I’ve been getting a few questions about my personal learning environment, so I thought I’d share a glimpse into my world. It’s a blend of the digital age with some good old-fashioned pen and paper.
LinkedIn: My Digital Learning Playground 🌐
While I might not stand in front of a classroom, my world is deeply entrenched in the realm of educational platforms, curating learning strategies, and sculpting experiences. In this journey, LinkedIn stands as my central hub, connecting me with like-minded professionals and a treasure trove of knowledge.
Why Facebook and I Parted Ways 🚫📱
Once upon a time, Facebook was my go-to. But over time, I realized that it often lagged in delivering the latest information. The platform became riddled with misinformation, and, unfortunately, a fair share of negativity.
Navigating the Academic-Corporate Intersection 🎓💼
One of my most significant challenges is straddling the line between the academic and corporate worlds. Working in a college, I’ve often felt the weight of traditional academic expectations. My credentials and approach, which lean towards modernity and technology, sometimes aren’t deemed “academic” enough. The institution, with its penchant for extensive, repetitive texts and rote learning, often resists change.
On the flip side, in the corporate realm, brevity reigns supreme. Here, I find myself persuading stakeholders to look beyond a mere five bullet points. Anything more, and I’m met with raised eyebrows and the familiar refrain of “too much to read.”
My Digital Tribe 🤝
I’m an active member of numerous groups centered around instructional design, L&D, HR, Moodle, H5P, EdTech, and Generative AI. These communities are buzzing hubs where we exchange strategies, tools, courses, certifications, podcasts, and resources. It’s all about staying updated with the latest in education and training.
The Cycle of Improvement 🔄
My mantra? Work, gather feedback, test, review, retest, identify mistakes, and recalibrate. It’s a continuous loop of learning and refining.
Podcasts & YouTube: My Background Companions 🎧🎥
I have a soft spot for insightful podcasts or YouTube talks on my favorite topics. They’re the soundtrack to my workday. And yes, I’m that person who scribbles down notes about intriguing sites, authors, apps, and key concepts to explore further.
The Analog Touch 📓
Even in this digital age, I swear by my notebook. It’s my personal canvas where I sketch out ideas that eventually find their way online. It’s written in a language only I understand!
Learning by Teaching 📚
The strategies I employ for studying mirror those I use when creating content for others. To convey a concept, I need to grasp it first. So, in the process of teaching, I’m always learning.
In essence, my learning environment is a blend of the modern and the traditional. It’s about leveraging the best of both worlds to stay informed, inspired, and always ready to learn.
