For this prototype, I combined a typical conference program with “bullet journaling” — a new spin on the classic hand-written daily planner.
The Lily Conference inspired this project. I attended a conference, and was amazed by the conference program. It used active learning techniques (including minute papers, reflection opportunities, etc.) within the program. It included pre- and post-conference activities, too, which helps elevate the program into a reference that attendees will probably keep and refer to.
My department at Texas A&M hosted a Teaching with Technology conference every year, so I started brainstorming ways we could borrow ideas from the Lily Conference for our program. As I worked on the program I gradually realized I didn’t want a program at all. What I really wanted was a journal! Every conference participant needed a notebook holding both inspiration and plenty of blank pages; a tool they could use to plan how to introduce active learning and evidence-based teaching in their classes.
I also wanted the conference journal to be fun. As you can see in a few of the prototype photos below, I wanted the pages to invite people to use colored pencils, washi tape, and stickers on their journals. In a perfect world, we’d shake up our pre-conference breakfast session by having journaling supplies at each table, along with a staff member who could provide tips on how to use the journal.
My prototype uses a disc-bound journal system, but I think would also work as a softbound book (like a Moleskine) or a spiral. I used the disc-bound system because it’s what I had on hand. I think if my department had pursued this, we would have eventually chosen anther binding due to the cost of punching the holes for the rings.
Prototype Photos
I wanted to provide a few sample lesson planners, and plenty of dot grid paper so faculty could replicate the planner that best suits their needs — or draw their own! I found the planner shown on this page online, but can’t remember where. Please leave a comment if you know the source.The finished prototype was about an inch thick.Dividers at the top of the notebook read “Pre-Conference”, “@ Conference”, “Post-Conference” and “Resources”The back of the journal contained a nice, large pocket for storing conference handouts. I added a piece of wash tape labeled “Handouts.” The proposed tips page on syllabus writing uses placeholder text.One of the proposed tips page. This one also uses Dr. Who-inspired placeholder text.Ideally we would have Cornell notes for every conference session. Of course, some people (me) have BIG handwriting.I thought about inviting users to try using a Chronodex to organize their day.This page, which used text borrowed from the Lily Journal (and now blurred!) invited users to identify three conference goals. This is very much a place holder image; in my head this page features hot air balloons.I thought it would be fun to have a page where participants could record the most interesting (but not necessarily most useful) statements heard at the conference.My favorite page in the Lily Conference’s program was a contact page, where participants could record information for after-conference conversations.Of course we’d include all the typical information, like a venue map and a session schedule.The Lily Conference encouraged participants to start their experience with a Minute Paper. My student assistant, Manasa Hegde, added a stopwatch illustration.On the Tips page, I used Dr. Who place holder text, as our director is a big Dr. Who fan. I also added this fab beard illustration found on Pinterest. I can’t track down the artist’s name, can anyone help?Our fictional door prize is a Paper 53 Moleskine notebook. The ‘conference passport’ would be perforated so you would remove it without destroying your notebook.
