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Location:

Dublin

About Me:

I run Creative and Whole Brain thinking programmes for SME's, and business students. I'm particularly interested in setting up creative networks, where a group of people become familiar with using ideation tools, and proceed to operate as a Think Tank, helping each other deal with their creative challenges. I'm also a mosaic artist - working with my hands gives my head a break every now and then!

Website:

http://www.creativethinkingnetwork.com

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At 11:21am on November 11, 2008, Mark_Abrahams said…: Farewell, have fun

Our thinking aligns

Us, NZ via USA, Fiji, then Oz and Thailand. Can't wait.

Later
Mark

At 4:14am on November 11, 2008, Mark_Abrahams said…: I hope you have a great time in Rome.

Barbara and I will be disappearing overseas soon - back next year.
Having touched base and said 'Hi' we can, perhaps, agree to get back in touch in 2009.

Concerning my design work, think buildings, projects and healthcare.

But my theory is not so much about design but more about how we designers think things through.
Design can be haphazard and existential but, in this resource and process-driven world we live in, much of our design thinking has evolved – oftentimes for the worse (in terms of design outcomes).
So it's not only what we designers do but also how we think things through, creatively and critically, that interests me.
Your mosaic work, for instance. How do you do that?
On one hand talking about the language and process of design and on the other, I'm developing an innovative model (potentially software) as an aid to better creative and critical thinking. Basically, what with the day job, I have too much going on and my communication may, consequently, feel like going on a ramble. I am busy hacking at and clearing the pathway and aiming to lighten my load by concentrating on just one thing at a time.

As Gandhi said "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."

Regarding your 'Creative and Whole Brain thinking programmes' have you won yet? As for me, I think I'm at stage 3, including fighting myself (if you know what I mean). I need more time before I'm ready to present details.

So let’s enjoy our getaway breaks, reenergize and, if required, refocus.

When we are back at our workbenches and at full pitch, let's aim to support and to win.
We will need to think our best path towards success.

At 6:33pm on November 9, 2008, Mark_Abrahams said…: Hi Mary,
As a designer, I have a very individual way of regarding how things should, ideally and in the future, progress.
However, this theory of mine is a work in progress and is wrapped up in a developing model. I hope, given time and effort, I may one day be able to better explain it or even demonstrate it to you.
I wish your daughter well for her future and her success.

At 6:31pm on November 9, 2008, Mark_Abrahams said…: Glad the IT is behaving.
Do you think this is any good for your right brain workouts? When dealing with our computer lives we certainly have to be creative.

Personally, I am amazed at the improved levels of creativity that computer use and the Internet have facilitated. The only thing that concerns me slightly is the sort of stuff that some kids play with. Will it lead to betterment of their planned futures? Still, I suppose it’s better than playing with guns. I used to play cowboys and indians and regularly shot my brother (you, luckily, survived and is just about to turn 60). As a child born in the 1950s and enjoying relative peace and only minor after-effects of WW2, I wonder, with innocence, at our upbringing and what we learnt on the way up. Later, of course, I learnt of the realities and loss of the war. Not until I became well informed on such matters did I realize just how my family was broken and torn as a result of a war I knew nothing about other than by reading and watching documentaries. Just goes to show the power of history. We must never stop learning and adjusting as best we can – always doubting but checking and evaluating fact from fiction.

Anyway, keep up the good work.
M.

At 6:14pm on November 9, 2008, Mark_Abrahams said…: BAbraham@ccn.ac.uk
Sometimes the Intranet security kicks in. I'll ask Barbara to confirm receipt.

At 10:36am on November 7, 2008, Mark_Abrahams said…: Please drop a line to my wife, Barbara at BAbraham@ccn.ac.uk.
If you'd be so kind, just say "Mark said to say "Hi" and explain that it is your website that I sent to her i.e. http://www.creativethinkingnetwork.com
She thought it was great. She's in the middle of an open day just now. I'm sure you could, at least, share a few ideals and Barbara might be able to send you something useful. I suggest that you don't request anything to do with IT - it's not her thing - though she knows people who could assist. Barbara is all about the students but is a great promoter of sharing resources and supporting all who are in need.

All the best and keep up the good work
Mark

At 3:45am on November 7, 2008, Mark_Abrahams said…: Hi Mary,
Are SMEs still called that in Ireland?
In England, I understand that they are now being referred to as 'Principleships'. Other than a bit of a shift in organisational focus, I suspect that are still SMEs in all but name.

Have shared website details - impressive.

Good luck with it all
Mark

At 10:08pm on November 6, 2008, Rob Jacobs said…: That is a great idea. I will look that book up on Amazon. I remember the first time I gave my students the test ahead of time and then explained to them it was my job to teach them how to pass it. My peers thought that was a little to creative, but I explained all you had to do was think about it differently. Why don't more of us do it? Thanks for the book recommendation.

At 5:23pm on November 6, 2008, Rob Jacobs said…: Mary, checked out your website. Very cool. I have my own blog too. I'll add yours to my Google Reader. I think you have come to the right place in the HUB. There are some amazing people have some amazing discussions.

At 9:48am on November 6, 2008, Hal Portner said…: Hi Mary,

I, too, have embarked on a project without funding. I’m working on putting together a whole raft of “tried and true” educational concepts (e.g., constructivism, project-based & problem-based learning, and especially creative problem solving) into a curriculum that addresses the emergent needs of the 21st century student. I more or less have its direction in mind (and in a bunch of semi-organized notes) and even some of the details.

Good luck to both of us!

BTW, the Thomas Edison song is by Peter Lloyd, another Hubbite.

Cheers,
Hal