Is there a hurdle being constructed that novice sketchnoters feel they have to jump in order to share their work? Spalton, Chris (ChrisSpalton) “Now #Sketchnotes are becoming more popular there’s also a lean towards becoming more ‘academic, … adding barriers to what should be accessible to all.” 5 May 2017. Tweet.

Sketchnoting, by my friend, Mike Rohde’s definition, is all about ideas, not art. My adoption of the (movement) concept is focused on remembering those golden moments where a speaker (book/talk/event) opens your mind and your heart and changes you in an unforgettable way. In those moments, I: the learner whose life is enhanced by the occasion, want a sketch to help visceralize the event in my memory.

When I experienced the power of sketchnoting I realized that I wanted to spread it outward for students. That avenue was the logical next step but how was I going to prove the necessity? Mike and Sunni started that for me, but there was still the time spent in the classroom that took away from the all too familiar ‘testing’ fear. Wendi’s book helped a great deal. With a research based focus for educators she proved that instead of being time wasted – the energy and time spent familiarizing our students with sketchnoting and modeling visual vocabulary and connected ideas is crucial for every learner. Deepening comprehension and engendering connections that standard drill and kill tactics overlook.

First time sketching – teachers show the students their sketches.

If shaping your thoughts through image is a way to unleash creativity, unlock new ideas, and retain knowledge, then why don’t we all do it more? To unlearn the “I can’t draw” mantra and relearn the doodle mindset is not that difficult. Once the benefits are established the end results supply the proof. Not to mention it is fun to do and sharing with others is a win/win. I found some of my favorite TED Talks through other people’s sketchnotes, learning deeply about things that I probably would not have seen. Perception that I internalized enhancing my day to day. Win/win.

Everyone has something to share and everyone has a doodler within.

Not all of us are equally talented when it comes to art and metaphor.

The same goes for sports, cooking, reading comprehension, and fashion. But that difference doesn’t stop us from playing kickball or trying a new spring roll recipe. The reason it is important to keep #Sketchnoting accessible is because the learning gains for both the practitioner and the rest of us are infinite. If you curb your sketches because you are not going to be the best in show then you have missed the point. Some of the most visually appealing sketchnotes have the least amount of information in them. Often used for self-marketing, these are all fluff and flair with no substance. Those don’t enrich my life. But, they weren’t meant for me right? Dimeo, Rob. (RobDimeo)”Sketchnoting skill should be accessible to all. The sketchnote content need not be accessible to anyone but the sketchnoter.” 5 May 2017. Tweet.  I want the sloppy, edgy, risk taking, infographics from an intentional learner.

#Sketchnotes may actually be so academic that the content is not accessible to all viewers, but the act of #Sketchnoting is and must stay accessible to all, because as @ChrisSpalton and @SunniBrown contend, “The more thoughts and ideas are documented (however roughly) the better the world becomes.”

Bettering the world through doodles – see you there.