What is DI?
If this is still a question, please read my first post on DI, which is linked here!
Why we do this:
“I can confidently communicate using technology in ways that suit my audience and purpose, and guide group activities, while promoting shared responsibility.”
This statement really shows what Destination Imagination is all about: it’s not just a competition; it’s an opportunity to grow skills that will serve us well beyond the tournament. Throughout this journey, we all develop our creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills.
The big idea:
This year, the big idea in DI was that design improved by prototyping and testing that considers social, ethical, and sustainable factors can solve real problems.
In our DI project this year, we focused on the ‘sustainability’ portion of the idea, as I made sure that all the elements in our design were made from reused or recyclable materials.
In the ideation phase, everyone voiced their thoughts as we work together to create the best solution possible. This collaborative environment was instrumental in generating ideas that aligned with the challenge while being mindful of their social and ethical implications.
We also did an excellent job on the designing and testing phase, if I do say so myself. A great example of it is when the initial design of our techno babble depicter consisted of a mere cardboard box with no real scientific elements, and we chose to improve upon it. We created several versions of it, each incorporating the feedback from the judges after provincials. Now, the techno babble depicter includes wires that run between the babbler’s hands that include the persons body as part of the circuit.
As you can see, not only did we prototype and refine our design, but we found a way to make it fit in with the story we told to our audience.
Evidence of learning:
One of the first things we did as a team to create a team contract. The goal of this was to set guidelines for how we were going to work together. This really helped us, as we had a way to reflect on how we were helping the group.
One thing I realized that I didn’t talk about in my post for the regional tournament is the story we created! Now that the provincials are over, I am allowed to share our story! As a group, we all helped in creating a script that acted as a guideline to our story. Unfortunately, two of my group members were not able to make it to the provincial tournament, so we had to adjust the script a little bit. Originally, there were two aliens and four explorers, but we changed it so that there were three explorers and only one alien. You can click on this link here, which will take you to a craft document showing our script. I hope you enjoy!
What I learned:
In reflecting on my growth from last year’s Destination Imagination (DI) to this year, I’ve identified several areas of development and learning.
- Personal Growth: I’ve really worked on improving in my teamwork skills, as I took on more responsibilities within my group. Skills I developed from last year, especially in performing and interacting with judges, also significantly contributed to this year’s experience.
- Stretching Learning: I actively sought to extend my learning, collaborating with my teammates to explain our team choice element—music—to the judges, especially in the absence of the team member who knew that most about it.
- Time Management Challenges: I faced difficulties in time management, notably missing the correct time slot for my instant challenge. This experience highlighted the need for better planning on my part.
- Team Experience: We had an exercise to help is reflect on our experience at the completion, which app was to describe it with three words. I would describe the experience as collaborative, innovative, and enthusiastic. Collaboration allowed us to combine our perspectives, leading to creative solutions. Our innovative approach involved stepping outside our comfort zones, particularly in my learning about circuitry to enhance our project. Despite obstacles, our enthusiasm united us and helped maintain momentum through challenges.
- Creative Process: The design process had to involve prototyping and testing to address social, ethical, and sustainable factors. We focused on sustainability by using reused or recyclable materials.
- Communication and Collaboration Skills: I practiced communication and collaboration by helping to develop a team contract that helped establish guidelines for our work together.
Overall, this year’s DI experience reinforced essential skills in leadership, teamwork, and time management, while emphasizing the value of collaboration and innovation in problem-solving. My goal is to apply these lessons and skills in the future, both in school and out. Thanks for reading!