Cultivating Creativity and Engagement at UMass Amherst

TL;DR

Hundreds of students piled into the largest lecture hall at The University of Massachusetts unaware of the interactive and engaging session awaiting them. Chris Bent, Co-Founder of Piccles and a proud UMass alumni, visits every semester to speak with Marketing 301 students about entrepreneurship. During his talks, he transforms the lecture experience by leveraging the smartphones students typically use for Snapchat and Tinder to creatively engage in the class.

The Challenge

Traditional lectures often fail to fully engage students, leaving them passive recipients of information. This is especially the case in lectures of 500 students. Chris aimed to break this mold by introducing an interactive element that would capture their attention and foster active participation, while also teaching valuable future skills.

The Piccles Activation

Chris begins his sessions by asking students to draw the person sitting next to them. As the initial surprise registers in their minds, the lecture hall erupts with chatter and excitement. Soon, the students’ drawings start rolling in.

Interactive Engagement

Individual drawings are showcased, inviting class participation and turning a passive lecture into an engaging experiment where students share the stage. Being a "guide on the side, not a sage on the stage" not only makes the lecture more dynamic but also enables students to express their creativity and learn from each other.

*Opening activity is to have each student draw the person on their left

Developing Essential Skills

Through this activity and the subsequent case study, students practice creativity, critical thinking, and communication—skills highly sought after by future employers but rarely taught in traditional academic settings. Piccles provides a unique platform for students to cultivate these abilities and develop the collaborative skills necessary to thrive after graduation.

Impact and Results

The transformation of the lecture hall atmosphere is palpable. Students who might typically zone out during a lecture are actively engaged, contributing to a lively and interactive learning environment. Chris’s use of Piccles not only captures students’ attention but also leaves a lasting impact on their educational experience.

*Data visualization created of students dining hall preferences, also capturing intensity of preference.

Content Creation

It has also resulted in the creation of many unique pieces of content, from greeting cards to videos to a line of clothing.

This video takes the viewer right back to the feeling and experience at the start of the pandemic.

Data visualizations were compiled from student data.

And a new shirt design was created with student art every semester, creating a collection that will soon be available in the campus store for all students to purchase.

Conclusion

Chris Bent’s sessions at UMass Amherst, powered by Piccles, demonstrate the potential of this creative technology to revolutionize traditional education. By engaging students in creative and collaborative activities, Piccles helps them develop crucial skills for their future careers, and have fun doing it.