Tag: @BryanMMathers

Two sides to the story

I’m experimenting with cartoons as Gaeilge (in Irish) in order to help me learn my mother tongue. I’ve been learning for over a year now, and I’ve found it liberating – but difficult. I’ve never had a head for languages – so I’m exploring ways of learning that are more suitable to me. I thought…
Education & Work

This is an idea I created a few years ago using the Visual Thinkery process with Educators.Coop and their collaborators focusing on the world of work.
Purpose, Puzzle, Picture

If you’ve been unclear as to what Visual Thinkery actually is (I know I have!), then here’s the official definition. I listen to people with a purpose, and aim to create a picture which articulates what the people are trying to say to whomever they are trying to say it to. This is the puzzle…
Notice and wonder

Wondering, always wondering. The more I wonder, the more I notice. The more I notice, the more I wonder…
So… how’s it going? (growing a social business)

I wrote this visual poem in 2014 when the social business I had founded (wapisasa) and its vision were struggling – I had completely forgotten about it until I found it in an old sketchbook, and thought I might turn it into something to encourage others. If it resonates with you, let me know!
Badge Taxonomy V0.2

This is version two of the Badge Taxonomy – the purpose of which is not to classify rogue badges – but to understand how badges were being used, and help think through badging solutions.
A Guide to British Weather

This is my understanding of British Weather. As an Irishman, I’m perfectly qualified to make such judgements…
Confidence and Perspective

When we took on our first young people at wapisasa last year, I really didn’t appreciate how important self-confidence in the Rookie’s outlook and enjoyment of their job. On reflection, I see that I’m no different. A lack of confidence makes you blind to the options and opportunity that surrounds you.
The Badge Cycle

This is a generic version of the badge cycle visual thought I created for the BBC. In it I’m trying to bring to life the process of earning and issuing badges. It was included as part of the FELTAG report.
Teachers…

In my work with young people in wapisasa, I’ve realised just how important self confidence is achieving anything – and how that self confidence is grown. As such I recognise the qualities of teachers I’ve had in the past, investing in young people and creating the environment for them to thrive.
I am more than just my grades

When you hire a person what do you look for? I look for what I would call character, and a spark… Yet grades are so big that that although voices say that other qualities matter, its hard to hear them. Could Open Badges be a game changer in terms of recognising value, in all its…
Education Technology

I love Lego, and I wonder how much it played a part in feeding my creative (and constructivist) side. Problem solving, learning to pivot and change direction, creating new worlds with others. Needless to say my kids are all over it…