Lessons from Steve Jobs' TED Video

The tributes from around the world are moving for Steve Jobs and I add my condolences to his family and those inspired to think differently.

The irony of how Steve Jobs did not finish college is apparent to me in how much I wish to have Steve' perspective on my dissertation as it applies to the value of informal learning using new media.

The networked seminar for new media has enabled me to engage deeply with colleagues and acquaintances through a combination of the Internet, Second Life, bold leadership, and faithful facilitation. I wonder what Steve Jobs would contribute to our voluntary discussion that is a blend of formal and informal learning.

The lesson for me is clear. The more learned, the more understood how little is known whether from informal or formal means. Do what you love, includes learn what leads you. Awe transforms my life when learning occurs on terms of personal engagement. I take Steve's advice, along with others like Randy Pausch, to relish the journey of discovery, especially with those who are also "all in." Live and learn well.

Steve Jobs: How to live before you die | Video on TED.com

Digital Reveries (I'm Awake!)

Learning flows abound in which to revel and dance with scholars at work (UCF) and school (CTU). The typical social media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and soon Google+ are my constant source of learning to keep up with my field of learning technologies.


In September 2011, I became a participant in the New Media Faculty Seminar held in Second Life based on a course called, Awakening the Digital Imagination offered at Virginia Tech by the prolific blogger, thinker, and renaissance man, Dr. Gardner Campbell. The immersion of the virtual world is engaging for me filling a deep cerebral yearning. Examining great scientists and inventors is made novel through perspective comparison with current technologies. The networked seminar represents an instantiation of a massive open online course (mooc).

Discussion and collaborative reflection is based on the New Media Reader published in 2003 and edited by Noah Wardrip-Fruin and Nick Montfort. Small groups around the country gather on campuses to share insights applicable to teaching with new media. It feels as if history is being created as this new model of education achieves greater momentum. 


Our intrepid facilitators are Robin Heyden and Liz Dorland who have created a NetVibes site to help group members keep up with all the happenings in this international networked seminar.  


Part of the expectation in the seminar is to blog one's reflections. A grand challenge to me as I am a novice blogger. I decided to use this blog as it represents a sort of eportflio of all my learning. Cheers to all who surf learning flows online.

The New Media Seminarians meeting in Second Life Sept. 28, 2011