Thursday, 8 September 2016

Daniel Scott - Learning Technologist of the Year Award 2016

This is a summary of my experience from submitting to winning this incredible award by the Association for Learning Technology.

EDIT:  I talk further about this experience in the blog post 'Reflection of winning - a year on'.

Submission

On 17 May I decided to submit a nomination for this award.  I wanted to apply for this based on a couple of reasons.  2016 has been a huge year for me as I have just completed a long-term educational goal; my Technology Enhanced Learning MSc.  But I also feel it’s the right time to share my professional journey and what I have done to support and develop the use of learning technology within my own context and organisation.  I have gone from a place where I knew nothing about teaching and learning technology to where I am highly proficient on their roles and purpose for education.

My submission (below) is nothing ground breaking and has surely been done many times before.  But what is different is that I have proactively placed my own learning and motivation at the centre of the development of others and the organisation.  My experience is entirely autonomous, meaning that I have coordinated (asked/fought for not given/offered, and independently pursued) my professional learning and activities not only around my needs, but the needs of others and the organisation.  I quickly identified gaps for knowledge and skills and then independently learned them, so what I learn becomes others learning.  You could say that I wielded the support I gave to others and executed as a vehicle to my own understanding and practices.  But as mentioned throughout this blog I also wanted to improve my own interpersonal and intellectual abilities.  Everything I am learning I am giving back to the wider world by sharing the wisdom I have acquired.






Interview and supplementary information

I was interviewed by the panel and asked a variety of questions around my submission.  The presentation below is what I produced for the interview to further evidence my submission, along with the summary as supplementary information.



Outcome



Overall interview panel feedback:

"Great achievement in self-taught and self-directed practice.  Demonstrated a really innovative approach to apprenticeships supported by Learning Technology.  Outstanding example of open practice in the Further Education and Skills sector."

I was in a training session at the time I received confirmation of the outcome.  I had a little peek at my phone only to find an email from Maren Deepwell saying:

"Dear Daniel

Congratulations - you are the Winner of the Learning Technologist of the Year Awards 2016 (individual category).

The judging panel was unanimous in its decision and in the next week we will send you their feedback together with information about next steps."

As cheesy as this may sound, I was holding back tears as I felt very emotional that I had won such a prestigious award.  But also because my individual efforts and milestones over the years had been recognised on a national and international scale.  Winning this award is like The Oscars of the learning technology industry.  I was absolutely overwhelmed with happiness and feeling very proud.  However, what was most overwhelming was that I was against strong competition from well-established individuals and other organisations and to be narrowed down to one guy from a small town was crazy wonderful.  As I said at the interview stage, winning this award just rounds up an incredible 6 and a half years of being a Learning Technologist but also my incredible self-motivated journey of understanding and practicing teaching and learning technology.

This year celebrates the 10th annual Learning Technologist of the Year Award and it's such a great feeling to be a part of it.  It's a privilege to be amongst the list of other highly regarded learning technologists.  Winning this award also has perfect symmetry that marks ten years since I completed my Level 2 apprenticeship in business and administration.  Looking back to that point to where I am now it's such an incredible feat!  Especially since I had such a bad start to my education.

Before the awards, I was asked by Maren to provide a quote and anyone from my organisation for a press release.  This is what me and my director said:

Me:

“I am extremely proud and overwhelmed at winning this prestigious award.  It’s such a good feeling to be recognised both nationally and internationally for my individual efforts and milestones that I have achieved throughout my professional journey.

A big thank you to the panel for making the decision and thank you to the wider learning technology community that inspire me with their research and good practice.”

Karen Markham, Director of Teaching and Learning, Barnsley College:

“I am really pleased and happy that Dan has won this Award as it recognises his passion for technology and the journey he has undertaken in his own professional development.”

Awards night

On 7 September I attended the awards ceremony at The University of Warwick with my partner Gary. Below is the video of me accepting my award with a brief thank you (I'm on at 13 mins 30 secs).

"Excited to be joining everyone tonight for the @A_L_T Learning Technologist of the Year Awards 2016! #altc"



I had prepared a short speech for when I received my award.  But I was taken over by extreme nerves which I'm sure you can tell.  At least it shows my emotions aren't made of steel!  Perhaps it was because there were so many renowned people in the audience such as researchers, authors and directors/executives.  So I ditched the speech and said something in the moment.  But here is what I originally had planned to say:

"As I always say, "it depends how much you want something that determines the effort you put in."  I knew I wanted to be a learning technologist and more.  But that also comes from my strong passion for improving my interpersonal and intellectual abilities from a time where that wasn't possible.

The achievements and milestones that are in my submission demonstrate my efforts.  Thank you to the panel for seeing this in me.  I am extremely grateful.  Also a thank you to the researchers and educators that generate good practice that inspires me.

Thank you."

It was absolute privilege to share the night with so many other talented learning technologists and teams who have demonstrated real enthusiasm and impact in their own contexts and organisations.  It was inspiring to read and hear about all of your creative projects.  Well done to all the winners, runner ups and highly commended.  You have earned them just as much as I have.  Here are a few pictures from the awards.









After the awards I enjoyed a night of excellent company, food and drink.  I had such a lovely night talking to people both personally and professionally.  Some people I knew, some I had not seen for a very long time and some I had just been acquainted with.

I am touched by the amount of people who took the time to congratulate me both in-person and online (some listed below).  Thank you!  A special thank you to Maren for making me feel welcome and comfortable throughout the evening, you're such a warm and considerate person.

The whole experience is one of my most treasured memories that I'll never forget.

Post-winning, ALT did a webinar with me; 'ALT Community Call: Daniel Scott on Awards and supporting Digital Learning Design apprentices':

"For next ALT Community Call we speak with Daniel Scott, from Barnsley College, winner of ALT’s Learning Technologist of the Year 2016.  In this call we speak to Daniel about his innovative work he is involved in supporting Digital Learning Design apprentices.  We find out more about Daniel’s approach to learning technology using the support to others as a vehicle to further his own skills and understanding."



Comments from my personal circles:

  • Kelly Stewart - "Yeah! !!!"
  • Emma Louise Kilkelly - "Congratulations!!!!"
  • Debbie Watson - "Congratulations x"
  • Lucy Georgina - "Congrats! Xx"
  • Potti Dotti - "Well done Dan"
  • Julie Beaumont - "Congratulations...fantastic"
  • Terry Turnbull - "Well done Daniel sheer hard work has brought you this honour! Well, not forgetting yr natural charisma as well mate."
    • Me - "Thanks Terry, that really means a lot. You've watched me grow from an office apprentice to where I am now."
  • Terry Turnbull - "Smashed it Dan! Well done young man."
  • Liz Teasdale - "Dan! Fantastic news! Well done you xx"
  • Michael Longley-Cook - "Wow. Well done Dan! X"
  • Mia Wesson - "Well done Dan! You totally deserve this - you're so genuine and passionate about what you do x"
    • Me - "This has to be one of the most nicest things ever said about me. Thanks Mia. 🙂 x"
  • Kathy Boyer - "Well done Daniel Scott"
  • Dave Fullen - "Great stuff Daniel Scott"
  • Ruthy Keith - "Well done Danny so proud and pleased for you xxx"
  • Cheryl Key - "Well done, Daniel. The futures bright, embrace it xxx"
  • Rosie Elizabeth - "Aw wow congratulations!!! Xxx"
  • Daniel Berrecloth - "Congratulations friend!"
  • Donna Selvey - "Congratulations and well done xx"
  • Fiona White - "Congratulations xxx"
  • Claire Taylor - "Well done Daniel , well deserved xx"
  • Judith Hunt - "That's great news Daniel. X"
  • Maria J Sutton - "Well Done Dany!!!!!"
  • Charlotte Elizabeth - "Well done xxxxxx"
  • Louise Wollerton Scott - "Well done Daniel Scott x"
  • Vicky Scott - "Well done so proud of you - worked so hard for it enjoy the benefits from it now xx"
  • Emma Cook - "Awww well done!!"
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Wednesday, 10 August 2016

30

Well I've made it to the good age of 30!  I may not look or feel it, but I definitely am!  So, what does it mean to be 30?  It's just a number isn't it?  Well yes, but it doesn't mean much unless you have something significant to say about it.  I'm actually glad to be 30 today, the age 30 to me feels like this abundance of wisdom (and great levels of maturity, when necessary) that I have acquired over the years.  I've lived and experienced many things that I can talk about for the time that has lapsed.  I am proud to say I've made it this far - a wonderful milestone.  Who knows I may not be around tomorrow, but isn't that the point of life; living and feeling like it is your last day alive.  I could either give a lecture of what to do/not do etc, but instead I'm going to summarise my feelings at this particular time.  But hopefully it's not too much of a snooze-fest.

Settle-meant

For many years I thought I was settled and at peace with myself.  But it's only until this year that I feel in absolute harmony with who, what and how I am as a person.  If you read my other personal development writings you'll learn a bit more.  When it comes to interpersonal learning, I have somewhat misunderstood it and can be a slow achiever at it.  But that's the joy of everyone being different and sharing their points of view, just as I am here.  I feel that I am at a stage in my life where I no longer feel the need to prove myself to others.  I stopped proving myself as a person around last September when things just seemed to have clicked into place and adjusted myself accordingly with no effort.  I just felt different within myself like I was at ease. I didn't feel the urge to be 'all over it' like I once was.  I think I have wasted too much time on theatrics and dramatics.  I have seemed to take a more relaxed approach to people and communication.  Maybe it's because the learning I had to learn had now been achieved.  It doesn't mean it will stop there, but that major learning curve had now passed.  As like everyone I have gained and lost friendships and relationships but it's how you move on from them that matters the most.  They all had a positive impact at the time, regardless of the outcome it's best to recognise that good did happen.  Just be grateful of what others have brought even if it was for a short time.  However, these are all lessons in disguise not sentences where you need to be punished.  Don't judge your feelings or actions too much, just let them come in and release them.  You can either go into mourning or make a change in attitude and spirit.  I seemed to have made the change without really trying, but came with the realisation of the learning I had achieved.  If there is a button for this kind of interpersonal change, it must be this one!

Just like everyone you can make bad decisions and wrong choices.  But that shouldn't define you as a person.  Those decisions and choices have led me to where I am now.  We all have a destiny and experiences to fulfil.  I had to go through what I have so I can share my journey.  If I didn't make the mistakes I had, I wouldn't have nothing to learn from and advise others.  With the right positive lens you can see how everything you loved and lost improves your life.  I know I'm a perfectionist but this is an aspect of me that can be restricting.  Over the last couple of years I've become somewhat afraid to make mistakes and occasionally fail.  I need to bring back taking risks - trial and error and progressing from it.  Allowing people in to help and not being driven by my inner ego.  A good daily ego check can keep you grounded.

I have just achieved a long-time goal of completing a masters in a subject I am really passionate about.  I think this now ends proving myself that I am educated and intellectual.  This goal was about aspiring to be knowledgeable and becoming something (insert little life story here) and I have succeeded, I just had to believe in myself.  This masters is a symbol to inspire and encourage others to achieve education from a place where it appeared impossible.  This masters also represents my strong passion for education and working within it.  Yes qualifications can be viewed as materialistic objects and you don't need them to achieve in life.  But to progress further in a career you do need certain qualifications or what is the point in becoming qualified?!

Love > achievement

With what I said above in mind, I need to be proud of what I have achieved both interpersonally and professionally and savour it.  But I need to be less conflicted about constantly thinking what I can be working on next.  It's about knowing what the differences between love and achievement are and what motivates you towards the two.  Love is limitless and timeless from friends and family, whilst achievement has a shelf life.  You cannot take achievements with you after you leave this world.  But you can however leave a lasting memory.  It's here where I need to give focus to loving myself and others more.  I can still build upon my achievements but they do not need to rule me as they have done previously.  I need to let previous goals die and let new ones be created.

For a very long time my head has been consumed with looming assignments and deadlines, which became very heavy on my mind and suppressed me in many ways.  Now that all of this is done it has left me with lots of space and freedom and it feels absolutely great!  Better yet, euphoric!  I now need to find and interest myself in new hobbies and take myself back to where I experienced through all of my senses.  But I need to allow new interests and hobbies to come naturally rather than enforcing them upon me.  I said a long time ago that after doing my masters I wanted to wind things down a bit and take a more leisurely approach to life, rather than pressuring myself and developing an unwelcome egoistic monster.  As Gary once said about his art work, he doesn't want to make money off it as it then becomes a job/chore.  I agree with this as when it's a job you have an obligation to fulfil it.  With Gary's artwork he does it for a hobby and to relax.  I need to take this approach and keep work to work.  It's very much like me with this blog, I do it out of leisure, I make no money from it just to reflect and share to the wider world.  If it became money-orientated then I would feel obligated and pressured to churn things out.  Which will result in less authentic and quality outcomes.  I used to enjoy the thought that my work is also my interest but you really can't mix them both, they need to be kept separate for a reason.  The reason being for mental health and peace.

It depends what you're priorities are, but sometimes these can be forgotten in the blur of falling stars. I looked around and within me and saw that my priorities have been lost in the desire of increasing my success.  Gary said that he doesn't want to stifle me and stop me from doing what I want to do.  Especially if it helps me become the best version of me.  But that comes from within you not materiality.  I'm going to focus on friends and family and find new hobbies and interests along the way.  Perhaps improve my cooking skills or expressive dancing?!  Or maybe just enjoy the little things a lot more.  Restoring my soul with things that I may have lost or forgotten about on my journey.

When people say "life is short" I've always thought it is a really generic, overused and overrated term that didn't have any meaning.  But recently it has occurred to me what it actually means.  I was thinking that the last ten years have passed by extremely quick, I mean I can tell you all the highlights from each year.  So typically I have another three of those (or four if I am blessed enough) which again will go very quickly.  So we need to experience as much happy and positive things as we can.  So for me - be the best I can, give the best love and kindness I can, receive love and kindness gracefully, experience more of the world and give back to the world.

I've somehow grown into a confident and intelligent man.  It's hard to accept this but I have.  People really do grow through time, even though it may feel and take longer than others.  But I am proud of the person I have come to be.

I've already had two 30th birthday celebrations (apparently I am like the Queen?!); one with Gary's family and one with my friends.  Tonight I'm having another birthday celebration with my family.  I've had a great day of happiness and received lots of beautiful birthday wishes and gifts.  So I say hello to my thirties and welcome many, many, many more good times ahead. :-)
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Wednesday, 27 July 2016

A window into inspiration

As cheesy as this may read, this post provides an insight into how I can be inspired by pop music and culture.  Here I will give you a window into how three songs (which were mentioned a while ago) inspired me to pursue a career.  However, I do get inspired by many other things most of which are people.  Which is portably why I love to listen and read about peoples stories.

Inspiration can arrive in many shapes and forms.  Songs can inspire you at the time you need and feel it most.  When I was younger I was in a serious time of motivational need and as I was educationally challenged back then, these songs were a sign for me to make a leap forward into creating a career.  Pop music and culture has a significant influence on my inspiration and motivation and there's too many songs to mention here.  But the following ones below did have a clear impact on me those years ago.  Two of which were released well before I left school, they somehow re-emerged into my life and stuck with me.  Other songs include Christina Aguilera's 'Fighter', Natasha Bedingfield's 'Unwritten', Amerie's Gotta Work, Gabriella Cilmi's On A Mission and Stan Bush's The Touch (the funeral song and the song I need to hear when I'm rock bottom) and Dare.  Anyway, here's that window...

Gwen Stefani 'What You Waiting For?'

"Naturally I'm worried if I do it alone.
Who really cares 'coz it's your life you never know, it could be great.
Take a chance 'coz you might grow."

Making the first step to do something you want or need to do is always an effort.  I released the chains that were holding me back from making the decision to improve myself and hopefully be rewarded with a great career.  I felt overwhelmed of what was to come, but feeling the potential outcomes kept me focussed.

"You know it all by heart, why are you standing in one place?"
"Life is short, you're capable."

I questioned myself regularly if I was capable of actually taking the leap in making such huge changes.  But I was reminded that I do know what I am doing and I know where my intentions are taking me.  Everything I needed was within me, I just had to discover it.

Destiny's Child 'Independent Women'

"I worked hard and sacrificed to get what I get."

I knew what hard work was ahead of me and it meant that I would have to miss some things out.  I was prepared to sacrifice the pay I had to lose from a full-time job at Morrison's to an apprenticeship.  I declined a large number of friend and family social events so that I could concentrate on the studies I took on.  More so, I sacrificed a lot of my time and evenings to do part-time courses, most of which I took advantage of from the organisations I worked at, free or discounted rates.  I became somewhat of a hermit at times.

"Depend on no one else to give you what you want."

I am still hung up on this line today.  Everything I have achieved and want I feel I have to independently get myself.  It's because of this line that I have self-motivated myself and not to rely on others to do it for me.  As a result I have become such an independent and proactive person that knows how to get what they want and need, but without the expense of others.

Destiny's Child 'Survivor'

"Thought that I'd be helpless without you, but I'm smarter."
"You thought I wouldn't sell without you, sold nine million."
"Thought that I would fail without you, but I'm on top."

I have faced a lot of adversity on the way and obstacles to overcome.  Perhaps there were some deliberate barriers to stop me achieving what I wanted.  But they were lessons in which to learn from.  The people that were against me and said wrong about me in achieving and being successful, I have proved that I am stronger and better than they realised.

"I'm not gon' stop.
I'm gon' work harder."

At times it was extremely hard, especially studying and doing certain tasks.  But I prevailed by keeping focussed on my outcomes.  I had to throw myself into situations to raise my confidence, knowledge and skills.  I reminded myself with saying things like "I wouldn't be doing anything better with my time, so I might as well be doing something worthwhile".

"You know I'm not gon' diss you on the internet."

I don't and won't publicly shame people on the internet.  I find it very unnecessary and it does more damage to the victim than it does the offender.  I respect my positivity and do not respond to any kind of negativity.  It's just a downward spiral for both people and I'd rather not be a part of it.  Social media makes it easier to react to negativity and possibly pointless things.  I just don't get attached to it, whatever the offender has done, they will learn it in their own way.

"If I surround my self with positive things.
I'll gain prosperity."

Throughout the hard work and challenges I have had to face, I've become a person I always wanted to be.  I now feel confident, knowledgeable and feel I have meaning to what I stand for.  I've achieved interpersonal and professional goals that I set out do.  Now it's time to enjoy what I have achieved and look back on my progress but also to start making new goals.
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