Jim Groom the director of teaching and learning technologies at the University of Mary Washington has a propensity for creating great names for some very common things. Several years ago Groom referred to the approach to teaching and learning practices that results from a do it yourself (DIY) attitude as “edupunk” and the name stuck. Groom latest great name is “A Domain of One’s Own” which refers to a net presence or space that faculty and staff are given to experience the full power of the web and create a net identity that they control and own even when they leave Mary Washington University.
Groom argues that this is more than just an eportfolio or learning because there is so much attached to this portfolio idea and unfortunately, due to poorly designed commercial software this generally refers to a repository of artifacts that are collected in a digital folder. A domain of one’s own goes well beyond this limited notion and challenges the students and faculty to create their own space and choose the tools and resources that they wish to use to set it up in the way they desire.
Taking ownership of one’s learning space should be central to the learning environment in higher education and it is refreshing to see institutions like Mary Washington promoting this important aspect of the learning environment.
Hats off to Groom for yet another great name for a simple but fundamental idea.
In the past 30 years that I have spent in Academia (Post Secondary) as a student, professor, administrator, Vice President Academic, and most recently as a Learning Innovation Consultant I have spoken to thousands of people at hundreds of events —Take me to the full list. I have also listened to hundreds (perhaps even thousands) of speakers and learned that the most effective speakers are those who are passionate about their subject and who bring you into their world.
Finding the Right Fit
In my capacity as an academic leader I have also been responsible for planning and hosting hundreds of events, from small professional development sessions to large multi-day conferences, so I understand the challenge of finding just the right speaker. The quality of events was directly dependent on the quality of our speakers. If we had the right speakers then the events were successful. More often than not the most successful sessions were the ones in which the speaker moved away from the traditional sage on the stage position and engaged the audience in a dialogue.
Active and Engaging
Even though I have conducted several keynote addresses and have been a sage on the stage for many sessions I prefer to interact directly with my audience and find out where they are at and address their issues and concerns. As a social constructivist, I prefer a highly interactive workshop or town hall format where the creative and collaborative power of a group can be harnessed to bring about learning for all participants. Whether we use an open discussion in a small group, a Twitter backchannel in a large venue, or a chat session in a webinar I believe it is crucial for me to listen to the audience and engage them.
Power of Digital Media
I am an advocate of all forms of digital media and look for opportunities to embed video, images, and sound into all my interactions whether they take the form of an online class, workshop, professional development session, presentation, or keynote.
The following are a few examples of some of my previous work:
My Most Requested Topics
I speak on topics related to teaching and learning, change and innovation, mobile and online learning, and educational technology. I will customize my presentation to meet your organization’s specific needs and my goal is to provide the outcome you need.
My most requested topics include the following. Keep in mind that I can present these as a keynote, webinar, or a half, full or multi-day workshop.
Creating significant learning environments
Curriculum development and instructional design
Giving learners choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning opportunities
Using disruptive innovation as a catalyst to bring about change
Online and mobile learning
Organizational Change
Pedagogy as a foundation for implementing online and mobile learning
Using technology to enhance learning
It’s about the learning
Previous Speaking Engagement:
The following is a list of my engagements over the past several years.
2021
Harapnuik, D. K. (2021, April). From hard pivot to seamless integration. Presentation and workshop for the Division of Education and School of Extended Learning; Governors State University, Chicago IL Virtual.
Harapnuik, D. K. (2021, Feb). Assessment as learning and aligning outcomes activities & assessment. Workshop for Coquitlam College; Coquitlam BC. Virtual.
Brown, K., Rodriguez, S., McGrew, S., McLeod, K., Walker, J., Thibodeaux, T., & Harapnuik, D. (2020, September). Crisis Innovations: Virtual Learning and COVID [Panelist]. International Council of Professors in Educational Leadership (ICPEL). Virtual
Thibodeaux, T. N. & Harapnuik, D. K., (2020, April). Graduate students’ perceptions of factors that contributed to ePortfolio persistence beyond the program of study. Paper presented at the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE) Conference. Virtual.
Thibodeaux, T. N. & Harapnuik, D. K., & Summerford, M. (2020, February). Giving learners choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning opportunities & ePortfolios. Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA), Austin, TX.
2019
Harapnuik, D. K., & Thibodeaux, T. N. (2019, Nov). Graduate students’ use of feedback to deepen learning. Presentation for OLC Accelerate; Online Learning Consortium (OLC), Orlando FL.
Harapnuik, D. K., & Thibodeaux, T. N. (2019, March). Exploring students’ use of feedback to take ownership and deepen learning. Presentation for Texas Distance Learning Association Conference. Dallas, TX.
2018
Thibodeaux, T. N., & Harapnuik, D. K. (2018, August). Provost’s Kick Off: How can I encourage deep and meaningful learning through the use of ePortfolios? Lamar University, Beaumont, TX.
Harapnuik, D. K., & Thibodeaux, T. N. (2018, July). IGNITE: Change in Focus. Association for Authentic, Experiential, and Evidence-Based Learning (AAEEBL), Vancouver, Canada.
Thibodeaux, T. N., & Harapnuik D. K. (2018, June). Honor’s faculty retreat: ePortfolios. Lamar
University, Beaumont, TX.
Harapnuik, D. K., Thibodeaux, T. N., & Cummings, C. D. (2018, April). Rethinking how to make ePortfolios a high impact practice. Presentation for Lamar University Research Conference, Beaumont, TX.
Harapnuik, D. K., Thibodeaux, T. N., Cummings, C. D., & Pruett, A. (2018, March). The power of giving learners choice, ownership, voice through authentic learning opportunities. Presentation for Texas Distance Learning Association Conference. Dallas, TX.
Thibodeaux, T. N., Harapnuik, D. K., & Cummings, C. D. (2018, January). Rethinking how to make ePortfolios as a high impact practice. America Colleges and Universities: ePortfolio Forum, Washington D. C.
2017
Harapnuik, D., Cummings, C. & Thibodeaux, T. (2017, April). Student perceptions of the COVA approach on ePortfolios and authentic projects in the DLL program. Presentation for the Digital Ticket Conference at Lamar University. Beaumont, TX.
PDF of slides: Ed Research Conference 2017.pdf
Harapnuik, D., & Thibodeaux, T. (2017, March). The COVA learning Approach: Lamar University M.Ed. in Digital Learning & Leading. Texas Distance Learning Association Conference. Galveston, TX.
PDF of Slides: TxDLA 2017 COVA & CSLE.pdf
Harapnuik, D., & Thibodeaux, T. (2017, February). Choice, Ownership, and Voice through Authentic Learning: Lamar University M.Ed. in Digital Learning & Leading. Presentation for Capilano University, North Vancouver BC
PDF of Slides: COVA-CSLE in DLL – Feb 16 2017
Harapnuik, D., & Thibodeaux, T. (2017, February). Modelling ePortfolios: How to use and model an ePortfolio in your course/program. Presentation for Capilano University, North Vancouver BC
PDF of Slides: Modeling ePortfolios Fe6 2017
Curriculum Development (PIDP 3210). Five-day Workshop designed to enable new and experienced educators to design and build effective curriculum conducted for the Vancouver Community College (VCC) at the College of New Caledonia (CNC) Prince George, BC. 3210 Resources page
2016
Harapnuik, D., Cummings, C. & Thibodeaux, T. (2016, August). Eportfolio Persistence: Digital Learning and Leading Program. Presentation for the AAEEBL Annual Conference. Boston, MA.
PDF of slides: AAEEBL Boston August 2016-ver2
Harapnuik, D., Cummings, C. & Thibodeaux, T. (2016, May). Go & Show Digital Learning. Presentation for the Digital Ticket Conference at Lamar University. Beaumont, TX.
PDF of slides: LU Digital Ticket-May 19, 2016-Rev 4 Digital Ticket
Harapnuik, D., Cummings, C. & Thibodeaux, T. (2016, April). Go & Show Digital Learning: Lamar University’s Digital Learning and Leading Program. Presentation for the CoSN Annual Conference. Washington, DC.
PDF of slides: COSN DC – April 6-2016-Rev 2
Harapnuik, D., Cummings, C. & Thibodeaux, T. (2016, March). Blended Learning Approach: Lamar University’s Digital Learning and Leading Program. Presentation for the Texas Distance Learning Association Conference. San Antonio, TX.
PDF of slides: TxDLA San Antonio – March 31-Rev 2
Harapnuik, D., Cummings, C. & Thibodeaux, T. (2016, February). Eportfolio Persistence: Exploring Why Learners Continue or Discontinue Using Eportfolio. Presentation for the AAEEBL Western Regional Conference at Texas Christian University. Fort Worth, TX.
PDF of slides: ePortfolio Persistence AAEEBL TCU – Feb 25
2015
Using Digital Media to Engage Students. Workshop for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Power of Video. Workshop for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Future of Learning in the SoHS-What’s Your Why. Workshop for the Dean’s Leadership Team in School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
How to Build Acceptance and Overcome Resistance to Feedback. Workshop for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – SoHS-Feedback session.pdf Feedback Workshop Videos & Resources
Exploring the Fundamentals of Blended Learning and the Flipped Classroom. Information session for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Blended Learning-Info-Session-SoHS.pdf
Understanding and Combatting Resistance to Online Learning. Information session for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Online learning issues.pdf
Using Video & Digital Media to Engage Students. Information session for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Power of video.pdf Power of Video Resources page
Four Keys to Unlocking the Cultural Component of Organizational Change: The Head Won’t Go Where the Heart Hasn’t Been. Presentation for ASQ Vancouver Quality and Business Excellence Conference. Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – 4-Keys-Culture-Org-Change-ASQ Conference.pdf
Integrating Tech in Schools: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly. Presentation for the EdTech Vancouver Meetup. ZEN Maker Lab, North Vancouver, BC.
PDF of slides – ZEN Meetup- Significant Learning Environments.pdf
Exploring the Philosophy of Learning. Workshop for the Emergency Nursing program in the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Learning Philosophy for Emergency Nursing Visible Learning
Connecting the Dot for Blended Learning. Workshop for the Speciality Nursing program in the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Mindset for Change-Specialty Nursing
What is the Future of Learning in the SoHS. Workshop for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Youtube in the Learning Environment. Seminar/Workshop for the Learning and Teaching Centre at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slide – List/links of YouTube videos used in the seminar
What is the Future of Learning in the SoHS. Workshop for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Creating Significant Learning Environments in a Quality Assurance Context. Presentation for ASQ Vancouver. Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – ASQ Presentation
Connecting the Dots. Workshop/Presentation for the Digital Arts Program in the School of Business at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Vancouver Campus, BC.
Adopting the Mindset for Change. Workshop for the Speciality Nursing program in the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Mindset for Change-Specialty Nursing
Power of Video. Workshop for the Part Time Studies Professional Development day at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – BCIT – Youtube Workshop blogpost
Power of Intrinsic Motivation. Workshop for the Computer Science Program in the School of Computing and Academic Studies at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Motivation Session-SoCAS.pdf
Disruptive Innovation: A Catalyst for Learning. Keynote for the Business Educators’ Articulation Conference hosted by the School of Business at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Disruptive Innovation BEAC Keynote.pdf
Creating Significant Learning Environments. Two-day faculty development workshop conducted for the School of Business at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – CSLE 2 Day SoB Workshop
Start with Why. Curriculum Mornings Workshop for the Nursing Program in the School of Nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – SoHS Why.pdf
Connecting the Dots VS Collecting the Dots. Curriculum Mornings Workshop for the Nursing Program in the School of Nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Connecting Dots.pdf
Mindset for Change. Curriculum Mornings Workshop for the Nursing Program in the School of Nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Mindset for Change.pdf
Creating Significant Learning Environments. Curriculum Mornings Workshop for the Nursing Program in the School of Nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – CSLE.pdf
Power of Intrinsic Motivation. Workshop for the Nursing Program in the School of Nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – BCIT-SoHS Motivation Session.pdf
Putting the Mobile Into Learning. Workshop for the Faculty Development Wednesday Workshop Series at the Learning and Teaching Centre at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Creating Significant Learning Environments: Catalyst to Bring about Change in Higher Education. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
The power of media and technology in creating significant learning environments. Presentation for the Marketing Management Program at the School of Business at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Creating Significant Learning Environments. Four-day faculty development workshop conducted for the Nursing Program in the School of Nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – CSLE 4 Day Workshop.pdf
Creating significant learning environments. Presentation for the Dean’s Leadership Team at School of Business at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
2013
Creating Significant Learning Environments. Two-day faculty development workshop conducted for British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Using Mobility as a Catalyst to Bring about Change in Higher Education. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
What’s Our Why: Creating significant learning environments. Presentation to the Dean’s Council of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW). Workshop for a small group setting designed to enhance the teaching effectiveness of both new and experienced educators conducted for the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC
Change Leadership: Using Mobility as a Catalyst to Bring about Change in Higher Education. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Where are we at with Mobile Learning in Higher Education. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Using Disruptive Innovation as a Catalyst for Change in Higher Education. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Consequences of Living Your Faith in Your Profession. Presentation to Capilano Christian Assembly Men’s Group: Capilano Christian Assembly. Edmonton, AB.
2012
Concordia University is Home Education Friendly. Presentation to Students and Parents: The Home Education Exchange. Calgary, AB.
Living and Learning. Presentation for Awards Night: Mornville Christian School. Mornville, AB.
Concordia University is Home Education Friendly. Presentation to Students and Parents: The Home Education Exchange. Edmonton, AB.
Characteristics of Analytics Leadership or How to Prevent Culture from Trumping Vision. Education Analytics Panel: Best of Analytics Conference. Edmonton, AB.
Why Concordia. Presentation to Students and Parents: Alberta Home Education Association. Red Deer, AB.
Two Men Who Make a Difference. Presentation to Faculty and Staff at Concordia Annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Dinner: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Designed Leadership. Presentation to Faculty and Staff: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
The Concordia Difference. Presentation to Students and Parents at Concordia Open House: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Mobile Learning: It’s About the Learning. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Leadership. Workshop for First Year Learning Communities: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Where are we in mLearning: What’s Holding You Back. Workshop for Bringing Mobile Learning to your Institutions Conference: Academic Impressions. Houston, TX.
mLearning: an Instructional Design View. Workshop for Bringing Mobile Learning to your Institutions Conference: Academic Impressions. Houston, TX.
mLearning: at your Institution. Workshop for Bringing Mobile Learning to your Institutions Conference: Academic Impressions. Houston, TX.
mLearning: Planning Guidelines. Workshop for Bringing Mobile Learning to your Institutions Conference: Academic Impressions. Houston, TX.
Leadership: It’s Not Just for Leaders. Workshop for First Year Learning Communities: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Using Mobility to Enhance Productivity. Workshop for Executives and Directors: Alberta Criminal Justice Association. Edmonton, AB.
The Power of Living Your Faith. Presentation to Capilano Christian Assembly Men’s Group: Capilano Christian Assembly. Edmonton, AB.
Concordia Town Hall. Presentation to Faculty and Staff: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Welcome to Concordia. Presentation to Winter Session Students: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Open Studies Orientation. Presentation to Open Studies Students: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
2011
Concordia Changes Lives. Presentation to Edmonton Public and Catholic High School Councilors: Councilors Brunch at Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Concordia University Homes School Admissions Initiative. Presentation to Wisdom School District Coordinators and Board: Wisdom School District. Edmonton, AB.
It’s About the Learning. Keynote address for Fall Awards Night: Mornville Christian School. Mornville, AB.
Mobile Learning: It’s About the Learning. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Welcome to Concordia. Presentation to Incoming Freshman Students: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
It’s About the Learning: Pre-session. Presentation to Concordia Faculty: Concordia University College of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
Media Literacy. Presentation to the Concordia Board of Governors Initiatives and Internationalization Task Force: Concordia University College of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
It’s About the Learning: Academic Planning Workshop. Workshop conducted for Concordia Faculty: Concordia University College of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
Concordia Tomorrow: It’s About the Learning. Presentation to Concordia Board of Governors: Concordia University College of Alberta, Edmonton, AB. 2011
Mobile Enhanced Inquiry-Based Learning (MEIBL) Bootcamp. Next Generations Learning Challenges (NGLC) Workshop conducted at the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning: Abilene Christian University. Abilene, TX.
It’s About the Learning: The Foundation for the Development and Implementation of a Strategic Academic Plan. Presentation to Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Using Mobility to Enhance the Learning Environment. Workshop conducted at the International Sun Conference on Teaching and Learning: University of Texas at El Paso. El Paso, TX.
Mobile Learning: It’s About the Learning. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Revolution or Evolution? Social Technologies and Change in Higher Education. Online Workshop conducted at Friday Live Weekly Webcast: TLT Group’s Online Institute. Takoma Park, MA.
Design and Implementation Success Factors: Using the iPhone to Enhance the Education Experience. Key Speaker at the Education Technology Strategies for Universities, Colleges and K-12 Schools: Strategy Institute. Toronto, OT.
Student Perspective on Mobile Learning. Panel Chair for Symposium conducted at the ACU Connected Summit: Abilene Christian University. Abilene, TX.
Faculty Perspective on Mobile Learning. Panel Chair for Symposium conducted at the ACU Connected Summit: Abilene Christian University. Abilene, TX.
Using Mobility as a Catalyst to Change the Learning Environment. Symposium conducted at the 5th Conference on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Texas A&M University. Kingsville, TX.
Are We Expecting Enough of Our Learners. Workshop conducted at the Abilene Christian University 2011 Winter Pre-session. Abilene, TX.
2010
Revolution or Evolution? Social Technologies and Change in Higher Education. Symposium conducted at the Gateways to New Directions: 35th Annual POD Conference. St. Louis, MI.
Mobile Learning: It’s About the Learning. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
ACU Connected Open House Conference, Abilene, TX.
Mobility and Next-Wave Interaction in HigherEd. Presentation for Christian Admissions Councilor Retreat. Abilene, TX.
Mobile Learning: It’s About the Learning. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Developing a Campus-Wide Mobile Learning Initiative at ACU. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Victoria Distributed and Mobile Learning course: EDCI 339. Victoria, BC.
ACU Connected Open House Conference, Abilene, TX.
Mobile Learning Initiative Update and New Opportunities. Webinar conducted for the Portage College Professional Development Series. Lac La Biche, AB.
The Future of Mobile Learning. Workshop conducted at the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative Annual Meeting, Austin TX.
2009 and older
Rankin, W., Dickson, K., Harapnuik, D., & Saltsman, G. (2009, October). ACU Connected Open House Conference, Abilene, TX.
Harapnuik, D., & Wall, T. (2008, October). Enhancing Learning With Web 2.0. Symposium conducted at the League for Innovation CIT 2008 Conference on Information Technology, Salt Lake City, UT.
Harapnuik, D., & Gross, C. (2008, October). SPARC Your Passion for Learning Through Lethbridge College’s Learning Connections. Symposium conducted at the League for Innovation CIT 2008 Conference on Information Technology, Salt Lake City, UT.
Harapnuik, D., & Harker, R. (2008, October). B.Y.O. Laptop: Enable Student Laptops to Access College Software. Symposium conducted at the League for Innovation CIT 2008 Conference on Information Technology, Salt Lake City, UT.
Harapnuik, D., & Wall, T. (2008, October). Enhancing Learning With Web 2.0. Symposium conducted at the League for Innovation CIT 2008 Conference on Information Technology, Salt Lake City, UT.
Harapnuik, D., & Corbett, R. (2007, October). Self Directed Online Professional Development for Educators? Symposium conducted at the Distributed Learning in the 21st Century: Shaping the Future of Learning Symposium, Edmonton, AB.
Harapnuik, D. (2007, May). Impact of Web 2.0 and M-Learning. Symposium conducted at the Alberta Business Education Association Conference, Waterton Lakes National Park, AB.
Harapnuik, D., Papp, D., & Saito, F. (2001, February). Discover Hacking. Symposium conducted at the Business Security Series at Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton, AB.
Harapnuik, D., Papp, D., & Saito, F. (2001, April). Discover Hacking. Symposium conducted at the Business Security Series at the Calgary Convention Center, Calgary, AB.
Harapnuik, D., Montgomerie, T.C., & Torgerson, C. (1998, November). Costs of Developing and
Delivering a Instruction Course. Symposium conducted at WebNet 98–World Conference of the WWW, Internet, and Intranet, Orlando, FL.
Montgomerie, T.C., Harapnuik, D., Keenan, T., Chugh, U., Kirek, I. Pfoh, H. Smith, N. & Udey, N. (1998, January). Development of a Delivery System for Multimedia Instruction over the Internet: The Adaptive Multimedia Education Enabler (AMEE). Symposium conducted at the 20th Annual Pacific Telecommunications Conference “Coping with Convergence –the Future is Now,” Honolulu, HI.
Harapnuik, D., & Montgomerie, T.C. (1998, February). Web-Based Instruction: Lessons Learned,
Lessons Shared. Poster session presented at Research Revelations 98, Edmonton, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., Harapnuik, D., & Torgerson C. (1998, March). True Costs of Web-Based Instruction. Symposium conducted at Media Prosperity ’98 — A joint conference of AMTEC (Association for Media and Technology use in Canada) and ENMI (Edmonton New Media Initiative), Edmonton, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., & Harapnuik, D. (1998, March). Student Evaluations of Web-Based Instruction, Symposium conducted at Media Prosperity ’98 — A joint conference of AMTEC (Association for Media and Technology use in Education in Canada) and ENMI (Edmonton New Media Initiative), Edmonton, AB.
Harapnuik, D. (1997, March). Putting your Course Online. Symposium conducted at the Train the Trainer Series at Grant MacEwan Community College, Edmonton, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., & Harapnuik, D. (1998, March). The Internet: Communicating, Accessing and
Providing Information, A poster session for Leaders in Learning ’98: Celebrating Innovation in Educational Technologies at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
Harapnuik, D., & Montgomerie, T.C. (1997, June). Delivering a Course on the Web. Symposium
conducted at The Digital Planet: University of Alberta Campus Computing Symposium, Edmonton, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., Harapnuik, D., & Palmer, K. (1997, June). Managing, Supporting and Administering Web-Based Courses. Poster session presented at ED-MEDIA 97 & ED-TELECOM 97 – World Conference on Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia & World Conference on Educational Telecommunications, Calgary, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., & Harapnuik, D. (1997, June). The Internet –Communicating, Accessing & Providing Information: An On-Line Web-Based Course. Symposium conducted at ED-MEDIA 97 & ED-TELECOM 97 – World Conference on Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia & World Conference on Educational Telecommunications, Calgary, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., Harapnuik, D., & Simpson, I. (1997, June). The Adaptive Multimedia Education Enabler. T.C. Symposium conducted at The Digital Planet: University of Alberta Campus Computing Symposium, Edmonton, AB.
Montgomerie, T. C., Birdsell, R., Harapnuik, D., McCracken, J. Smith, N., & Udey, N. (1997, April). The Adaptive Multimedia Education Enabler. Symposium conducted at Alberta Advanced Education, Edmonton, AB.
Montgomerie, T. C., Birdsell, R., Harapnuik, D., McCracken, J. Smith, N., Udey, N. & Chugh, U. (1997, April). The Adaptive Multimedia Education Enabler. Symposium conducted at Leading Together: Fostering Success in and Diverse Learning Community sponsored by the Alberta Association for Continuing Education (AACE) presentation: AMEE Consortium, Calgary, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., & Harapnuik, D. (1997, November). Student Evaluation of a Web-Based Course. Symposium conducted at WebNet – 97 — World Conference of the WWW, Internet, and Intranet, Toronto, ON.
Montgomerie, T.C., Harapnuik, D., & Palmer, K. (1997, December). An Online Database System for Managing, Supporting, and Administering Web-Based Courses. Symposium conducted at the International Conference on Computers in Education, Kuching, Malaysia.
Montgomerie, T.C., & Harapnuik, D. (1997, December). Putting Your Course Online: Lessons Learned, Lessons Shared. A Tutorial (presession) given to the International Conference on Computers in Education, Kuching, Malaysia.
Montgomerie, T.C., & Harapnuik, D. (1996, October). Observations on Web-Based Course Development & Delivery. Symposium conducted at WebNet ‘96 – Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education, San Francisco, CA.
Harapnuik, D. (1996, May). Business on the Internet. Edmonton, AB: Compusmart Business Series.
Harapnuik, D. (1996, June). Conducting Business on the Internet. Edmonton, AB: OA Internet.
A recent trip to Whistler and a visit to the Whistler Air Dome, commonly referred to as the foampit, has reaffirmed the importance and power of learning environments and has caused me to take a more significant stand on the role that the environment and circumstances play in learning. I have been arguing since the mid 90’s that learning is dependent upon the creation of an effective learning environment and the immersion of the learner in that environment. A learning environment can be a classroom, an online course or anywhere for that matter where learning can take place. I have also argued that learning is the responsibility of the learner and that teachers are not able to make a student learn–the best that teachers can do is develop or establish the environment, immerse the student in that environment and then motivate and inspire the learner to take ownership of their learning. When learning takes place a teacher is really just the facilitator who helps the learner navigate the learning environment and process.
Whistler Air Dome – A Significant Learning Environment
So how does a visit to one of the world’s foremost extreme biking destinations reaffirm my faith in learning environments? Consider the following…
My younger son Caleb decided that he would like to learn how to do a backflip on his mountain bike and he knew a visit to the foampit would give him the safest and most pain-free way of mastering this stunt. For those who aren’t familiar with downhill mountain biking and racing, dirt jumping, slopestyle and other forms of extreme biking there is one unfortunate reality that a rider constantly faces. It is not a matter of if one will get hurt, but when and how badly will the rider be injured. So when a rider can work on dangerous stunts like back and front flips, tailwhips, x-overs and more and potentially eliminate or lessen the chance of getting hurt they will jump at the chance (pardon my pun).
Videos and Pictures of Significant Learning
This first video is Caleb’s 5th or 6th attempt at the backflip and the first time he successfully landed the stunt.
Unfortunately, videos do not fully reveal the scale and intensity of the stunts. The starting point for the stunt is a very narrow platform 25 feet above the ground. The ramp that the riders hit goes from flat to completely vertical in just over 6 feet. The acrobatics are taking place approximately 8-12 feet above the foampit and when you add the 6-foot height of the foampit it is not uncommon for a rider to be performing a stunt 14-18 feet above the ground.
The following video and pictures of my older son Levi performing a tailwhip (spinning your bike 360 degrees below you and then landing back on the bike) should provide another perspective of the height and intensity that is required to complete some of these stunts.
In the picture below you can see that Levi is starting to whip the back end of the bike forward while getting his legs out of the way.
Levi’s bike is whipped out and turned 180 degrees–hence the name “tailwhip”
Levi is preparing to get back on the pedals by raising his legs high in the air. All this happens in less than a couple of seconds.
While the blocks of foam significantly lessen the impact, a rider can still get hurt by landing on their bike or hitting the side of the pit or even by landing out of control. Despite the fact, the stunts performed in the foampit can potentially result in pain and injury my boys didn’t hesitate to expand their skills because the alternative of attempting and missing a stunt on the slopes or course would guarantee a significant amount of pain and the potential for a serious injury.
Informal Learning
The foampit environment is designed to enable riders to perform extreme stunts in relative safety. Everything in the environment contributes to helping riders perform stunts that they normally would be afraid to do elsewhere. The ramps and all platforms in the pit area are extreme enough that the average or even experienced cross county cyclist would not be willing to attempt–the environment is only for those riders who are willing to take the risks required to do the extreme stunts.
Peer Instruction & Social Support
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the environment is that outside of two short (4-5 day) bike camps there are no formal instructors or instruction of any kind. Even in the bike camps, the instruction that happens is less formal and really should just be viewed as coaching.
But this doesn’t mean instruction or coaching isn’t happening at all–it does, but it happens informally or as part of the social and peer dynamic of the foampit environment. In the video below you will notice a conversation between my son Caleb on the right and another rider.
You will also notice that other rider is offering tips and is even showing Caleb how to move and Caleb is emulating or imitating those moves. In this environment, more experienced riders readily offer advice and direction. Most riders will comment, encourage and cheer on other riders. Success is shared by the whole group through cheers and other accolades when a rider finally makes a stunt. Peer instruction and support happens on its own with no formal process. The social dynamic is a very significant part of the learning environment and in just less than 3 hours my boys were able to grow their skills substantially.
Over the years we have learned that the downhill mountain biking, dirt jumping, and extreme biking community is highly competitive but it is also very supportive and encouraging. The music, clothes, speech, peer support and mannerism all point to a unique social community and this social community takes care of its own. The social dynamic is a very significant part of the environment that you will find in extreme biking in places like Whistler, the North Shore, and locations that are dedicated to promoting these sports. But the environment as a whole contributes to significant learning. One doesn’t become a championship surfer on the Canadian prairies nor can one become a professional mountain bike racer or slopestyle champion on the prairies.
What will it take to use the power of well-designed learning environments in our traditional educational systems? Can we get there through evolution or revolution?
In the Family Matters blog Kevin East recommends that we regularly tell our children:
1. You are my son/daughter. This states ownership on my part, and identity on theirs…
2. I love you. This is one of those phrases I don’t think I can say enough…
3. I am proud of you. My pride in them is not because of performance, but because they are mine…
My wife passed on this wonderful link and I have been thinking about the importance of these three powerful phrases in building our children’s self worth and identity. I have also been thinking about the role that these positive reinforcements play in establishing an effective learning environment. In my post Quality time is spelled “TIME” I referred to the James Dobson statement “morality, values and beliefs are not taught rather they are caught.” By positively reinforcing your children you are not only affirming their value and self worth you are modelling positive encouragement and motivating your children to do the same. The learning that can happen in this type of environment is not dependent upon rewarding performance or other external factors. The motivation to be the best one can be, which is a never ending learning process, comes from intrinsic factors of confidence, security and assurance.
While intrinsically motivating our own children, or children within our extended family, is part of our responsibilities as parents I suggest it is also part of our responsibility as teachers. Unfortunately, political correctness and other societal norms and conventions prevent us from telling our students that we love them, but we can still let them know that we truly value and respect them. We can let them know that by being our students they will be respected, valued and appreciated. We can also let them know that we are proud of them and by doing so we will have created the foundation for a learning environment that is based on intrinsically motivating our learners to grow and be the best that they can be.
This isn’t just a well meaning platitude. Intrinsically motivating our students to learn is much more effective than that performance based “carrot and stick” methods. If we recall Daniel Pink’s research revealed in his book, Drive, and the video below the carrot and stick are only useful for simple straight forward tasks that require little or no thought. But for tasks that are more complicated and require conceptual and creative thinking (deeper learning) the carrots and sticks do not work. Pink argues that the science shows that people are purpose driven, care about mastery very deeply and want to be self directed.
Jason Hiner of Tech Republic offers the following surefire ways to kill innovation:
1. Don’t give ownership of projects
2. Create too many layers of management
3. Ignore brainstorming rules
4. Rely too heavily on data and dashboards
5. Under-resource your hidden opportunities
While all five points are salient, I am particularly fond of the fourth “Rely to heavily on data…” All too often in Academia we are paralyzed by the pursuit and analysis of data. At some point someone has to make a decision and move forward–this often doesn’t happen quickly enough.
