Paradigm Shift…

Always at the cusp of transition from one age to a new one the old systems no longer work and there does need to be a paradigm shift. We can see this in institutions whose structures are crumbling – world economies and banking for example.

The education/learning systems are probably one of the last systems to crumble by their lack of addressing the realities of what participants are facing today. It did not happen overnight that is for sure. I watch my 8 year old nephew learn how to play chess on his iPod touch and breeze through the many games that are available. His mind is fast and he can do at least 5 things at once. We are all going through this huge transition and certainly collaboration has come to the forefront – social networks, forums, instant chats, skype etc. We are all feeling the need to collaborate on some level and share our experiences of what is happening in our world.

I guess my question is how to assess one’s competencies if the entire learning process is based on collaboration, because in the end, when someone is applying for a job, it is based on the skills that they individually bring to that position. And yes teamwork is becoming very important (emotional IQ, etc) but I don’t think it is realistic to level the playing field so to speak. Or conversely, maybe everybody needs help in finding their right place and we don’t do enough of that in the educational system.

All the new technologies like wikis and cloud computing in general as well as the ones i mentioned above all indicate a desire to collaborate on some level. But all contribution is not equal so we need new measuring systems. We have a long ways to go for sure and it takes visionaries like Sir Ken Robinson to open the gates wide. And by the way if you do a google on transition from industrial age to information age, there is lots to discover! And it is reassuring to know that some of our communities can be on the leading edge of this paradigm shift with cloud frenzy free, user friendly Wiki collaboration.

This video animate will engage further discussion on the changing education paradigms.

YouTube video description: This animate was adapted from a talk given at the RSA by Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert and recipient of the RSA’s Benjamin Franklin award.

Focus

A bio is a story version of the information you would  include in a résumé. The format is less formal, and it gives you an opportunity to highlight some interesting facts about yourself while injecting a little of your personality.

The main goals of a bio are to give the reader an accurate sense of who you are and what you do in your organization and role, to establish expertise and to qualify your experience and background. All of these elements combine to develop trust in you and your offerings.

Even if your current résumé is in the wiki, there are many other situations when you will need a bio, including:

• Posted on your personal or department website and blog
• Included in your marketing materials
• Provided with proposals to colleagues and clients
• Submitted for speaking, presenting or coaching applications
• Included in any books, e-books, reports or professional documents you develop

What to Include

One of the great things about a bio is the flexibility.

You can include as much or as little information as you want. Typically, most online bios include:

• Current job, department or professional experience
• Publications or presentations you have completed
• Professional memberships you currently hold
• Awards, honors and certifications you have received
• You can personalize your bio even more by including elements such as a photo of yourself, your educational background, quotes or testimonials from colleagues and links to examples of your work.

Bio Checklist

What to include in your Bio

• Your main role
• Your present position and time working on the program
• The number of years you have been working with youth populations
• The diversified background and initiatives you have worked with prior to FPSYIP, SAM 2.0, Alternative Suspension, DYIP
• Your contact information
• Points of interest (optional)

Tips

There are many formats you can use to write a great bio, but there are some universal elements you can use to make it more effective. Typically, your bio should be written in the third person, using “he/she” instead of “I.” Presenting your bio as if someone else wrote it for you provides a distinction from you and the writer (even if it is understood that it is the same person). The third person also enhances the professionalism and makes people more willing to trust what is being said.

Make your opening attention-grabbing to draw the reader in and make them want to learn more about you. And using a conversational voice will make it easier for your readers to follow along.

Don’t be afraid to include some personal or unique information about yourself at the end of your bio, and use a tone that reflects you and who you are throughout.

You’ll want to keep your bio short, only including the information that needs to be included. Split it into short paragraphs to make it easier to digest and include supporting information in the form of links, whenever possible.

Once you have a bio you’re comfortable with you’ll want to modify and update it periodically to reflect changes and to keep it current.

Piloting Our Collaborations Platform. John Zeus demonstrates the integration of Smartboard, Enterprise Wiki, Distance Learning Strategy via Webinar at a local YMCA.

Notes

Our Collaboration Platform provides an easy and secure, web-based, content creation and management platform designed to be used anywhere, any time. The system empowers contributors to create attractive documents with rich content including images, links, media and more. With Instant publishing out goes the single gatekeeper and in grows a thriving collaborative community. Each workspace has its own designated editor(s) and its own security settings. Fine-grained, flexible permission schemes guarantee that only the right people can view, contribute or publish content. Our Platform allows stakeholders to manage day-to-day operations by enabling users to track, organize and manage their activities, while providing one central location to manage intellectual assets. The solution includes social collaboration tools with wiki’s, blogs and an informational dashboard that displays what team members are working on and contributing to. As a result, team members can easily find relevant content, communicate with experts, look at past or similar projects, and keep on top of any relevant content changes.

The idea is that there can exist a simple, easy-to-navigate and easy-to-participate in, on-line portal that gives a wide variety of audiences (Youth, Administrators, Funders, Partners, Facilitators, etc.) the opportunity to view, share, create or find information related to their particular “level” of interest.

Our platform organizes these disparate groups into logical communities of interest, and provides “snapshot” views of happenings across a host of activities; including Internships, Essential Skills Development, news, events and much more. Users will have the ability to create new content, establish a simple profile, and engage in collaborative discussions or “sharing.”

• For the busy CEO or manager? Our ‘community of practice’ serves as a “collaborative news portal”—giving thumbnails and snapshots of activity across the the organizations spectrum. (a single website to use…to know “what’s going on” without having to become mired in the details)
• For the Administrator or Facilitator? Our ‘network of networks’ is a way to connect and collaborate with other department  locations and personnel—and to share success stories and deeper program information by utilizing links to deeper information housed on the wiki and other sources.
• For Youth and program participants?  With ‘shared leadership’ ‘knowledge production and transfer’  we serve as a sort of social network revolving specifically around the organizations programs, activities and success stories nationwide.  As members we definitely see that we are not alone in our endeavours!

Excerpts adapted from:  A Model Space For Learning

A Recipe For Successful Collaboration

The new program space at the Centre Branch YMCA is much less a classroom, and much more an engaging, collaborative, technology-rich environment that’s drawn rave reviews from facilitators and participants alike.

The idea that FPSYIP and CIC have created much more than a program room for participants was on full display during  a recent site visit by Dan Trepanier, National Program Manager, and  User Adoption, Wiki Platform Manager,  John Zeus.

London: A Space To Remember

Imagine a room with an impossibly high ceiling, filled with furnishings, artwork and amenities so far removed from a traditional classroom environment that program participants often don’t want to leave the room. That’s the secret behind the converted space used by FPSYIP, CIC and other programs, courtesy of this unique collaborative effort. The new space incorporates technology that includes a smart board, internet-enabled computer, a projector with pull-down screen, a large-screen flat panel TV and a Wii gaming console, with furnishings that range from oversized beanbag futons to an inclusive square of tables and chairs for a dynamic face-to-face presentation environment. One thing is for certain: the FPSYIP space within the downtown London YMCA makes an immediate, yet lasting, impression.

Full video podcast

“One intern summed it up nicely. He said, ‘There’s a reason that we quit school, and we want to go into any space is something OTHER than a classroom.’ This space fosters and enhances the different learning styles of the participants. You can really keep their attention, even at 2:30 in the afternoon.” – Dan Trepanier

“It’s very comfortable. Like home. It doesn’t feel like a classroom. A facilitator can get very creative delivering an essential skills program in a workshop room like this.” – John Zeus

Read more: Internship Success