Tag Archives: adult education

Mar 15 2011

Part-time Ph.D.

Wow…not sure what to say.  The work is so rewarding and the colleagues are wonderful, but it is so hard.  I know, I know,  a Ph.D. should be hard and I agree – my career is also fulfilling and wow…need to get it done.  Adult Education is a passion of mine and studying it while also acting it is even more intriguing.  I can see how some of these theories work and how context is so important to them all – some work for me, some work for others,  perhaps some work for none…still figuring that out.  CAn I study my experience for a diss?  I don’t think so, but a biography of the part-time phd would be great…a guidebook so to speak…something we can also hand out to our other adult students.  I used to think the end would come, but it never ends…the research is ongoing – as it should be – and our role as educators must always be this hard – we need to get things done, bring about change and transformation

although sometimes I do look for the end,  my spirit always renews…

Mar 13 2011

Homecoming and informal learning

It is always nice to be home…I’ve been thinking about my experience in Nashville and the ways it can shape my instruction.  That sounds crazy perhaps but I experienced so much – often through informal learning.  Libraries are integral to informal learning – and my experience at the library and museums told me so much.  In addition the spoken word – visiting places such as the Opry and Loveless allows me to hear people discuss history, what/who shaped them as people, musicians, and there is so much that can be harnessed for formal learning – ways we can take these traditions and inform our students.

It was a wonderful, transformational week.

 

Feb 25 2011

outside with ICT – can it transform?

I’m still thinking a lot about being outside in the classroom – I want a safe learning space that encourages debate but doesn’t marginalize.  My interest areas in online environments for adults make me ask questions about that as a safe environment.  Is blended better than only online?

Blended learning – if you marginalize people in the classroom is there any reason you will respect them virtually?  Research shows a bully culture in academia, anecdotally we hear about bullies online – perhaps creating the space is harder.

An ICT Transformative Learning Theory (thank you Dr. Bowles) can open up these spaces for exploration – but the theory and the subsequent practice must address the learning space, the culture – it must respect the learner.  Cultural Geographer Donald Meinig discusses “10 versions of the same scene” and I want to explore our online spaces through these multiple versions.  In a way that makes a challenging, safe, reflexive learning environment for students and teachers.

I want the outsiders to have a space where they can learn without sacrificing who they are.

Feb 16 2011

Going to be a Ph.D.

I received notice today that I was accepted to transfer into the Ph.D. program at NCSU.  Go Wolfpack!  I am very excited and I am looking forward to the research.  Wow…I wonder what changes will be in store for me.  I am so thankful to have supportive friends, family and faculty to help me make this transition.  Of course that means it will take a little longer, but it will be worth the difference.  I am now in the Education Research and Policy Analysis program with an emphasis in Adult and Community College Education.

Thanks to everyone who has helped me get here.

 

 

Feb 14 2011

Alterity, Adults and Online Education

Who is the other in online education? How do we address issues of alterity when we create online environments and who is the other? How are we defining the other and does it include adults? Who and how are people marginalized? Socio-economic levels, gender, ethnicity, race, location, age, – how does adult education factor in alterity in terms of adult education?

So this post is a lot of questions, but it is something I’m very interested in. Starting my lit review on the question of alterity and online education as it is related to adult learners. This blog helps me keep my head on…at least somewhat…