“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead
What happens when 8 passionate educators distanced geographically (U.S., Canada, and Australia) meet in an Elluminate room or in threaded discussions in Ning to engage in conversations around coaching in online communities?
They grow and develop expertise to transform online professional learning.
Through text, images, encouragement, support, videos, sharing ideas and experiencing a collective joy that comes from participation in a group whose sole goal is to improve learning for teachers and students, we grow. Through an appreciative approach which leads to deep and sometimes difficult collegial conversations this new and unique model evolves as each coach brings their talents and gifts to the table.
A vision, initially only on paper, becomes reality and Powerful Learning PracticeConnected Coaches–
Brenda Sherry
Marsha Ratzel
Chad Evans
Mark Carbone
Zoe Branigan-Pipe
John Pearce
join Dean Shareski and I on an incredibly exciting journey into wayfinding as coaches.
Our connected model draws heavily from Cooperrider’s appreciative inquiry, Costa and Garmston’s cognitive model and Tschannen-Moran’s evocative coaching while infusing much of Sheryl’s wisdom on learning in online communities.
Currently engaging with members in the El Paso and ConnectU Powerful Learning Practice communities, we really are about changing the world of online professional learning. And with this accomplished group, with whom I am privileged and honored to learn, I see it happening.
Lani Ritter Hall
Latest posts by Lani Ritter Hall (see all)
- Through new lenses– - January 5, 2015
- Connected Coaching: Reflections & a new course starting soon! - September 24, 2013
- Virtual Classroom Visit — Sketch Up and Google Hangouts in a 3rd grade classroom - April 15, 2013
Coaching face-to-face is a skill but coaching online and building the relationships needed for meaningful coaching experiences at a distance is another. I commend the people in this role! Appreciative inquiry and the positive focus around what you have and what you can do is something I think is sometimes missed in the light of perceived barriers. Congratulations on being able to build trust and ask those questions that make people think beyond where they are at – at any experience and skill level!
Good on you all!
Margo,
Thank you on behalf of the coaches.
I’d agree that coaching at a distance can be very challenging. We’ve used the term “wayfinding” in our emerging model, and found that it aptly illustrates our appreciative process. The wonderful team of coaches has been engaged in leveraging the uniqueness of online spaces as they build trust using different activities and images. Their passion, and commitment to ongoing development of expertise should take us into new and uncharted territory– a journey which will be characterized by open learning and transparency.
Lani