My Sketchnote Story

I finally took the plunge into Sketchnotes this year. My job title is Instructional Technology Specialist but I am always preaching that instruction comes first in my title for a reason. While I strongly believe that technology is a necessary component in today's classrooms, I don't believe it should be used all the time, in all the same way, at the same time by students. That is not setting the conditions for student personalized learning. Technology can help personalize student learning but we need to always remember that even with the power of technology, there remains the power of a variety of tools to enhance learning opportunities and demonstrate transfer of knowledge. And here is where my story of using Sketchnotes begins. After reading Unflattening by Nick Sousanis, I couldn't stop thinking about how a true personalized student learning environment must include instructional strategies that are divergent. If we are providing divergent learning opportunities then we have the best chance of impacting all students. If you haven't read Unflattening I highly recommend it. The message of the book is powerfully portrayed, in images. The most incredible aspect of this book is that it is the first dissertation to be published completely in comic form. Nick knew that he had a story to tell. He also knew he couldn't tell that story in words, but he sure could in pictures. How many students in our classrooms can share their learning, their story, in ways besides the written word? Are we offering divergent learning opportunities for these learners?

My oldest child, Kade, is an exceptional self- taught artist. I was curious how using sketchnotes might appeal to him. I co-facilitated a Professional Learning Day at one of our elementary schools this past winter and I brought Kade along. While my partner and I facilitated the session, Kade did a sketchnote. He listened to the message and the collaboration between the staff and created a Sketchnote throughout the session. He captured the essense of the session perfectly. With pictures, words and images. Had I asked Kade to come and 'take notes' during the session, I wonder if the depth of knowledge gained would have been captured? I was sold. Sketchnoting has a place in our classrooms. Kade's sketchnote is now displayed in the staff lounge so all staff members can remember and reflect on that day of Professional Learning. When was the last time you thought about a staff meeting from last year? That is Powerful.

At the end of the school year Kade was invited to do another Sketchnote, this time for our district's Parent Diversity Advisory Council. The energy and sense of purpose of this group is enough to take my breath away. Watching my child capture the essence of the group in real time was magical. That is powerful.

I was grateful for the opportunity given to my child. Not only was he given the chance to tell the PDAC story but he was given the chance for authentic student learning through using his voice....in images.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job are the moments when teachers share stories of how they have used new instructional strategies with their students. Just the other day, a 2nd grade teacher from that staff meeting back in the spring came up to me and told me how she used sketchnotes with her students at the end of the year. She shared that she was blown away by what her students were able to produce. The best part....the students didn't want the school year to end because they didn't want to stop sharing their learning with each other through sketchnotes. That is POWERFUL.

How might you use the power of sketchnoting with your students this coming year?