The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning through Creativity and Connections

Course Available
3 Units
Online Self-Paced

Course Description

Create a Culture of Creativity in Your Classroom

This course will teach educators how to implement innovative ideas in their curriculum and teaching practice as well as inspire students and colleagues to become innovators in the classroom. Participants will learn how to identify areas where growth or change is needed, and build the connections to implement those changes. This course will ignite teachers’ energy and excitement by inspiring them to view learning as the paramount goal and purpose for our profession. When the focus is on powerful student learning everything else (positive rapport, engaging lessons, parent engagement and student skill building) will happen as a natural end result!

“If we are going to help our students thrive, we have to move past “the way we have always done it,” and create better learning experiences for our students than we had ourselves. This does not mean replacing everything we do, but we must being willing to look with fresh eyes at what we do and ask, “Is there a better way?” We would expect the same mindset from our students, and, as educators, that question is the first step on the path to a better future for education.”
George Couros, The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity

Course Details

Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for teachers (K-12) and instructors at the community college level, who are looking to refresh their curriculum in a variety of ways--whether it is transitioning to Common Core Standards, a shift to 1-to-1 technology, or simply focusing on student-centered learning.

Course Materials: Text, The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity by George Couros, available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore.

Technical Requirements

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDU-X784P – 010 Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504

The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning through Creativity and Connections

Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504
Online Self-Paced
Amanda Dolphin

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

What You Will Learn

  • Identify and implement the Innovator’s Mindset to produce change and foster progress in the classroom and school-wide
  • Create and foster open culture of creativity in the classroom and encourage students to construct their own thinking
  • Create or adapt a unit of study, or department/school-wide initiative that will bring about positive transformational change

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Online Self-Paced

Our online self-paced courses are designed to provide flexibility and autonomy for learners. Unlike traditional classroom methods, which require attendance at scheduled times, self-paced courses allow you to progress through the material at your own speed within a six-month period from the time of enrollment.  Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams.

Key differences from traditional classroom methods:

  • No scheduled class times or required attendance.
  • No assigned due dates for assignments; you set your own schedule.
  • Asynchronous learning, meaning you can work on assignments anytime.
  • No discussion forums and no interaction with others enrolled in the course.
  • No scheduled class times or required attendance.

Structure of Online Self-Paced Courses:

The content is divided into learning modules, each covering one or more topics. Within each module, you can expect the following components:

  • Module Introduction: Outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
  • Required Readings and Presentations: Includes textbooks, articles, journals, websites, and audio/video presentations.
  • Assignments: May include written assignments, quizzes, blogs, and other activities based on the readings and presentations.
  • Module Conclusion: Reviews the topics covered and what you should have learned.

Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that synthesizes all the topics covered throughout the course. The design of the learning modules follows a consistent rhythm to help you manage your time effectively. Grades will be available within two weeks of final submission, transcripts will be automatically mailed out following grades being posted and approved. Please allow 3-4 weeks from when final grades are posted to receive a transcript.

Key Benefits of Educator Courses

A World of Choices

With hundreds of courses across a range of education-related topics, there’s a strong chance we have the ideal class for you!

Small Class Sizes

Small class sizes with real-world educators are an important part of the USD experience.

Work-Life Balance

Our educator courses offer flexible course formats and class times to help you balance your work, USD studies, and family life.