Pathways and Journeys . . . ways people grow.
STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS . . .
This digital portal is a collection of
storytellers and exemplars who are thought leaders and innovators in the field of education.
From artists to scientists - for explorers, learners, educators and community leaders - we form a Community of Practice, engaged in a process of collective learning in a shared human endeavor that enables us to learn with and from each other
We believe that every student is unique and deserves a learning experience that empowers them to achieve success. Education should fuel a passionate response within each and every student - supporting their personal growth and their ability to be catalysts for change in their communities.
Our mission is to pursue a new approach to education, one that is focused on the individual student and that is capable of imparting the skills and competencies they need for a rapidly evolving world.
We firmly believe that neurodiversity serves as a cornerstone of innovation in education, enriching learning environments with a spectrum of unique perspectives and abilities
Our Global Brain
Connecting
“Ideas cause ideas and help evolve new
ideas. They interact with each other and with other mental forces in the same brain, in neighboring brains, and thanks to global communication, in far distant, foreign brains”.
(Neuropsychologist Roger Sperry)
Our Global Brain
“ When technology enables a truly global connected intelligence, the kind of insights we are going to be able to have, we can’t even imagine it yet.” ( Artist Tiffany Shlain)
Our Diverse Approach
Open Educational Resources
Open Educational Resources
Open Educational Resources
(OERs) give us professionally produced media, often well-tested and researched, that we would not be able to replicate due to cost. These resources, break down barriers to education by eliminating cost constraints for learners and educators worldwide. In regions with limited access to traditional educational materials, OERs provide an invaluable opportunity for individuals to access high-quality learning materials regardless of their socio-economic background. By leveraging OERs, we can adapt and customize content to suit diverse cultural contexts and learning needs, ultimately enhancing the quality and relevance of education on a global scale. This gives us the potential to democratize education, empower learners, and drive positive social and economic change worldwide.
AI Chatbots
Open Educational Resources
Open Educational Resources
AI Chatbots for Enhanced Learning: By emphasizing character and competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, this approach ensures that these skills are imparted within relevant contexts, enhancing their effectiveness. Designed by Dr. Ron Beghetto https://ronald-beghetto.squarespace.com/ who is one of the Top 200 University-Based Scholars in Education. His work explores the following themes:
- using GenAI as a partner in possibility thinking (designing and using custom bots); preparing young people for possible futures;
- encouraging possibility thinking in education;
- democratizing creative educational experiences;
- developing new and dynamic creativity research methods.
Mobile Learning
Open Educational Resources
Strengths Based Learning
Mobile Learning (mLearning) refers to the use of Mobile technologies, such as cell phones, or any hand devices that are used as a learning instrument to enhance interactive collaborative learning. Mobile learning is important for several reasons. It can be inexpensive when compared to traditional learning and it is as far-reaching as there are people with mobile devices (current mobile networks are currently accessible to upward of 90% of the world‟s population.) mLearning is unique in that it can accommodate both formal and informal learning in collaborative or individual learning modes, and within almost any context but it requires student user-centric design to be effective. https://adlnet.gov/projects/mobile-learning-overview/
Strengths Based Learning
Strengths Based Learning
Strengths Based Learning
Strengths-Based Approach: Utilizing the OER Positive Personality Profiles https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/testcenter developed by UPenn, this solution employs a strengths-based approach. Through assessments, students identify their strengths, fostering confidence and enabling them to actively contribute to collaborative efforts. This approach not only benefits educational settings but also holds the potential for adaptation in employment contexts to support collaboration and ideation among teams. An individual creates an account, with privacy assured, that they can use to support personal reflections and growth for lifelong learning. The assessments are available in 6 languages.
Short Burst Modules
Strengths Based Learning
Short Burst Modules
Learning is facilitated through "Short Burst" modules, designed to extend learning over a period longer than traditional programs. This approach, as advocated by Harvard Business Review, promotes greater retention and application of knowledge. Our modules are versatile, and suitable for integration into various learning environments or as standalone self-development practices. Weekly prompts focusing on character strengths serve as practical examples to reinforce learning. They are ideal for global education initiatives in regions with limited access to traditional educational resources.
Neurodiverstiy
Strengths Based Learning
Short Burst Modules
Neurodiversity is a critical component of transforming education and the workplace. True inclusivity goes beyond visible disabilities and encompasses the strengths and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals. By recognizing and embracing neurodiversity, stigmas associated with non-apparent disabilities can be overcome, fostering a more inclusive environment.True inclusivity requires recognizing the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring. With at least 20% of the adult population being neurodiverse, it's clear that neurodiversity transcends race, gender, and orientation. The various ways individuals think fuel innovation and progress. When people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together to tackle complex challenges, they bring a wealth of ideas and insights.
exemplar producers of Open educational resources
Tiffany Shlain
Frank Fitzpatrick
Tiffany Shlain
Filmmaker, Author, Founder of the Webby Awards
https://www.tiffanyshlain.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyshlain/
Honored by Newsweek as one of the "Women Shaping the 21st Century," Tiffany Shlain is an artist, activist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, national bestselling author, and the founder of the Webby Awards. Working across mediums, from sculptures, films, to performance, Shlain's work explores the intersection of feminism, philosophy, technology, neuroscience, and nature.
Sawyer Steele
Frank Fitzpatrick
Tiffany Shlain
Film Producer, Creator https://www.sawyersteele.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sawyersteele/
Sawyer Steele is an Emmy-nominated film producer, co-founder of Let it Ripple Film Studio, and a creative professional across multiple mediums. He was nominated for an Emmy in the category New Approaches to Arts + Culture for his work on the series The Future Starts Here, which includes an episode TransBoom, where he shares his experience being transgender.
Frank Fitzpatrick
Frank Fitzpatrick
Graham Brown-Martin
Visioneer • Creator • Connector
https://www.frankfitzpatrick.com
I’m committed to creating a massive ripple effect for good in the world.
https://youtu.be/pqAII8viWOU?si=t6WVRAlJ_FPC6cjR I work with leaders and organizations to design innovative solutions at the intersection of creativity, human potential, entertainment, health, and technology. Drawing upon 40 years of experience inspiring audiences through world-class content and programs, I help others optimize their creative potential, increase engagement, and scale positive impact.
Graham Brown-Martin
Graham Brown-Martin
Graham Brown-Martin
Catalyst
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahambrownmartin/?originalSubdomain=uk
https://www.grahambrownmartin.com/
https://soundcloud.com/graham-brown-martin
A collaborative leader with 30 years experience in the technology, entertainment and education sectors.
William Ury
Graham Brown-Martin
John Viscount
Author , Founder of Harvard Program on Negotiation
https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-ury-8260a496/
https://thirdside.williamury.com/
William Ury is an American author, academic, anthropologist, and negotiation expert. He co-founded the Harvard Program on Negotiation
John Viscount
Graham Brown-Martin
John Viscount
SOCIAL IMPACT FILMMAKER, AUTHOR, COMPOSER, PEACEBUILDER
Pep Talk 4 Humanity
https://www.youtube.com/@Peptalk4Humanity/shorts
Peace Now
promoting the Global Culture of Peace
https://johnviscount.com/gift-of-peace/
Dr. Ron Beghetto
Dr. Ron Beghetto
Dr. Ron Beghetto
Dr. Beghetto https://ronald-beghetto.squarespace.com/about Creator of Possibility Thinking Bots https://ronald-beghetto.squarespace.com/ptbots
Cynthia Young
Dr. Ron Beghetto
Dr. Ron Beghetto
Connector https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-young-83778b157/
Educational Systems Design
Strategy/Process/Design
Partners
Dr. Ron Beghetto
Partners
Our Philosophy
“When you go out into the woods, and you look at trees, you see all these different trees. And some of them are bent, and some of them are straight, and some of them are evergreens, and some of them are whatever. And you look at the tree and you allow it. You see why it is the way it is. You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. You appreciate the tree. The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying ‘You are too this, or I’m too this.’ That judgment mind comes in. And so I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are.”
― Ram Dass
“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open.”
― Martha Graham