Vintage Innovation Archives - Spencer Education

Feb 03 2025

Avoiding the Astrodome Effect with AI

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Podcast, Vintage Innovation No Comments

Artificial Intelligence has some very real promise. But in this week's article and podcast, we explore the danger of the Astrodome Effect and focus, instead, on a blended approach to AI integration. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to…

Dec 09 2022

Human Skills in a World of Artificial Intelligence

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy, Vintage Innovation 13 Comments

Three years ago, I stood in a high-tech lab at a technical university and stared at the giant flat screen monitor. The professor asked me, "Can you tell me which of these samples was generated via Artificial Intelligence?" At the top, a student had asked…

Jan 27 2020

Join the Vintage Innovation Book Club

By John Spencer Creativity, Vintage Innovation One Comment

Earlier this month, I published Vintage Innovation. This has been a labor of love over the last two years. I have interviewed hundreds of teachers, read all kinds of research, and spent time thinking deeply about this topic. Vintage Innovation is a big idea book.…

Jan 15 2020

Vintage Innovation is Here!

By John Spencer Creativity, Vintage Innovation One Comment

I have some great news! My newest book Vintage Innovation is officially open to purchase! This has been a labor of love over the last two years. I have interviewed hundreds of teachers, read all kinds of research, and spent time thinking deeply about this…

Jan 08 2020

4 Myths About the Future of Education

By John Spencer Podcast, Vintage Innovation One Comment

A decade ago, I watched a local school district purchase hundreds of interactive whiteboards. Hailed as the ultimate solution for student achievement, teachers attended flip chart trainings. The school district purchased packaged curriculum promising huge results. Specialists observed classrooms to see if teachers were implementing…

Jan 06 2020

Get Your Vintage Innovation Toolkit

By John Spencer Vintage Innovation 9 Comments

The Vintage Innovation Toolkit is here! You can access it by filling out the form at the bottom of this page. This toolkit includes the eBook The Epic Guide to Vintage Innovation. There are also eleven resources that correspond to different chapters in my new…

Dec 16 2019

The Best Way to Prepare Students for the Future Is By Empowering Them in the Present

By John Spencer Podcast, Vintage Innovation No Comments

The future is unpredictable. We know that. So, when we try to design learning experiences that "prepare students for the future," we have to recognize that we don't always know what they'll need. In this article, I explore the counterintuitive reality that the best way…

Dec 03 2019

Designing Innovative Projects Despite the Time Crunch, the Curriculum Map, and the Lack of Technology

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Vintage Innovation 4 Comments

This is my third article in the series on vintage innovation. Last week, I mentioned the Astrodome Effect and the idea of embracing both vintage tools and vintage designs in a mash-up with newer technology and new ideas. I mentioned Camden Yards as a place…

Sep 13 2016

In an Age of Artificial Intelligence, Philosophy Is More Vital Than Ever

By John Spencer Future of Learning, Vintage Innovation 5 Comments

Imagine you are building a self-driving car. Chances are you'll look for a team of engineers who can figure out how to make each part work fluidly in an interconnected manner. You'd look for software engineers and mechanical engineers and experts in user interface (UI) and…

Dr. John Spencer

As a former middle school teacher and current full-time professor and best-selling author, I’m a big believer in empowering students (and teachers) through the power of creativity. Whether you sign up for one of my online courses, enroll in one of my cohorts or invite me to spend time with your staff, I promise you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and new ideas to transform your classroom.

Vintage Innovation

Avoiding the Astrodome Effect with AI

Human Skills in a World of Artificial Intelligence

Join the Vintage Innovation Book Club

Vintage Innovation is Here!

4 Myths About the Future of Education

Get Your Vintage Innovation Toolkit

The Best Way to Prepare Students for the Future Is By Empowering Them in the Present

Designing Innovative Projects Despite the Time Crunch, the Curriculum Map, and the Lack of Technology

In an Age of Artificial Intelligence, Philosophy Is More Vital Than Ever

Dr. John Spencer

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