Random notes

I was recently at Duke University, participating in an interesting round table discussion on the future of education. Technology leaders from across the US, Canada, and UK were present. Initially I wasn’t sure I would attend, due to the hectic August I’ve been having. Once I saw the participant list, I knew that I had to attend! It’s not too often that a group of committed, focused, and “same-wave” length techno-educators can connect.

My main purpose in the session was to produce confused looks whenever I talked about connectivism. I beat the concepts to death: networks, connections, nodes, design the ecology, etc. Other presenters had similar challenges - how does one contribute a personally passionate theory in a meaningful way? The vision I have of connectivism in my head has never been duplicated effectively during presentations.

What I valued most about the experience was the presence of an educational provider who was willing to listen and brainstorm. I was impressed by their willingness to open their eyes (beyond the current construct of a course) and discuss some innovative models of embedding learning into the process of living. I’m sure we’ll continue to hear much more from Duke CE within the executive education arena. I’m curious how many other colleges and universities are starting to see a similar picture.