Looking back, 2012 was a year that presented many new challenges. But what kind of solutions will we choose to better our world? This year's Tyee Big Ideas series is intended to provoke some thought... and perhaps, we humbly offer, some potential answers. Happy New Year, and keep thinking Big.
In This Series
Idea #1: 'MOOC': Saviour of Higher Ed?
'Massive online open courses' may just quell the next student debt revolt. First in a series of Inspiring Ideas for 2013.
Idea #2: Turn Complex Problems into Games
Have fun and save the world: It worked for one conundrum that boggled scientists for years. Second in a series.
Idea #3: Want to Defeat Harper? Force Cooperation
Start by signing up to vote in the open Liberal leadership race. Third in a series.
Idea #4: Teach Teachers How to Be Advocates
Done delicately, it's critical for students needs, says UBC's dean of education. Fourth in a series.
Idea #5: 'You Are Not a Loan'
Occupy spin-off buys debt for pennies on the dollar, forgives debtors, shames predator bankers. Fifth in a series.
Idea #6: Assess the Public Health Impact of New Laws
How many Canadian lives are sacrificed with every policy decision? Sixth in a series.
Idea #7: Make 'Affordable' the New 'Livable'
How creative, green, or great is a city if no one can afford to live there? Seventh in a series.
Idea #8: Time for a CBC Right to Food Day
Public broadcaster should launch it instead of pushing the failed food bank charity model.
Idea #9: Smartphones: The New Automobile
Cars made cities sprawling and impersonal, but that handheld gadget will change them again. Ninth in a series.
Idea #10: The Reinvention of Nearly Everything
How open ideas, venture collectivism and the hacker ethic are changing the world.