Lots of others have provided a good background, a full write up on the talks and on the classic TEDx films that were shown - so I'll offer up what I call joining-the-dots, what my brain did with all the amazing, inspirational inputs and the common themes and ideas I got from the day. And most importantly, what I'm actually going to do or change as a result.1. I can do anything
Darrell Evans showed us how our anatomy can change and adapt to do what we need it to. I probably haven't found the right sport yet, but my body could change itself to perform better. And, considering the information on mirror neurons presented in the classic TED film by VS Ramachandran, one was I can improve my ability is simply by watching others doing the activity while my brain copies the movements. Jake Spicer convinced us that we can all draw, and that by practicing drawing we can change the way we see the world. And while I'm busy expressing my creative side, Sue Bradley showed us how by balancing business and creativity we can achieve amazing things.
What I will do: I will try and draw more. I barely even have handwriting any more, so I will hold a pencil and look at the world. I was quite surprised that my life drawing was ok. I should practice and look at the world with a pencil instead of a digital camera sometimes.
2. We can help kids do anything
Judith Good demonstrated some of her work developing games to help autistic children relate to their world, and the ways we can use technology to help all kids learn and engage with their learning. And Angie Hart reminded us that we can all help kids become stronger with only small 'resilient moves'.
What I will do: To start with I'll find out more about the resilient moves in order to help my own kids. I'm also working with out Widening Participation team and will take the game ideas and possible technical adaptations of the resilient moves to see if it leads to some powerful resources in this area.
3. Work Happy
Will McInnes made us think about happiness in the workplace, and why employers should really think about the happiness of their employees. Complemented nicely by George MacKerron and the results from his Mappiness iPhone app, teasing us with the potential of the changes we could make in the way we live if we could really define what makes us happy. Anthony Mayfield talked about the skills we need to help us work well in the social web, which for me all comes down to building a trusted network. I am connected with like-minded individuals, I trust and am trusted by them and I am happy.
What I will do: Talk to my boss about what we can do in our workplace to foster happiness and trust. We're not co-located, so we might need a digital analogy for Will's measuring happiness by 'balls-in-buckets' ideas.
4. Hope is not an action plan
Sally Kettle reminded us that hoping something good will come along or that things will improve is useless. Make a change or live with it. David Bramwell had hopes for improving social cohesion in Brighton & Hove, and to achieve this we need to actually do something. Like organise a Zocalo - as @emtaff promises to do. And as one of the classic talks on organising a movement taught us, we don't always have to be the one to start it all off, but we can be the first follower. Find a "lone nutter" with a good idea and give them your support to make something real happen. And the sentiments Sally Kettle finished her talk with, see what you can inspire in others.
What I will do: I am too nervous of results to organise a Zocalo, but next time I see an opportunity to attend some socially connected event I will make a point of going. And I will do my utmost at work to either accept what I don't like or to make a change.
