Champions : Making The Difference
Aug 31st, 2006 by alexanderhayes
[ image : robynjay ]
Lately I ‘ve been contemplating just how many champions out there that are taking e-learning and m-learning to the brink of the unknown with learners of all age descriptions.
Whilst out at Penrith the other day I had a chat with Colin Tyrell who’s been working in earnest with his students exploring ways to capture video evidence of their adventures hanging off cliffs and venturing into caves and other amazing environments. Sitting quietly at the back of the room was Jude Cooke who has managed and facilitated a truly inspirational range of learning environments using networked web 2.0 technologies with the assistance and leadership of Lesley Yasso. I am astounded at how far blogging has been taken into what appears to be an entire wrap of networked open and dynamically edited courseware.
Dot Waterhouse, Viv Evans and Val Evans are meshed with just about everything I’m coming into contact this year, whether it’s e-facilitation, blogging or podcasting and the range of skills, knowledge and enthusiasm this trio possess is truly inspirational. Puts my sporadic and manic attempts to shame……..ok………occasionally I’m getting some a-ha moments.
And then over there at SIT is Stephan Ridgway quietly podcasting everything he hears, listening with genuine concern to Managers freaking out at web 2.0 pushing its way into their psyche and server space. Julie Collareda has grabbed my innovation radar lately as has Jo Fuller, Meredith Collins and Jo Kay………what can I say……..absolutely amazing.
As I type this out on the laptop at gate 47 Sydney Domestic awaiting my space shuttle to Ballina reflecting on the above I sense that I’m part of one amazing bunch of champions.
I can step back and admit that working as a a/project officer with NSW Learnscope privileges me with a captured audience but I think of it this way. These champions that I speak of ( I’ve only mentioned a few ) really are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. These champions deserve accolades and these champions LIVE this dedication to assisting others whilst on their own learning journey. We need to pay tribute to those that make our working environments REAL and we need to encourage those that are becoming disillusioned with the whole e-learning thing to look at the champions that they are surrounded with.
Who do you consider to be a champion and why ?
I can think of at least a hundred.
Lets speak of them and respect them for their achievements.