TED Community » Zach Doty

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Zach is dedicated to the power of ideas, relationships, and how the two concepts connect in communities for the benefit of all parties involved.

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• TEDCred score: +0.20 TEDCred reflects your contribution to the TED community.

• A reply on Conversation: TED generates brilliant ideas for good. Can we take it a step further and actively apply these ideas into productive action toward problems?

  Jun 7 2011: Thanks for your thoughts Alan!
  
  I agree in the sense that there is more to be found from TED, and that turning the corner from conversation into action is difficult. However, I feel we must try our best, and to realize the full potential of this wonderful community!

• A reply on Conversation: TED generates brilliant ideas for good. Can we take it a step further and actively apply these ideas into productive action toward problems?

  Jun 7 2011: Is there anything more?
  
  There doesn't seem much to do there, just some closed conversations.
  
  And thanks for your help, TEDActive looks like a step in the right direction. Also, are there membership options for university students like myself?

• A comment on Conversation: What if the TED Community worked together to build the model 21st century learning environment? What would it look like?

  Jun 6 2011: Could you be a little more specific Al?
  
  In the interest of guiding conversation, are you shaping this idea on the basis of replacing or supplementing current education systems? Furthermore, are you referring to public, higher or professional education?
  
  In very broad terms, one might look student shaped experience based on their intended outcomes, and introducing incentives for student achievement. Honestly, such a program might look like a combination of mentorships, apprentices, and life coaching. Also, a high amount of collaboration between students and peer-instruction would be a possibility.
  
  Perhaps approaching your idea with both problem (fixing existing issues) and solution (new ideas) orientations would produce the best ideas and eventually, results.

• A comment on Conversation: Are you familiar with Down's syndrome?

  Jun 5 2011: I can share a story of living with Down's syndrome. My host family at the university I attend has a son in his 20s with Down's. Realistically speaking, his case presents a number of special needs in his work environment and a ton of patience from his family! He works at a facility designed for special needs adults, however, he leads a productive and active life.
  
  However, he is one of the most vibrant and happy individuals I have ever encountered. Perhaps the best advice from my experiences is to keep an open-mind, and never tell him he can't do something! I'm unsure of their presence in Europe, but the Special Olympics in America are a big part of keeping my host-brother active. I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised by the number of people who will be supportive of your nephew and your cause. Provide the best support system you can for him, and best wishes to your family.

• A comment on Conversation: America is not the center (or is that centre) of the universe as we know it! Amercan arrogance is astounding (and I like Americans)

  Jun 5 2011: Good idea to bring this to attention, I imagine very few American internet users actually think of this while surfing the web.
  
  I was speaking with a client recently for whom I was building a website. Upon recommending a forward-looking .co global domain name, they strongly preferred a US based .com domain.
  
  What are your ideas and recommendations to promote awareness or change this bias?