Reflecting on “The Puzzle of Motivation”

I found this video very interesting, and motivated me to think about my role as a Technology Director and how I can take advantage of 20% time.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrkrvAUbU9Y

The candle problem really can be related to today and our integration of technology. Each person is going to see a different way of integrating the technology. Some of those ideas just aren’t going to work effectively. There will probably be very few in reality, that will take the technology tool “guidelines” and use them in a way other than how the tool is presented for use.

‘Definition: Intrinsic motivation refers to motivation that comes from inside an individual rather than from any external or outside rewards, such as money or grades.’

'Definition: Extrinsic motivation refers to motivation that comes from outside an individual. The motivating factors are external, or outside, rewards such as money or grades. These rewards provide satisfaction and pleasure that the task itself may not provide.’

I find it interesting how the study showed that if the task was simplistic, then the incentive reward  (extrinsic motivation) group won out. However, don’t we see students do the same thing? They don’t put so much effort into a hard assignment, but kick butt in the extra credit assignment that is very simple?

But, when we allow kids to focus on something they find interesting, and give them clear guidelines to the assignment, of their choosing, they work harder and return results due to the intrinsic motivation. There is not a need for an external motivator.

This is enough to make me think about my role as a technology director. We don’t have a 20% time, but we do devote time on Friday’s to solving problems/coming up with new ways to do things. Maybe its time to turn Friday’s into 20% time and become more creative for the kids sake.