Terminology - Gremlins

Gremlins and the Language of Hackathons

While gremlins can sidetrack hackathon teams, they can also sidetrack momentum for leaders trying to implement an overall educational strategy. Language matters, words matters, terminology matters, it's horrifying how fast they bog down a program. 

While some terms have relative consensus, others are packed with agenda, narrative, and all the distractions of a gremlin:

• STEM, +Art=STEAM, + Medicine = STEAMM, +Sports = SSTEAMM
• Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, and Mathematics (STEMM)
• <http://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/bhew/mentoring/index.htm>  
• Can we add Reading, Recess and Language-Arts? 
• MVP - Minimum Viable Product
• Quick Example: A hackathon team at the ATXHack4Change hosted by St. Edward's University tried to code a full-blown Registration Process, which was important, but not critical to their MVP. They could have described a simple registration process, while working on their MVP. 
• This same issue of "reinventing the wheel' comes up for credit card processing, email opt in/out and other features that are readily available online. Why build if you can adopt? 
• Organic vs Directed innovation
• Do you allow for organic (Eureka!) ideas, or do you create a process? See the overall Y-Combinator story (Chaos Monkeys) and Tech Ranch as "Process as a Platform" examples.  
• The PIVOT (change of focus / solution), ability to see now options
• Digital Leaders, Digital Natives, Digital Citizens 
• Innovation Killer - Math-shaming, STEM-shaming - STEM-washing, Math-Washing 
• Design Thinking 
• Genius Hour or Personal Passion Project 
• TeachThought - Genius Hour Design Cycle
• Gamification
• Prototyping 
• Adaptive learning, Personalized Learning - scalability 
• Diversity of ideas vs diversity by political categories 
• Learning Styles (Audio, Visual, Kinetic (etc.), Introvert vs Extrovert learners
• Small Team dynamics - Forming, Storming, Norming & Performing 
• Flipped Classroom 
• Video (Green screens) or Audio (Podcasting) 
• Paired Observation, Learning walks, Pupil Voice from http://www.thatboycanteach.co.uk/  
• Personal Branding 
• Problem Based Learning (very similar to Hackathons) 
• Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject through the experience of solving an open-ended problem found in trigger material. The PBL process does not focus on problem solving with a defined solution, but it allows for the development of other desirable skills and attributes. This includes knowledge acquisition, enhanced group collaboration and communication. The PBL process was developed for medical education and has since been broadened in applications for other programs of learning. The process allows for learners to develop skills used for their future practice. It enhances critical appraisal, literature retrieval and encourages ongoing learning in a team environment.
• The PBL tutorial process involves working in small groups of learners. Each student takes on a role within the group that may be formal or informal and the role often rotates. It is focused on the student's reflection and reasoning to construct their own learning. The Maastricht seven-jump process involves clarifying terms, defining problem(s), brainstorming, structuring and hypothesis, learning objectives, independent study and synthesis. In short, it is identifying what they already know, what they need to know, and how and where to access new information that may lead to the resolution of the problem. The role of the tutor is to facilitate learning by supporting, guiding, and monitoring the learning process.[1] The tutor must build students' confidence to take on the problem, and encourage the students, while also stretching their understanding.
• From Wikipedia - Problem Based Learning

• Project Based Learning (longer term) vs Hackathon (short burst)
• Students learn about a subject by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, challenge, or problem.[2] It is a style of active learning and inquiry-based learning. PBL contrasts with paper-based, rote memorization, or teacher-led instruction that presents established facts or portrays a smooth path to knowledge by instead posing questions, problems, or scenarios.
• Proponents of project-based learning cite numerous benefits to the implementation of its strategies in the classroom – including a greater depth of understanding of concepts, broader knowledge base, improved communication and interpersonal/social skills, enhanced leadership skills, increased creativity, and improved writing skills. Another definition of project-based learning includes a type of instruction, where students work together to solve real-world problems in their schools and communities. Successful problem-solving often requires students to draw on lessons from several disciplines and apply them in a very practical way. The promise of seeing a very real impact becomes the motivation for learning.
• From <Wikipedia - Project Based Learning>