is Gone" www.epidemicsounds.com

Super excited and humbled to be accepted to the ADE Institute 2019. I think I applied twice before and was rejected. Can't wait to learn in Australia with the rest of the class of 2019! Here is my video application for Apple Distinguished Educators Class of 2019. It's actually the second version of the video. The feedback I got was to "show off" more about my social media presence. Get your hands on the "Design Thinking in the Classroom" book here, if you would like to develop your students into empathetic, creative problem-solvers who bring positive change to people's lives: www.davidleeedtech.org/designthinkingintheclassroom Music from EpidemicSound.com Website: www.davidleeedtech.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidleeedtech/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidleeedtech Blog :davidleeedtech.wordpress.com Google+: https://plus.google.com/+DavidleeedtechOrg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidLeesEdTechWorld