injenuity

Posted by Jennifer on February 29th, 2008 in VPD , Collaboration, eLearning, Elluminate, Ning, OpenResources, Presentation, SocialMedia, VPD

It has been a little more than a month since my first post on Viral Professional Development (VPD) and I thought it would be nice to update my progress. I went back to the original post to see if anything has changed from my initial thoughts. I still believe in the basic characteristics and also have enjoyed reading the comments and incorporating your techniques into my strategies. I believe this is just a natural step in the evolution of teaching and learning.

I wanted to document the progress and connections that have been made since the original post, but couldn’t think of an appropriate way to do so. I started to list everything, but it didn’t capture the true web of connections. I attempted to use CmapTools and found it to be a pain. Essentially, I wanted to demonstrate the funnel of information I’ve gathered through conferences, meetings, online networking, individual connections, etc. and how I’ve quickly passed that information and knowledge to others to enable VPD. Rather than create a massive concept map, I will just give a few examples.

• VP of Instruction - I spent about 5 minutes showing her audacity. Since then she has created her own podcast, created a wiki for one of her groups, participated in 2 elluminate sessions and a v-room meeting with me, and explored google spreadsheets. She has attended meetings at other campuses where she’s shared what she is doing.
• Deans - I have one dean who has created a course wiki for a course she is teaching to our faculty. Another started a blog. Another is networking with instructors outside our campus to each develop one course in a larger program and then share the content with the other colleges. The Deans have also developed a 5 year plan for eLearning in their programs.
• Instructors - Yesterday I had an instructor podcasting in my office after about 5 minutes of audacity support. I have another who started a blog, after telling me she was ready to retire to avoid using the technology. Another sat in on our “Play to Learn” session yesterday, even though she hadn’t planned on it, but it looked like fun. Another set up his del.icio.us account and started networking with others. An instructor created a ning network for state-wide dental assistant programs. One instructor is using so many new media tools, he’s lost track of time and will have to scale back next quarter.
• Library and Media Services - The library has joined our faculty network, where they actively blog about library resources. They also have a shelfari account and a wiki. Media services has begun to ustream events.
• IT - IT has set up a Moodle server and 2 days after my sending them some info on WPMU have begun to test it as well. They’ve ordered media kits with headsets and webcams for instructors and have modified some of the campus filtering.
• Outside colleges - I’ve connected with other colleges to share our resources. At least one local college has set up their own faculty network and wiki. Another has hired a new eLearning designer. I’ve connected with Heather Ross, who as shared resources with our instructors who, in turn, have passed them on to others. I have shared the content of Alec Couros‘ EC&I 831 course with my instructors, and invited his students to attend our Elluminate session on OER. I also follow and contribute to the student blogs. I invite colleagues from the local colleges to our events.
• Faculty Ning Network - Our network has grown to include members from other instructional communities. There are a few faculty who enjoy sparking conversation and sharing their progress. I have not spent as much time on this as I would like, but hope to do so soon, when we hire our new eLearning Designer.

This is just a small sampling of what has happened, and I am sure each of these connections would be able to share how they have then passed it on to others. Here is the most important thing; the method.

• I haven’t conducted a single workshop.
• I haven’t delivered any powerpoint presentations.
• I haven’t created any handouts or documentation.
• I have mostly just shared resources, celebrated success, and encouraged others to do the same.

So what are you all doing with VPD? I would love to hear more!