Monthly Archives: May 2012

What is reality? Understanding how history is constructed and the value of difference.

Posted on May 31, 2012 by julianstodd

As i was driving this morning there was a fascinating programme on the radio about Troy. From the perspective of the mythology, the archaeology and documented history, they sought to build a consensus opinion of where the city actually was … Continue reading →

Posted in Age, Archaeology, Authority, Clarity, Complexity, Education, Experience, Fact, Fiction, History, Time | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Achievement, reward and shared success in learning.

Posted on May 30, 2012 by julianstodd

In a follow up to yesterday’s post, i can report that we were successful in our adventure. The rewards for success? To sit in the sun with a cider and share stories from the trip. No certificate, no qualification, no … Continue reading →

Posted in Achievement, Adventure, Challenge, Learning, Reward, Social Learning, Success | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A day for adventures: what we learn from testing ourselves.

Posted on May 29, 2012 by julianstodd

Today is a day for adventures. I’m setting out to sea with two of my friends in the kayaks to circumnavigate the harbour and up the Wareham river. Then back again. Ok, so it’s not the Amazon that we’re navigating, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Challenge, Change, Exploration, Introspection, Leadership, Learning, Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Exploring social learning environments: what can we take with us that is familiar?

Posted on May 28, 2012 by julianstodd

A weekend of sunshine has reminded me of one of the crucial differences between the real world and the virtual: the weather. Whilst we build relationships and friendships in both real and social contexts, whilst we manage challenges and reflect … Continue reading →

Posted in Challenge, Clarity, Collaboration, Community, Formal Spaces, Informal Spaces, Learning, Online Spaces, Reflection, Social Learning, Spaces | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Embedding learning: how we retain the things that we use.

Posted on May 25, 2012 by julianstodd

Some time ago i learnt to play ‘Sweet Child of Mine’ on the acoustic guitar. Even without donning leather trousers, i think you’ll agree that this was a pretty rock achievement. True, i don’t think i could carry off the … Continue reading →

Posted in Embedding, Engagement, Information, Knowledge, Learning, Reflection, Songs | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Clarity and brevity: why less is more, but more feels safer.

Posted on May 24, 2012 by julianstodd

I’m working on a project at the moment around a pretty simple topic, it’s an interesting subject, but not complex. The challenge is to get people to do something differently. Not hugely differently, but a little differently. But, for some … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarity, Effectiveness, Information, Learning, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Relationships in learning: for support, for challenge, for friendship.

Posted on May 23, 2012 by julianstodd

Whilst driving yesterday, i was thinking about the nature of relationships. Some of the people in the car i knew well, one i had never met before. With those people who i knew, there was a dialogue based on understanding … Continue reading →

Posted in Challenge, Collaboration, Community, Design, Formal Learning Spaces, Informal Learning Spaces, Learning, Networking, Social Learning, Social Networking, Spaces | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

If you learn one instrument, is it easier to learn another? Economies in learning.

Posted on May 22, 2012 by julianstodd

Road trip! Yes, five friends and I are squeezing into Rufus and we’re heading to Brighton to see a Norwegian band called Katzenjammer. This is quite intrepid and earplugs may be required, not for the band, who are instrumental norwegian … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Creative, Drawing, Language, Learning, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The ease of engagement: how we learn to participate in social learning spaces.

Posted on May 21, 2012 by julianstodd

If i say that riding a bike is intuitive, i mean that no conscious thought is needed to do it, that anyone can just pick it up, that no instruction is required. My statement would, of course, be wrong: it … Continue reading →

Posted in Challenge, Collaboration, Community, Engagement, Environment, Informal Spaces, Learning, Social Learning, Spaces | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

When Uncle Julian Saved the Day: sailing stories on the iPad.

Posted on May 18, 2012 by julianstodd

Today, i am Uncle Julian and it’s great. Admittedly, it’s just an honorific title, as Ed is the son of some very old friends, but it still counts. And yesterday i saved the day. Well, when i say the day, … Continue reading →

Posted in Learning, Stories, Storytelling | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments