Heerdink's EdD Journey

Exploring the Intersection of Technology, Leadership, and Learning.

  • Incorporating Creativity into Cybersecurity Coursework

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    For my blog post today, I have been assigned the following prompt: Reflect on the readings for this week and discuss different ways that you could incorporate creativity into the instructional activities for the learners you work with within your organization. Now, as I am not an instructor, this one is going to be a little tricky. Still, I have decided to pretend to be an instructor in the field of Cybersecurity as it closely aligns with my background and education. Who knows, maybe someday I will teach cybersecurity classes at my local community college.

    In the field of cybersecurity, fostering creativity among learners is crucial. In our readings this week from Prof. Dr. Enver Tahir Riza’s work in “Creativity: A New Era in Educational Technology” I learned some valuable guidance for enhancing creativity in the educational setting using technology but also taking that next step and translating some of those concepts into an actual technology-focused course specifically in my case cybersecurity. Below are some of the ways I would take to integrate creativity into my cybersecurity classes.

    Emphasize Discovery and Innovation

    I would encourage students to explore and discover new cybersecurity concepts. This could involve hands-on labs where they experiment with different security protocols or simulate cyber-attack scenarios to find novel solutions.

    Encourage Diverse Perspectives

    I would attempt to foster a learning environment where diverse viewpoints are welcomed. This can be achieved through group projects or discussions where students with different backgrounds share their unique insights on cybersecurity issues.

    Apply Cumulative Knowledge

    I would Utilize the extensive knowledge students gain in their coursework to inspire creative applications. For example, after learning about various encryption methods, students could be tasked with developing their own encryption algorithm.

    Encourage Flexibility and Adaptability

    In the fast-evolving world of cybersecurity, being able to adapt and be flexible with solutions is key. I might offer scenarios where students must adjust their strategies in response to new information or changing threat landscapes.

    Promote Originality

    I could explore ways to challenge students to come up with original ideas and solutions for their projects. Maybe designing a unique cybersecurity framework or developing an innovative approach to tackle cyber threats.

    Utilize Technology Effectively

    Try and leverage the latest educational technologies to enhance learning experiences. Perhaps use interactive simulations, virtual labs, and online collaboration tools to provide dynamic platforms for creative exploration in cybersecurity.

    Practical Application

    Work to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world application. Reach out and form partnerships with industry professionals for internships or project-based learning to provide practical insights and inspire innovative thinking.

    Encourage Self-Directed Learning

    Find creative ways to motivate students to pursue their own interests within the field. This could be through independent research projects or choosing their specialization topics, leading to a more engaged and creative learning process.

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  • Exploring Family Dynamics: A Personal Insight

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    Using the chapter titled Connessione from the “How to think like Leonardo da Vinci” book by Michael J. Gelb, I have set off to write a blog post about an exercise from that chapter. The exercise is named Family Dynamics and reads as such:

    “Contemporary psychology emphasizes the importance of understanding the “system dynamics” of your family to better understand yourself. In your search for wholeness and self-knowledge, you can gain valuable insight by contemplating the following questions about your family.”

    For the purposes of this blog post I have picked my wife and myself to use as examples.  

    What role does each person play?

    In the intricate dance of our family life, my wife and I have naturally gravitated towards roles that complement each other. She is the nurturer of our family, imbuing our home with creativity and warmth. Her ability to turn mundane moments into cherished memories is nothing short of magical. On the other hand, I find myself in the role of the pragmatist and the enforcer, ensuring that our family’s needs are met and that our life runs smoothly. This balance, though sometimes challenging, has been the cornerstone of our family’s harmony.

    How are roles interdependent?

    Our family operates on a divide-and-conquer strategy, which has proven to be both efficient and effective. While my wife carries the “mental load” of family management, I focus on the time management and practical aspects. This interdependence allows us to play to our strengths, and interestingly, our individual weaknesses are often mitigated by the other’s strengths. This interaction is not just a matter of convenience but a testament to our deep understanding of each other.

    What are the benefits of the distribution of family roles? What are the costs?

    The division of roles in our family brings a sense of focus and reassurance. Knowing that we have each other’s backs in different areas allows us to concentrate on what we do best. This distribution, however, is not without its costs. The mental burden that my wife bears is significant, and I am constantly aware of the need to support her in this invisible yet vital aspect of our family life.

    What happens to the dynamics under stress?

    Stress reveals the true mettle of our relationship. My wife, who might fret over the smaller details, becomes a pillar of strength when faced with significant challenges. Her transformation into a calm, decisive task manager is remarkable. Conversely, I find myself more preoccupied with the larger issues, maintaining a composed front for the smaller hiccups. This complementary approach to stress has been a key factor in navigating our family through turbulent times.

    What patterns have been handed down over generations?

    Our differing backgrounds, my more chaotic upbringing and my wife’s more stable environment, have been instrumental in shaping our approach to family life. These diverse perspectives bring a balanced outlook to various aspects of our lives, such as parenting and financial decisions, ensuring that we remain grounded and pragmatic.

    What are the primary outside forces that affect the family dynamics?

    Our family dynamics are significantly influenced by external factors such as financial constraints and work-related stress. These elements often act as catalysts, revealing the strengths and vulnerabilities within our family structure.

    What were the family dynamics one year ago? Seven years ago? How have they changed? What will they be like in a year? In seven years?

    Reflecting on the past years, it’s evident that our understanding of each other has deepened. Roles that were once rigid have now become fluid, adapting to our evolving life goals and the simple fact of being together for so long. Looking ahead, I am optimistic about our ability to grow and adapt, facing life’s challenges as a united front.

    How will the patterns of functioning you learned in your family affect the way you participate in other groups?

    The lessons learned from our family dynamics extend beyond the confines of our home. They have equipped us with the skills to navigate various group settings, enabling us to contribute positively and effectively. The resilience, understanding, and adaptability we’ve developed within our family have become invaluable assets in all spheres of our lives.

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  • Unleashing Creativity in Higher Ed Tech

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    Blogging Prompt:
    “How are you seeing creativity in the students/learners that you work with on a regular basis? What is at least one issue/problem that you are seeing in your school/organization that needs improvement? How could you use methods such as personal analogy method or the fantasy method to address?”

    As a Director of Information Technology in higher education, my interactions with students may not be as frequent as those of educators, but the impact of my decisions of students learning experience is still important in my own opinion. In the realm of educational technology, creativity is not just an asset, it is a necessity. It is the creative solutions that bridge the gap between technology and student success.

    A persistent issue in our educational system is the digital divide. Despite the advances in tech, there remains a gap between the resources available and their effective implementation in the learning process. The challenge is not just providing the hardware but ensuring that technology is accessible, intuitive, and enriching for all students.

    How do we address these challenges creatively? Let’s take the personal analogy method. If I were to imagine myself as a student in today’s tech driven academic environment, I might feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tools at my disposal. Or maybe, I might feel frustrated by the lack of integration between these tools and my learning needs. By placing myself in the students’ shoes, I can begin to understand the nuances of their experiences and work on designing technology solutions that are more user-friendly, supportive, and aligned with their educational journeys.

    On the other hand the fantasy method allows me to break free from the constraints of reality and envision the idea state. I can imagine a campus where technology adapts in real-time to the needs of each students, an AI-driven mentor that guides leaners through their whole academic career, a way to provide resources and support exactly when and where it is needed. While this sounds like a sci-fi movie, parts of this fantasy could be used to inform our strategic planning, inspiring us to create more adaptive learning management systems and student support networks.

    Creativity in Educational Technology in not just about new gadgets and the latest software, it is about reimagining the learning landscape. By using personal analogy, we empathize and tailor our approach to meet student needs. Through the lens of fantasy, we innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Together, these methods drive us to not only dream bigger but to create a more inclusive, intuitive, and inspiring educational environment for all students.

    Even though my role has turned into largely strategic, it is still clear to me that every decision we make in IT can foster an environment where creativity and technology go hand in hand, hopefully paving the way for students to achieve their full potential.

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  • Dualities For Creativity

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    For the purpose of this blog post, I have gone through the creative prompts given by the author Michael J. Gelb in his book “How to Think like Leonardo da Vinci,” pages 154-155. In this reading, the author writes about the concept of “Creative Confusion Endurance” which in my review talks about embracing dualities in life to help foster creativity. It is suggested that one can develop greater creative insight by acknowledging and wrestling with life’s paradoxes. I believe that the engagement prompts from the text are not about resolving any tension or issues but that enduring the process can be a creative source. Below, I break down the seven prompts into bit-size portions based on my own life experiences.

    Joy and Sorrow:

    Reflecting on joy and sorrow, I’ve found that they are two sides of the same coin. It is through experiencing sorrow that we can truly appreciate joy. When I think back to the saddest moments of my life, they often give me context and depth to the happy ones. Joy feels more profound when it has to drag itself out of the muck of doom and sorrow, like sunlight breaking through the dark clouds of a rainy day.

    Intimacy and Independence:

    Intimacy and independence seem contradictory, but when I think of my relationship with my wife, I’ve noticed that one really tends to fuel the other. Over the past years of my marriage, I have learned that intimacy isn’t so much about losing oneself to another but rather bringing one’s whole self into the relationship. Independence does not mean detachment, but it means having the freedom to be one’s self while being intimately connected with someone else.

    Strength and Weakness:

    Considering my own personal strengths and weaknesses, I’ve come to see them not as opposites but as complements. My ability to empathize, which others see as a strength, can also leave me emotionally drained, which some might view as a weakness. Yet this weakness can deepen my compassion, which I believe to be a core strength. Embracing both is when I have grown the most, in my opinion.

    Good and Evil:

    The contemplation of good and evil has led me to understand that they are not always external forces but internal battles. Recognizing my own potential for both good and evil has been humbling. It’s a recognition that to strive for goodness means acknowledging and managing the potential for evil.

    Change and Constancy:

    Reflecting on change and consistency in my life, I’ve found that while the world around me shifts, there are core values and principles that remain steadfast. These constants provide an anchor in the seas of change.

    Humility and Pride:

    I see humility and pride in my life as necessary counterparts. My proudest achievements have been followed by moments that humble me, reminding me that there is always more to learn and ways to improve. It, in a way, keeps me grounded and drives me to move forward without losing sight of my own fallibility.

    Goals and Process:

    Thinking about the goals I’ve reached and the process behind them, I’ve realized that the journey is as important as the destination. *Cue Music “The Climb” by Hannah Montana* There have been times when the goal that I have achieved did not bring me that sense of fulfillment that I expected, but the knowledge and growth I gained along the way were invaluable.

    Life and Death:

    Finally, contemplating life and death has underscored the value of each moment. Recognizing the impermanence of life can be a powerful motivator to live genuinely and make a positive impact. It’s about finding meaning in the journey of life (see Goals and Process above), amidst the awareness of its inevitable end.

    “Everybody is going to be dead one day, just give them time.”

      - Neil Gaiman

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  • Echoes of Quiet and Whispers of Scent

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    A blogging task for me this week is to pick two examples from the Sensazione chapter of the book “How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci.” I have decided to pick Listening for Silence and What Do You Smell Right Now exercises from the book. Let’s start with Listening for Silence.

    Tonight was a typical evening for me at home. My wife had made dinner for all of us, and I joined my family at the table. As my wife shared the events of her day, I made a conscious effort to focus not just on her words but to really try and tune into the pauses between them. I was able to pick up on a distinct rhythm of her speech that I don’t know if I have ever noticed before. It was almost like its own melody. As she speaks, each pause actually adds to the conversation as a whole. Right before something particularly important or thoughtful was said there was this slightly elongated pause as if she was leaving room for the words to sink in. Tuning into this pause helped me absorb the information a little better and created food for thought later. There were times when she was excited, and her pauses were almost non-existent, and her excitement started to become my excitement. Many times the pauses whether long or short would be elevated with some nonverbal communication like a smile or a glance away at the wall. Now, I know that might be treading into a visual exercise, but it was something I could not help but notice when studying the space between her words. It was as if the spaces became this canvas for thoughts, adding a depth I am sure has always been there but I never really tuned into. As I reflect more now on the moment it is evident to me that the spaces between ones words are not just an absence of sound but an essential component of our communication. It really helped bring this new awareness to a fresh dimension to speech and human interaction.

    Now on to smell…

    Sitting in my basement office this evening I begin by taking a deep intentional breath through my nose. The air seems to be laced with a blend or scents that makes this office really feel distinctly mine. There is a comforting and familiar smell to old paper and ink from my used hardback sci-fi book collection lining the mantel of my fireplace. There is a faint remnant of dinner that wafted down from the upstairs earlier in the evening. I can pick out a subtle blend of garlic and maybe some onion fading but still somewhat present. As I continue this exercise, taking in more long breaths of air, I get the occasional scent of my half-empty bourbon glass sitting on my desk, slight hints of oak and vanilla, with a bit that lets me know there is still some alcohol left.

    *Pause Exercise for Bourbon Sipping*

    As my exploration continues, there is that slight musty smell that lets me know I am in a basement, not overpowering but there nonetheless in the background. A slight ozone smell of my laptop computer and monitors. The exercise has really turned into a calming immersion experience. I think I might continue to perform this from time to time just for the relaxing effects it seems to be having on me.

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