There are many bloggers, podcasters, authors, and internet contributors who are devoted to revolutionizing the field of educational technology and are deserved to be added to the RSS readers of progressive and passionate educators everywhere. Among those many trailblazers is Michelle Pacansky-Brock, a college teacher “turned faculty developer” (n.d.) whose passion for access, equity, and professional development for online teaching and learning is palpable. Pacansky-Brock dedicates a large portion of her blog, podcast, and multiple publications to the topic of educational technology; and further specializes in “humanized learning” (2016), which uses the cognitive and affective domains to inform course design and instruction to build connected online learning communities. The process begins by asking, “how might I design a humanized learning experience using digital technologies?” (Pacansky-Brock, 2016). Creating and managing an online learning environment in which diversity is not only recognized but valued is one of the key aspects of Pacansky-Brock’s humanized learning approach, and; this desire to break down systemic barriers and begin to bridge the equity gaps in education merits attention. By acknowledging these gaps, she is opening a meaningful dialogue that is needed to truly begin creating connected learning environments that are safe and accepting for all. She also acknowledges that she is coming from a place of privilege, which inspires further dialogue critical to breaking down systemic barriers “Just gotta put this out there. When white people discuss diversity-inclusion-equity, we have an obligation to explicitly recognize that we approach this conversation through a privileged lens” (Pacansky-Brock, 2019). This notable contributor will undoubtedly continue to revolutionize the field, and I, for one, am excited to follow this trailblazer.
Blog: https://brocansky.com/blog
SlideShare Presentation: https://www.slideshare.net/brocansky/what-is-humanizing
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brocansky
References
Pacansky-Brock, M. [@brocansky]. (2019, September 8). Just gotta put this out there. When white people discuss diversity-inclusion-equity, we have an obligation to explicitly recognize that we approach this conversation through a privileged lens. [Tweet]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/brocansky/status/1170739143321604096
Pacansky-Brock, M., (2017). Best Practices for Teaching with Emerging Technologies. Second ed. Best Practices in Online Teaching and Learning. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, ISBN:9781138643642
Pacansky-Brock, M. (2016, Jan 12). What is humanizing [SlideShare presentation]. Retrieved from: https://www.slideshare.net/brocansky/what-is-humanizing
Pacansky-Brock, M. (n.d). Re: Who am I? [Blog comment(s)]. Retrieved from https://brocansky.com/who
PHOTO CREDIT: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/Z_WEI
Pacansky-Brock’s approach is very humanistic, and places a connected, human approach first in her approach to Ed Tech. I really enjoyed learning about Pacansky-Brock and I like her approach – thanks for the post, Lisa.
Thank you Earl, I really appreciate her approach and her acknowledgment and mindfulness of privilege is refreshing, seemingly not just lip-service
I find the idea of humanized learning very interesting. Historically, learning is an activity that brought people together, and now with advancements in technology we have made it possible to learn alone. I applaud Michelle Pacansky-Brock in her efforts to bring back the sense of community in learning, and still working with the new options we have.
Thank you for the introduction!
Kathy
Thanks, Kathy – I like that she says “learning alone doesn’t have to feel lonely”
Thanks for the great introduction to Michelle Pacansky-Brock, Lisa! I have bookmarked her blog — lots of amazing thoughts and resources. I really appreciated your slide share of her “What is Humanizing.” VERY interested and sooooooo relevant.
I must also say how I was struck and encouraged AND further motivated by how (you shared) and Pacansky-Brock “acknowledges that she is coming from a place of privilege, which inspires further dialogue critical to breaking down systemic barriers ‘Just gotta put this out there. When white people discuss diversity-inclusion-equity, we have an obligation to explicitly recognize that we approach this conversation through a privileged lens’ (Pacansky-Brock, 2019).” Diversity-inclusion-equity issues in education are driving forces behind my personal and professional interests and studies (for many years). I have voiced in conversation that I know that I come from a very privileged place, and that further drives me to be a part of solutions to address the digital divide here in Canada in K-12 schools. Reading this post has made me realize that I need to acknowledge more, in writing, the privileged lens through which I approach this conversation.
Thanks, Lisa!
Thanks, Leigh,
I was struck, encouraged and motivated by this declaration as well;
the fact she is so explicit is refreshing.
Dear Lisa,
Wow, what a wonderful surprise it was to discover this post about my work — and the great replies too! It’s difficult to convey how rewarding it is to see a student identify significance in my efforts. And you’ve really done an excellent job summarizing the essence of humanizing, as well.
I am now starting on a 3-year grant project that will research the impact of online humanized instruction in STEM courses and extend professional development for humanizing across three systems of public higher ed in California (CCC, CSU, UC). I hope you’ll keep following my blog for updates.
Best wishes to you,
Michelle
Hello Michelle,
I am honored that you have read and commented on my blog. I look forward to reading the findings of your research, this subject and approach are so interesting to me. I am curious about the differences in the state of equity, diversity, and inclusion between Canada and the US educational systems…humanizing education locally, nationally and globally; and how that could look is very exciting. Thank you for being a leader in this postive social change!
Much appreciated,
Lisa
That’s a very interesting comparison. I would expect the differences in how our nation’s leaders model these values would be a big influencing factor. The climate on U.S. campuses has changed in the past three years.
I can only imagine the impact of the past three years…the modeling of these values by national leaders is a good point to consider, political climate really is an organism and the state of equity will never be static due to this; an even better reason to actively research ways to humanize!