This academic blog is my first and reflects on my experience of embracing openness at the Virtual Symposium. As my excitement to begin the MALAT program was layered in trepidation on the concept of openness, the symposium sessions helped me realize that I am part of a learning community that will support my academic growth in this area. There were four sessions in particular that impacted me. These sessions facilitated a deeper understanding. However, they also proved to me that further self-discovery about openness is required moving forward.
To start, the story shared from the field by Cindy Harris on being ‘the person in the middle of the road’ was not only intriguing but also inspiring. Harris’ idea to ‘open the lid’ on the box resonated with me on both personal and professional levels. I have historically been a closed box ensuring lines are not crossed between my personal and professional lives. As a result of the session, Harris inspired me to be open to the idea of embracing my professional life in a more authentic ‘natural way’ (Harris, 2021). I foresee the activities in our program will assist in bridging this gap between personal and professional.
Subsequently, I will now shift focus to the broader topic of openness in education. During the presentation ‘Choosing Open,’ Martin Weller was cited by Cronin (2017) stating, “It has never been more risky to operate in the open. It has never been more vital to operate in the open.” When this quote flashed on my monitor, I was surprised to read it but then breathed a sigh of relief as the messaging portrayed my initial feelings regarding openness in education. Next, I attended the Muirhead and Robinson (2021) session where I learned about their important digital privacy policy work that they have underway. This session led to more questions than answers from me around digital footprints. In addition, I reflected on the idea of bringing openness to my organization where there is constant concern about student privacy.
Lastly, I was reminded while watching the ‘Openness in MALAT’ by Elizabeth Childs (2018) session that our program is designed around the principle of openness. There is a broad range of definitions, context, and technical aspects that pertain to being open. This reflection is important to note as I delve into further discovery about openness in the MALAT program as the scope is broad. The learning journey over the next two years will help to inform if any trepidation to openness still exists by the end of the program. I look forward to opening my mind and welcoming the challenges brought forth to being open.
Childs, E. (2018, April 16). A continuum of openness in a MA degree. [Webinar]. Royal Roads University MALAT Virtual Symposium. https://mediaspace.royalroads.ca/id/0_ry5ij5nz
Cronin, C. (2017, April 20). Open culture, open education, open questions. [Webinar]. Royal Roads University MALAT Virtual Symposium. https://mediaspace.royalroads.ca/id/0_xz2hxcs2
Harris, C. (2021, April 14). The person in the middle of the road: one educators journey supporting training and education. [Webinar]. Royal Roads University MALAT Virtual Symposium. https://mediaspace.royalroads.ca/id/0_22e5nwng
Muirhead, B. & Robinson, L. (2021, April 14). Living and Learning Online: Why Digital Privacy is Everyone’s Responsibility. [Webinar]. Royal Roads University MALAT Virtual Symposium. https://mediaspace.royalroads.ca/id/0_ngzck559