Yesterday, I took part in the Teaching and Learning Centre’s #eBreakthrough Workshop at the University of Canberra. Peter Copeman and Jen Smith facilitated the workshop.
I have written about two colleagues’ presentations at the workshop. Bernie Bissett shared her work with Voice Thread in her discussions with students about palliative care. Lubna Alam was the second presenter. She discussed her use of social media, curation and co-creating.
I thought both were remarkable presentations and were clearly pedagogical #ebreakthroughs. I was awe struck by Bernie and Lubna’s energy and passion.
There were ten workshop attendees who heard their stories. I liked the body language of the audience in these talks. All ten were leaning forward for both presentations.
I have been reflecting on the workshop and the energy that brings a small number of people who care about teaching and learning.
This video shared with me by a friend this morning encouraged me to think even more about caring.
Someone who had watched the video commented “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”
I think this is an excellent way to develop the caring and sharing in yesterday’s workshop. My own thinking is about how we connect with each other to share our experiences … and encourage trying.
I truncated my presentation to the workshop, my friend Alan Arnold was kind enough to tweet
Braidwood's & @UniCanberra's subversive @520507 on authentic learning and OOCs. Concierge or teacher? #eBreakthrough https://t.co/Dk1on50bwH
— Alan Arnold (@alanarnold) May 28, 2015
More and more I am hoping to find ways to support the flourishing of teachers and learners with a one-to-oneness enriched by digital resources. I would like to contribute to the incandescence of breakthroughs.
On reflecting on the workshop, I wonder now about the possibilities for unworkshops. We could flip the presentation process so that anyone who came could explore their interests. There could be a consensus too about what to discuss. Socratic moments and crowdsourcing combined.
My suggestion is that we offer concierge services rather like those available at the Tsutaya Bookstore in Tokyo … or in the open air in Delhi.
I believe a concierge university with a vibrant commitment to personal pedagogical learning journeys could transform everyone’s experience of learning. It requires us to change learning into a kairological experience rather than driven by chronological convenience.
In a kairological university, the ten attendees would be valued as caring colleagues. Their care might inspire ten others.
So … yesterday has made me think even more about bottom up personal learning that can be valued and supported. There is immense power to be unleashed when we see personal flourishing as the essence of a caring institution.
Photo Credits
If we all do one random act of kindness (Heath Brandon, CC BY-SA 2.0)
In the Mendips (Matthew Benton, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
