Day 18: What Are We Trying To Do Here, Anyway?

Written and shared by Donna Miller Fry

If you are like me, you sometimes hook on to ideas and run with them.

The excitement, the possibilities, it all pulls you in and you just go with it.

But those around you may not be entirely sure of what it is that you are trying to do.  Being able to clearly communicate, at a level where everyone understands your thinking, is an important component to effecting change.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to present the #OSSEMOOC concept to a group of interested people.  Luckily, before my presentation, a colleague worked with me to help me distill the concept down to its key components, in a language that was meaningful to educators at all levels.

As we begin to work on our next projects in response to user requests and feedback, I think it is a good time to take a step back and share with everyone the whole concept of #OSSEMOOC.

Below is the explanation I came up with for the presentation yesterday.  If you have any questions about #OSSEMOOC, please feel free to comment on this post, email us at ossemooc at gmail dot com, or fill out the survey here.

#OSSEMOOC: Why, What and How

Why are we doing this?

The world has changed – is changing – and schools need to reflect this.

How can leaders keep up with change so that they have the capacity and confidence to make great decisions around the use of technology-enabled learning in their schools and boards?

How can we model connected and open learning for school and system leaders?

How can we create the structures that allow us to learn from each other, and support each other as we make decisions that will impact classroom learning?

What do we need to create?

We need to create a sustainable learning environment in Ontario that promotes self-directed learning for education leaders, and

• considers all learning preferences
• allows for all levels of readiness
• provides numerous entry points
• is flexible
• allows choice
• respects limitations of time
• supports a variety of learner interests
• promotes the development of connections and connected learning

 

How Do People Connect in #OSSEMOOC?

 

• Read a blog.  Come to ossemooc.wordpress.com, read the blog on the front page or link to any blog posted by an Ontario school leader or any other member of the OSSEMOOC group of connected learners

 

• Follow on Twitter (@ossemooc).  We tweet information and tidbits that provoke deeper thinking, usually with links to further explore topics of interest.

 

• Participate in live conversations.  We anchor #OSSEMOOC  with live sessions on Tuesday evenings at 8 p.m. EDT.  We will have open discussions, guest speakers, and leaders sharing their storied.  Everyone is welcome to join the conversation.

 

• View Livestreamed events.  We endeavour to live stream as many learning opportunities in the province as we can.  Watch here for details.  If you can’t make it to a learning event, let us know and we will help you connect through streaming or twitter feed.

 

• Get 1:1 Support – Do you want to learn to post a blog and make your thinking and learning visible?  Let us know here and we will walk you through it.

 

• Start your own events.  #OSSEMOOC is supported by OSAPAC but we want you to connect and learn together beyond what we are currently offering. This is a catalyst for connecting. Go learn together!

 

• Sign up here and you will receive email updates about our events, plus resources to challenge your thinking and deepen your learning.

 

The focus is on meeting the needs of those leading in Ontario education but it is open to anyone who wants to participate.  We all learn from each other.  We welcome everyone who wants to connect and learn.

We look forward to connecting with you.

 

 

So what did I learn today?

K.I.S.S. * will go a long way to encouraging collaboration and ownership in ideas and innovations.  It’s a skill I will continue to work on, and I depend on my PLN to challenge me to do so.

*Keep It Simple, Stupid!

 

Donna Fry is an Education Officer with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Branch (eLO) of the Ontario Ministry of Education, a school leader (on leave), and a member of OSAPAC. 

Follow on Twitter here: @fryed