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Heading to Athabasca University

I have accepted a position with Athabasca University and, as a result, will be leaving my current position at University of Manitoba. It was a tough decision. I’ve enjoyed working at U of M – particularly with Peter Tittenberger, Director of Learning Technologies Centre, one of the most creative/innovative leaders I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.

When presented with an opportunity to work with Terry Anderson, Jon Dron, Rory McGreal, Griff Richards, and others (I don’t think I’ll be working directly with Debra Hoven, but will enjoy the conversations, I’m sure!), the prospect of fertile soil for innovation and discussion is too great to resist!

I’ll post more about position details and work tasks soon, but at this stage, my work will be positioned with the Technology Enhanced Knowledge Research Institute and the broader university community in developing a virtual media lab. It appears I’ll be able to continue my current focus of online conferences, workshops, elearnspace newsletter, and related activities. In addition to planning a November 1 start date at Athabasca, I have a somewhat hectic speaking schedule for the rest of fall (Portugal, Vancouver, Norway, Barcelona, Toronto, New Zealand).

I believe we are at an exciting time in higher education, where new technologies, new pedagogies, and even new institutional structures, will converge to produce an unprecedented period of innovation in learning and learning sciences. Change, at personal, professional, and organizational levels is today’s educational zeitgeist.

23 Comments

  1. Congratulations, George

    Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 9:05 am | Permalink
  2. Ton Zijlstra wrote:

    Hi George, that sounds great! Congratulations!

    Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 9:12 am | Permalink
  3. Ruth Elliott wrote:

    Congratulations. I enjoyed the #eci831 session with you on Tuesday evening. I think you will be a good fit with Athasbasca U. Does this mean a geographical move or simply an online move?

    I took distance education classes from A U about 12 years ago. They have always been at the forefront of the trends in education.

    I look forward to following your continued influence as an Open Ed guru.
    Ruth

    Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 9:12 am | Permalink
  4. Barry Dahl wrote:

    Sounds like a great opportunity George. Best wishes.

    Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 9:14 am | Permalink
  5. Congratulations George! I’m sure this will only expand the scope of your work. But I have to admit, I am sad to see the loss of another Manitoban to Alberta… Great success to you!

    Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 9:38 am | Permalink
  6. Glen Gatin wrote:

    Good luck and best wishes, George. Athabasca is a natural fit for you. Thanks for all your good work here in Manitoba.

    Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 11:25 am | Permalink
  7. John Connell wrote:

    Great move, George – all the best!

    Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 12:09 pm | Permalink
  8. Woohooo. Be sure to stop in Saskatoon on your way west!

    Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 12:40 pm | Permalink
  9. Dany Benoit wrote:

    Féliciation George!

    Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 12:52 pm | Permalink
  10. Alec Couros wrote:

    Congrats George, Athabasca is a very lucky institution. Best of luck on the move.

    Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 1:08 pm | Permalink
  11. Nicola wrote:

    Congratulations – how did Uni of Manitoba agree to let you go – all the very best with your exciting appointment.

    Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 2:24 pm | Permalink
  12. Wendy Drexler wrote:

    Congratulations!! It sounds like an exciting opportunity and powerful collaboration. I wish you the very best.

    Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 5:47 pm | Permalink
  13. Congratulations – I wish you lot of success with the new position.

    I would like to know if your leave will have any effect on the DL course you where supposed to teach us starting October 12 (Introduction to Emerging Technologies, Africa)?

    Abdrahamane Traoré from Mali (Africa)

    Friday, October 2, 2009 at 10:19 am | Permalink
  14. Howard Davis wrote:

    Congratulations–much success.

    Friday, October 2, 2009 at 11:59 am | Permalink
  15. Rob Wall wrote:

    Great news, George. AU sounds like a very exciting place to be working, and I think they’re lucky to get you.

    Friday, October 2, 2009 at 12:18 pm | Permalink
  16. Michael Hotrum wrote:

    Congratulations George -and welcome to edmonton (I suspect you won’t be in Athabasca) – please get in touch and we’ll help you and your family get settled.

    Friday, October 2, 2009 at 3:28 pm | Permalink
  17. Congratulations George,
    Best of luck and every success from John

    Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 7:44 am | Permalink
  18. A job well done always deserves recognition. Sincere congratulations and my best wishes for this new post.

    Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 4:22 pm | Permalink
  19. gani wrote:

    congratulations.

    Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 9:27 pm | Permalink
  20. Congrats George and all the best in your new position!

    Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 3:23 am | Permalink
  21. Cheri Toledo wrote:

    Congratulations George! All the best as you head into this new phase in your career.

    Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 11:07 am | Permalink
  22. Congratulations George! Athabasca’s gain is Manitoba’s loss. While we’ve not enjoyed many meals together this means that’ll be even less likely. I’ll miss that.

    Your career has lead you from one success to another, I’m sure that pattern will continue. Best of luck in the new job!

    Friday, October 16, 2009 at 9:28 pm | Permalink
  23. Congratulations!
    AU is lucky to have you.

    Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 10:46 pm | Permalink

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  1. [...] in this learning medium itself? Right now I find myself engaged in a great conversation with George Siemens ( this week’s facilitator, Athabasca University member, and Connectivism advocate) and the [...]

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