This project was about starting a series of conversations to open up the subject of learning in a digital world. There are many dimensions to this and after some discussion with both the various sponsors and participants digital pedagogy (teaching in a digital world) and re-thinking learning spaces emerged as the major themes. The program for the 3 days was broadly about two different one day workshops that were sponsored by Amplified on day 1 and Southern River College with XCite Logic on day 2.
The keynote for the Amplified event was ‘The Opportunity of 21c Learning’ – an exploration of the issues and challenges facing both teachers and learners to a crowd of around 220 people connected with Education in some way. Key messages of the ‘craft’ of teaching, the motivation of learners, flaws of factory learning and the exciting opportunities of a learning future that draw from the best examples from around the world.
Prof Stephen Heppell, Amplified keynote.
The afternoon session began after a playful lunch with the removal of shoes and an exploration of many projects from around the world to draw on to generate local ‘recipes’ and specific actions.
The next day at Southern River was primarily for the teachers. A broader professional development day was developed by XCite Logic and this was punctuated by three sessions by Stephen which again started many conversations around what to do next, where to make changes and how to tackle some of the issues of the third millenium.
The conversations have started. Some people inevitably will revert back to business as usual but many were inspired and committed to a different approach, big or small, that would make a difference in their own world. These conversations will continue through until May next year when Stephen returns and a number of projects will be initiated, inspired by these two days of talks. Me, I had a blast – talking, thinking, getting the fire back. Really looking forward to next year, thank you Stephen.
Emergent Form 