What is truly worth your time without reflection? Allowing experiences to pass through us as if we are but a mere conduit for some greater reality unfolding independent of our presence can quickly create a life without meaning (in other words, take time to think about the things you do). Having recently spent the better part of a week in Orlando, Fl at the OLC Accelerate Conference, I thought it best to make some meaning with a little retrospective revisit to the sunshine state. I’ve also found that for me personally, writing is an act of mental mining. As I write about past experience, especially ones counter to my routine, I inevitably uncover memories, revelations, and creative connections that would otherwise get swept away by the here and now.
In thinking about what this conference revealed to me, I was struck, as I have been previously, by the stark dichotomy of existential reality. Social community and isolated introspection both matter and the past four days at this event revealed the discernible importance of both.
Social Community
At the core, we as humans are tribal, and whether intentional or not, the OLC has created an impressive community that only further crystallizes this truth. I was a late addition to a group of volunteers and conference organizers who collectively represent (and have for years) the energetic undercurrent of a creative escape known as the Technology Test Kitchen (TTK), and arguably the entire Online Learning Consortium. Angela Gibson, TTK Chair, enthusiastically welcomed me as a Master Chef with the same impressive “smile and get shit done” energy that I came to expect throughout the conference. Clark Shah-Nelson, engagement guru, Slack-er, Field Guide, and now I can say without hesitation, true friend, opened his door (literally) and provided me with a good bed and even better conversation. Kate Sonka, TTK Co-Chair, brought endless energy and intellectual wit to the mic for every Iron Chef Battle. Maddie Shellgren, technologist and linguist extraordinaire, brought a more subtle sense of community, but an intellectual one that I found more and more appealing with each passing interaction. Jessica Knott, a true girl-geek, has an undeniable gift for making others smile, even when she doesn’t mean to. Shereene Twum-Barimah, design thinker and relatable novice, delivered an infectious smile and creative willingness to every situation, not to mention a refreshing islander perspective I simply couldn’t get enough of. Michael Griffith, AV superhero, may have single-handedly run the entire TTK, all while producing a podcast and saving the robots. Jillian Powers, Master Chef and more masterful mind, opened eyes (which is ironic if you know her) bringing courageous perspective to the masses. Ann Musgrove, OLC oracle and queen of quality, brings an effortless, authentic, and unapologetic personality that everyone avoids but secretly wants at every dinner party. Jennifer Paloma Rafferty (whom I‘ve honestly mistaken for Wynona Ryder in years past), quietly injected leadership and alignment that always seemed to permeate and provide a sense of calm, ever-present reassurance. Finally, Phylise Banner, consummate consultant and expert empathizer, made her positive presence felt at every turn, spoke honestly about real issues, and offered a contextual flavor of wisdom that very few value as much as they should. I should mention that this list is far from comprehensive. Angela the Gunderful, Melody Buckner, Jill Buban, Patrice Torcivi, and many others deserve mention and represent core personalities in this community.
This honest description isn’t pandering and the influence and importance of a community like this simply can’t be overstated. When a group of people align around a shared interest (online education and technology in this case) and evolve in a way which naturally excludes assholes and egos, it gives way to a miraculous and emergent phenomenon that a relative newcomer like myself can’t help but notice. A higher-order, social community “essence” seems to envelop, and at times, regulate the constituent members of the tribe. A shared understanding fills the air and positivity spreads virally throughout, and beyond, community borders. I experienced the power of this penetrating potential as others entered conversations looking to absorb this intoxicating tribe vibe. Mark Oppenneer (Excelsior College), Gary Chinn (Penn State), and Tatiana Lassonde (New England College) represent just a small sampling of individuals with whom I connected on account of this powerful social community. It was not a coincidence that we interacted. Our rich conversations that will lead to lasting relationships were a product of this community. They were helplessly pulled into the positive social vortex, and I just happened to be on the inside waiting for their arrival. I will always need, and actively seek out, these groups; modern tribes that have evolved to realize the self-fulfilling benefits of leveraging our most human instinct, to be social.
Isolated Introspection
Antithetical to our socially-driven tribal nature, as humans, we are equally solitary and introspective. We yearn for insular moments of silence and self-centered fulfillment. Having noticed that one of my favorite scholars, Stevan Weiland (Michigan State), was leading a session on the final day of the conference, I selfishly excused myself from the community I’d grown so fond of to satisfy a very different need. Stevan, as he’s known to do, spoke passionately about the potential perils of screen-reading and the slow slide away from the things that make us most human. Stevan is a rare scholar who deeply understands the current cultural shifts and isn’t afraid to offer an unfavorable, but perhaps more truthful, view. In fact, it would seem he revels in it.
As I sat quietly and absorbed Mr. Weiland’s passionate anti-tech oration, I felt a sense of inspiration and vindication. I’ve been sensing an internal unease about the current state of consumer-tech and big-data (what Jaron Lanier astutely labels siren servers), and there was an unapologetic academic articulating many of the same things I’ve felt but have been reluctant to speak out about for fear of sounding cynical. This moment of introspection, fueled by Weiland’s relentless divulgence of personal truth, slowly brought a smile to my face. Reflecting while hearing my deepest truths actualized in real time was as energizing as any healthy social community interaction. I know that I have tendencies to lean towards a cynical (if not nihilistic) view of our future, but I’m not here to bullshit myself into believing something that isn’t true and isn’t me. Instincts and intuition are often all we have, so hearing someone I respect reaffirm those instincts was as gratifying as our future is troubling.
As humans, we are often pulled from opposite directions. The yin and (not or) the yang are both crucial elements of this game. It’s when we don’t allow for both sides to pull with equal weight that we find apathy and abstinence. Taking the time to reflect on experiences shouldn’t be an optional luxury, it should be a hard-wired necessity. I love technology and simultaneously loathe what it’s become. I’m drawn equally to social community and introspective isolation…and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
