Genius Hour Shifts to Online

Thank you to online colleague and face-to-face friend Aric Foster for the push to write this post...

Aric asked me for three bullet points and tips for shifting Genius Hour (or whatever you'd like to call it) online... Here are the basics I sent to him...

1) What about heartbreak maps?? They would be perfect for this situation. That could be the start of "What's a problem in your world you want to help solve?" Right now, our students want change for themselves and for others. Two great questions to get them thinking (ask one at a time) - What is something YOU want to improve for yourself? What is something someone you know needs? What is something you think the world needs?  TIP for the brainstorming part of the process: GIVE THEM TIME. I used to jump in and have students' ideas due in one week (or so). But when I tried to do it myself, it was often difficult for ME to come up with an idea worthy of my time. If the ideas we push out of them too soon aren't something they're passionate about, it's going to flop. It's got to be something they really really want to do. So provide the time for the idea to come. Once ideas start coming in, have students share them with others. That way those without ideas (yet) can use those as inspiration (even if they do the same thing - who the heck cares, as long as they're doing something for themselves or others?!).

2) While students (and YOU! - TIP: You should be doing your OWN, so you can be a step ahead of the kids in everything you're asking them to do.) are coming up with a topic/issue, you can be figuring out a couple of logistics.

3) You'll also want to come up with some sort of process/system for them to follow.  TIP for the process: Make something visible, so students can see where their peers are and ask each other for help with a step (if needed).

Then... go from there... keep doing your own project and follow along with student projects, going with the flow. One more TIP: Since you won't be in the classroom, roaming from student to student to see how they're doing, have some sort of reflection or exit slip for students to complete at the end of the day or week... Something that shows what their plan is for the week, how it went for them, and what their next plans are for the next week would be helpful to you and them.

And remember... You are a genius, and the world needs your contribution! (Thanks, Angela Maiers!)

Looking for MORE? Check out... 

• this resource from Denise Krebs
• this resource from Andi McNair 
• this resource from Lanny Ball 
• and, of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't share this resource I've been curating since 2013.