Virtual Conversations on Transformative Learning

Join a free virtual panel discussion that is part of an ongoing series of
Virtual Conversations on Transformative Learning
offered by the Center for Transformative Learning at Meridian University.

Register to be a part of this conversation Monday, October 22, 1:00-2:15 EDT (10:00 a.m. – 11:15 p.m. PDT)
Click Here to Register for the Virtual Conversations on Transformative Learning

International Education and Transformative Learning: Voices from the Field

Summary of the October 22 Topic of Conversation

Study abroad and other forms of international education are increasingly becoming a major focus of many institutions of higher education. While study abroad has long been associated with undergraduate experiences, over the last 10 – 15 years we have witnessed a dramatic increase in the numbers of graduate students and faculty from K-12 and community colleges, as well as four-year institutions participating in various forms of education abroad. In addition, the number of international students coming to study in the U.S. has also dramatically increased.

Based on our own research and experience as participants, we will explore the experiences and potential outcomes associated with education abroad from the theoretical perspective of transformative learning, and the implications of this perspective for the design and facilitating of education abroad programs, activities, and experiences. In addition, we will discuss what our research and experience suggests for our emerging understanding of transformative learning.

This focus will be approached from several viewpoints, including that of the institution, faculty leading study abroad groups, U.S. students abroad, and Asian students within the United States.

Panelists

  • Dr. John Dirkx, Professor and Mildred B. Erickson Distinguished Chair, Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education, Michigan State University (Moderator)
  • Dr. Dennis Dunham, Executive Director, Office of International Services, University of Central Oklahoma
  • Dr. Qi Sun, Associate Professor, Adult and Post Secondary Education Programs, Department of Professional Studies, College of Education, University of Wyoming
  • Ms. Julie Sinclair, Higher, Research Assistant and Doctoral Candidate, Adult and Lifelong Education, Michigan State University

We hope that you will join us for this live conversation. These conversations are offered at no charge. If you register for this conversation, you will have access to listen to the panels at a later time if you cannot make the time we are speaking, but you do need to register for the conversation to do so. Registration only requires your name and email address. 

Other conversations over the past months have explored transformative learning as practiced in the domains of education, business, spiritual practice, psychotherapy, social action and civil society, the arts, governance, and law.

Each panel has featured 3 to 5 speakers, including live Q&A towards the end of each panel. By registering for this conversations, you will also have access to the recordings from the April, 2012 Summit hosted by Meridian’s Center for Transformative Learning: Re-Imagining Learning: A Virtual Summit on Transformative Learning, which had over 30 speakers.
Click Here to Register for the Virtual Conversations on Transformative Learning

Is this Program for Me? If you are involved, personally and/or professionally in international education, especially education abroad, this panel will be of great interest to you.  It will be packed with cutting edge information and practices that can help you in deepening your own learning.

Information on the International Transformative Learning Conference: November 1 – 4, 2012

This conference will feature over 150 plenary and concurrent session presenters. We will gather to articulate a more inclusive and clear vision of what we already know, and to explore what we can discover together about the role of transformative learning in creating a just and sustainable future.
Click Here for more information on the Conference in November.

Dr. Stein & Dr. Wanstreet win award for Best Distance Teaching Practices!

Congratulations Dr. David Stein and Dr. Connie Wanstreet!  They have been selected to receive the Shauna Schullo Best Distance Teaching Practices Award for their 2011 Information Session Presentation, “e-Coaching and feedback practices to promote higher order thinking online” at the Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning.

The award will be announced and presented to them this August at the 28th Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning in Madison, Wisconsin.

The S. Schullo Best Distance Teaching Practices Award was instituted to recognize an Information Session presenter whose session contributed significantly to the practice of distance education, especially in the areas of:

  • Learner-centered practice
  •  Exportable practice that could be implemented in a variety of learning environments
  • Potential impact of practice to advance the field of distance education
  • Evidence-based, effective practice
  • Demonstration of excellence and quality both as a teaching practice and as an
  • Information Session presentation
  • Creative, inventive distance teaching practice, or unique adaptation

The Shauna Schullo Best Distance Teaching Practices Award was created in memory of our colleague, known for her collegiality and respected for her commitment to quality distance teaching.  We are pleased and proud to present the award to, David and Connie, as dedicated professionals who generously share her expertise, passion, and high standards for distance teaching.

 

 

 

 

Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning

Register for the…
28th Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning
August 8-10, 2012
Madison, Wisconsin
http://www.uwex.edu/disted/conference

TEACH…LEARN…CONNECT with colleagues at this year’s conference. More than 150 learning opportunities will be presented by distance education and training professionals from around the globe. This year’s schedule also includes a wide variety of optional workshops on Wednesday, August 8 for a more in-depth experience; there’s limited workshop space, so register early to save your spot.

Register by July 16 to receive the “early-bird” fees, and take advantage of the Group Discount by registering 3 or more people from your organization.

2012 Keynote Speakers:

  • James Zull, Professor of Biology and of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, speaking on“Applying neuroscience to educate for meaningful learning”
  • Judy Brown, Mobile Learning Strategic Analyst, speaking on “Learning in hand with mobile technology”

Other highlights:

  • Conference Forums on “Managing state authorization requirements, moderated by Rick Shearer, Penn State and “Preparing instruction for mobile learning,” moderated by Rovy Bran, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Special Session on “Global Perspectives,” moderated by Curt Bonk
  • Communities of Practice Groups: Administration & management, open education resources, blended/online instruction, corporate eLearning, military education & training

For more information about this year’s schedule, download the Conference Program or visit our website. If you have already registered, please pass along this message to other colleagues who may be interested in distance education and training.