Online asynchronous learning design using H5P - A #DLTAbook talk

I was invited by Dan Williams teacher of teachers, to deliver a digital practice session, 7 December 2022 via webinar, to his cohort of teacher trainees.  He asked for my input around teaching using digital tools and perhaps discussing my book a bit, which is on their reading list.  I chose the topic and title; 'Online asynchronous learning design using H5P - A #DLTAbook talk.  Digital practice for the University of Derby Post-14 teacher trainees'.  I emphasised how asynchronous learning opportunities are increasingly important and the skills in creating eLearning activities are required in their online teaching toolkit - and how and where to find support.  Introducing a few frameworks to help them integrate this into their practice, and to consider digital at the outset when creating digital and online activities and resources.  Offering further advice and resources are in Chapter 2 ‘Creating eLearning activities and digital resources’ section and Chapter 3 ‘Designing online activities’ in #DTLAbook.

There were approx. 30 students, some in-classroom and some online.  All in further education and teaching a range of subjects, but pre-service so not many vocational.  It looked to be an enjoyable session and generated lots of questions at the end.

Me - "Enjoyed giving a talk and demo to @FurtherEdagogy's @UoDPost14ITE #teachertrainees today. On the topic of online #asynchronous #learningdesign using #H5P. Whilst exhibiting some #DLTAbook content. Thank you Dan."

@UoDPost14ITE - "Very grateful to @_Daniel_Scott for giving up his time, knowledge and experience on digital learning to @UoDPost14ITE trainees. Lots to reflect on and apply to practice."

Dan Williams - "Really appreciate your support, Daniel. The trainees had lots to reflect on and think about in relation to their practice. 👍" 

Virtual placements using H5P

Back in April 2022, our head and my line manager, Dr Anne Felton, and I started to explore opportunities in nursing virtual placements.  We intended to conduct a short pilot to try out the process and explore the possibilities to showcase for the wider department.  With a long-term view of building a catalogue of different virtual placement offerings.  Anne defines virtual placements as;

"Virtual placements would involve developing practice scenarios that the students might work through online.  These can be used to compliment practice placements for example to support an induction through a virtual tour, a patients view of the ward or to create some practice-based scenarios to get them to think and reflect, for example on how they might respond in certain situations, what might the implications be etc.  There are many possibilities for them but my initial target is to help students make up practice hours."

Ideally we wanted our first virtual placement to be live for September, for the start of the next academic year.  The pilot was approved and kicked off with a planning workshop, held on the afternoon of 13th April 2022.  A mix of students, service users and academics were invited to form a working group.  I designed and led the workshop (and overall project), and Anne assisted in facilitating the discussions.  I took a brief rapid learning design approach as shown in the slides below.  Followed by further slides where I curated the outputs of the day, for the group to access and review.

Before we headed into the main planning aspects, Anne introduced the outline for the afternoon, defined what we mean by virtual placements for the pilot needs/context and group introductions.  I then showcased some curated internal and external examples using potential digital technologies.  Namely H5P - Virtual Tour (360) and Branching Scenario, ThingLink and PebblePad, to stimulate ideas, possibilities and discussion to flow into the afternoon.

Planning workshop presentation:

Outputs:

The planning workshop concluded with identifying the 'Introduction to a ward' as our first virtual placement to develop.  And starting to flesh out detail of the 'scenes' to be developed first, and next steps.

Post-planning workshop, myself and Anne agreed to use the internal NTU tool, H5P, to create a virtual 360° tour - using the Virtual Tour (360) content type.  The external tool ThingLink was a contender, but I was keen to use what we had already access to (approved and supported), I'm an expert in and that can achieve the same outcome.  And also supports the long-term vision of creating a catalogue of virtual placement options.  We will look to creating video-based scenarios further down the line, e.g. using H5P's Branching Scenario content type.

The next stage was to asynchronously flesh out our identified 'Introduction to a ward' scenes by developing a storyboard.  I placed the process instructions in the Microsoft PowerPoint, where I facilitated and prompted as we progressed through it.  I chose PowerPoint as hopefully the wider group have used this previously.  But if individuals found the process and tool difficult navigate, I invited them to reach out personally to go through it with them.  The plan after that was to asynchronously review and reality check the storyboard.  Then I suggested we meet synchronously online to check in with each other, if the group are available.  During this time, we would also look to assigning roles of who can support with the production, e.g. capturing footage.  I tried to arrange a synchronous meeting but the group's availability made asynchronous more feasible to facilitate.  Below is the storyboard template I put together that includes the identified ward scene with some group contributions.

Anne - "Thanks very much for pulling all this together Dan.  I’m looking forward to developing the specifics!"

The contributions on the storyboard template shaped up the scene nicely.  Providing a good image of what we are aiming to produce.  At this point I asked a couple of questions to the group for expert thoughts on; is there sufficient detail/content to introduce students to a ward?  Any detail/content gaps that we need to include?

So after we have confirmed the storyboard content, I needed to start planning how we would capture the actual footage to support the virtual placement activity.  As most of the group have access to the appropriate content locations.  I needed a couple of volunteers to help capture the required imagery and supply other pieces of content and props detailed in the storyboard, so that I can produce in H5P.  I invited them to contact me so that I can coordinate with them on using our 360° camera and agree timescales.

As availability was becoming more precious, and as the project timescales are flexible, we decided to scale back the pilot 'Introduction to a ward' scene.  To focus only on a the notice board present in that particular scene - isolating an individual interactive element.  An academic is now in the process of creating this and should be ready by December.  I'll update below as this progresses.

On a related topic - earlier in November 2022 in the central Association for Learning Technology mailing list, Karoline Nanfeldt posted a the query; "Virtual nursing placements -  I’d love to hear experiences/good practice anyone has had delivering virtual placements, in particular for nursing or other health care related fields."

There was a few responses, including one with a really useful paper - so I responded with:

"Many thanks for asking this and for the contributions that followed, especially yours Tim which I will take the time to read through. [Tim Cappelli, Orchestrating Technology to Create Integrated Learning Experiences for Nursing Students, 8th e-Learning Excellence Awards 2022 - An Anthology of Case Histories - see Orchestrating Technology to Create Integrated Learning Experiences for Nursing Students]

I/we are in the early stages of developing such online async 360 'virtual placements'.  But I did kick off a project earlier this year through a lightweight learning design approach with academics, students and external stakeholders.  Where we outlined a few topic areas to develop through H5P's Virtual Tour (360) content type - to be accessed via our VLE.  I/we've not got to taking this further yet, but we identified an 'introduction to a ward' as the first activity.  I'm happy to share more of my approach and outputs as they develop. I may even do a blog post on it."

Our awesome wedding day

This blog post is a little different in that its also written by my husband Gary, a joint effort written from both our perspectives.  A reflective summary of our wedding day.

Its seven years to the day since we first met in-person, our day, the 4th October and on this date in 2022, we got married!  Our venue is The West Mill, at Darley Abbey Mills in Derby.  We choose this venue as it has the vintage industrial style we both like and fell in love with it at a friends wedding back in 2018.  Our shared vision for the theme, San Junipero, was realised after we first watched the Black Mirror episode back in 2016.  Rather than a bleak dystopian future this was an uplifting LGBT+ love story.  We knew back then that if we got married this would be the theme!  Seeing all the things we had planned for, come to life on the day, from visuals (Gary) to audio (Dan) blew us away.  The day was a complete sensory overload, and it really went way beyond our expectations.

Dan - "Happy wedding day eve to us.  This time tomorrow we'll be easing into the night, celebrating the rest of our lives together.  This was our first pic on our first in-person meet up, back on 4th October 2015.  Excited, but overwhelmed by what the day will bring.  🥰👬🏳️‍🌈"

 

The wedding morning felt like a kind of Christmas day; that feeling of celebration, family and friends coming together sharing food and having a dance.  As we had organised ourselves well we didn't have much to do up until around 10.30am, other than gather our suits and belongings for the day.  We were just excited to get there and get it started.

Arrival at venue

On our drive down to the venue we both felt excited but the nerves were kicking in, so we had some good chats about what was about to unfold.  As we pulled in to the venue, Dan's mum Vicky, her partner and her mother were already there.  Martin and Stu, our best men, arrived shortly afterwards.  Martin had the coveted role as the master of ceremonies; announcing each part of the wedding, a role he took very seriously.  The Photographers were also already there and were taking photos of the venue and our stationery, as well as the outside river and small woodland area.  We had the same photographers as Gary's mum, Lynda, who got married July 2021, as we were impressed by their work.

We unpacked more items out of the car to give to the events manager and when we walked through the doors, we saw all of Gary's wedding stationery and designs, such as the welcome board and neon decorative pieces.  The florist had also set up and so the whole venue was now ready for us, we were just blown away by it all, positively overwhelmed!  Everything we had been planning for and things we could only imagine, were actually here and it looked and felt incredible!  Gary was like a hyper child with excitement!

Getting ready

As the venue is over three floors We went up to the top with the best men to start getting ready in the dressing room.  We were chatting, feeling buzzed and calming the nerves all while the photographers were there capturing the moments.  Before we got our suits and accessories on they organised them to take pictures of.  They were also handy to have on side for advice, when we asked them about how to put cuff links on and the style of tie knot the best men need to have.

Soon the guests started to arrive. Gary had to pop downstairs and he spoke to a few people but quickly came back up in to hiding although he was even more excited and the day felt even more real.  Lynda and her husband came up to see us and we had a natter before we gave our wedding day gifts to each other.  It was quite funny that we got each other similar gifts.  From Dan a white-framed timeline of our milestones, where we: met; travelled; nested; engaged (Gary proposed at the top of Ben Nevis, 1 June 2021); married.  Each milestone had a love heart map.  From Gary a turquoise wooden dial-type object that says "You are my universe" on the front, and then you turn the dial at the side to reveal key milestones that led up to us getting married.  Dan instantly got teary as it allowed him to revisit those times briefly in his head.  It was a sweet and deeply touching moment.

We had a walk around the upper part of the venue and started to hear some of the wedding playlist, some classic 80s chillout songs which started with Enya's 'Sail Away'.  Dan remembers saying "Gary can you hear music!"  It was his time to feel the excitement, and Sail Away is now etched into his mind to transport him back to this day.

The registrar met us to have another 'pre-marriage chat' and walked us through what would happen.  She made some lovely comments about us and the wedding flowers and stationery design.  She seemed to feel the vibe, saying that it was brilliant and unique, and that some weddings she goes to over does it.  After that we summoned up our mums and had a mini rehearsal, the real deal is moments away, we had a quick moment to compose ourselves and Gary helped his future mother in law titivate her hair then we were good to go!

Ceremony

Typing this the feelings are coming back, excitement and anxiousness.  Martin had called people up to the ceremony room, the scene was set with 80s chilled music playing and we went to get into position.  Gary his Mum and Stu sneaked around to the other room entrance.  Dan had a peep through the door to get a glimpse of people arriving and shared a special moment with his mum in the dressing room before they stepped through the doors.  He said "this is it, your last son getting married".  They hugged and smiled and took a step through the main door.  Gary and his mum were waiting on the other side, beaming smiles on their faces.

The piano version of Belinda Carlisle's 'Heaven Is A Place On Earth' started to play, that was Martin and Stuarts cue to start walking followed by us linking arms with our mothers.  We started to walk through and I took a glimpse of our guests and Dan was a bit overwhelmed.  He put his hand over his face as the emotions just hit, he'd not seen some of our friends and family for a month and now they were all in the room together.  Dan said in his speech "It’s not often you get all of your loved ones together in one room, on one day, at the same time."  As we met in the middle with our mums they held hands and walked to the front and we got chance for a quick hug and kiss before making our walk to the front.  Dan was that teary he daren't look at people but Gary was excited to see everyone.

We stopped at the bottom of the aisle and awaited the ceremony instructions.  It was a slight blur at this point for Dan as he part went into serious mode to listen to what had to be repeated - the part he was fretting about.  The registrar opened up the ceremony beautifully, and invited Jasmine, Gary's sister, to do the first reading which was cat themed and fit us perfectly.  Our friend Jenna was called up to do her reading which is one we chose for her to deliver, on the art of marriage.  Next came the 'objections' which thankfully no one did, but we did both turned around to check.  Looking at the photographers picture, it looked like we choreographed the moment, as it was a great moment of synchronicity with us turning at the exact moment, mirroring each other.  Dan's grandma actually asked if we practiced that - nope!  Dan was soon into ultra serious mode as we both then had to repeat the registrar on the formal ceremony 'I do' bits'.  We were then passed our custom vows that we both put together.  We both thought the registrar was going to read them out to repeat, but we were put on spot when she passed us it to read to one and another but we made those vows to one another which we had wrote ourselves.  The guys gave us our rings and we placed them on each other finger, after a bit of confusion of who had what ring.  And then the deed was done, the registrar pronounced us as married!  Gary will go on to say in his speech "Growing up, I never thought I'd get married" but here we are, the knot is well and truly tied!  The registrar went on to say we can now "celebrate our awesome wedding day" so nice she picked that up from our welcome sign and incorporated in, she was so invested in it from beginning.  We walked back down the aisle to Starship's 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now', cheering, clapping and fist pumping!  This is one day or life moment that we'd like to relive again and again.

Mr and Mr Scott-Purdy

And the celebrations begin!  We whisked our selves off to dressing room to take a moment for ourselves and take the ceremony in.  We got a first serving of our canapés with a bit of fizz to wash them down.  We made our way to our guest on the ground floor ready for the confetti walk.  We were announced as Mr and Mr Scott-Purdy for the first time and walked through the storm of confetti, the wind whipping it up perfectly.  This was fun and the pictures show it, pure love, joy and celebration and getting completely covered in confetti - which Jack, Jasmine's fiancé, later plucked out of our hair.  Gary's dad had to be a troll and poor confetti down his back.  Thanks for that Alan!  Whilst we were outside, the photographers used their drone to capture a great picture of us all together in the courtyard, and a unique birds eye view.

Time for a drink after all that.  Along with our best guys, we had made cocktails the day before in massive self-serve jars, there was sex on the beach, pina colada and porn star martini, along with a non-alcoholic elderflower option.  These certainly went down well, especially the pina colada.  People got rather tipsy and quickly, well they were quite strong.  Dan remembers speaking to his gran and saying "how many have you had, not that's a bad thing" her eyes said she had more than a couple.  We mingled and worked the room.  Scanning around Dan saw his mum in a teary mess talking to two of our friends Jenna and Lorna, she was very proud of her son.  More circulating and socialising occurred and we had some formal snaps taken although getting all the tipsy people into position was like herding cats.  Photographers then organised us for some pictures with our families. 

Dan - "We did it!  Mr and Mr Scott-Purdy.  🥰  Literally our happiest and best day ever.  It went way beyond our expectations.  Thank you everyone for your love, energy and generosity.  And thank you Jasmine Purdy for creating the short video capturing the day.  Now the processing begins on our mini-moon in Lake District."

Wedding breakfast

Before we had our wedding breakfast, the photographer whisked us both off for some personal pictures around the river and little woodland area.  Martin and Stu joined us for the walk before going on to  announce for everyone to take a seat for food.  As we made our way back in, Martin announced us as Mr and Mr Scott-Purdy - we're starting to like the sound of that now.

As people sat down they realised they had a personal portrait drawn by Gary, each person or couple drawn with an 80's look.  These were well-received by everyone and further set the theme and tone as did the amazing background music playing.  Dan had another music moment where he said to Gary "can you hear the 80s electronic synth instrumental sounds".  It really gave the day such an 80s ambient feel.  We tucked into our delicious three-course meal and chatted more to our friends and families.

A moment many look forward to, the speeches!  Martin and Stu did a double-act and shared theirs between them.  They did such an incredible job of balancing our story with heart and humour, they told some embarrassing stories about us and Gary added some details on the fly.  Gary own speech was up next and he's a bit of a natural at giving speeches, he gave his mum away at her wedding and so gave one there.  Gary has a way of involving the audience and he did just that, people were interacting with what he was saying and there was such laughter. He even had a good ol' poo story.  Dan was last and delivered an emotional one, in my own style (see bottom of this blog post for the full thing).  He did a great job, even if he had to stop a few times as he got highly emotional at parts.  He expressed his natural vulnerabilities and a bit of cheeky wit.  After the speeches our mums came to us.  Vicky said how inspirational and unique we are and how proud she is of us both.  Quite touching to hear.  A nice moment when Val, Gary's dad Alan's wife, came and hugged Dan and said thanks for how comfortable we made her feel.

As some people went to check-in to their rooms, Dan stopped around and got chatting to his friends Mike and Matt.  They had a deep conversation about Dan's 'Hold the man' experience and the profound impact it had.  After searching for a while Gary then popped up to say he'd been trying to find Dan, as we were called for some pictures up in ceremony room with some creative lighting.  They turned out rather nice.

Dancing into the night

We were reminded by Martin to head to the second floor, the bar and lounge, for cake cutting and then our wedding dance.  Our two-tier cake was lemon drizzle on the top tier and orange and passionfruit on the bottom.  It was decorated in white buttercream and neon pink and blue patterns with a silver accent, made by Dawn Marie Cakes.  With additional gluten free cupcakes Gary had one of his hairdressing clients make.  We then took to the dancefloor to awkwardly shuffle around, we were dreading it but enjoyed the moment.  The song was Years & Years' 'Shine', that transitioned into Belinda Carlisle's 'Heaven Is A Place On Earth'.  A custom request that our DJ, Vinyl Sounds (Tim Asher), made and it worked as we got everyone on the dancefloor for Belinda.  It was such a great feeling having them join in with us and what an epic song - again embedding the San Junipero vibe.  Tim played us an 80s-only set all night, and as we had requested, he emphasised more neon pink and blue lights to his outstanding DJ set up.  Dan had a personal mission to dance hard the whole night, and made sure he fulfilled it, he really made the most of the dancefloor and applying his Movement Medicine to the 80s music. He fully let go of any self-doubt and what people thought, to just simply enjoy dancing and be free despite the leg and knee ache in the morning.  Dan had a good moment with Fleetwood Mac's 'Seven Wonders', a great bit of expressive dancing with that one.  It was so lovely to see our loved ones dance with us.  Dan particularly enjoyed a dance to Stan Bush's The Touch with his brother.  As many were hitting the vintage-looking photobooth, we headed down and got a few snaps of us with our families and friends wearing the daft items.  As our guests began to leave we tried staying up for as long as we could.  Gary became tired first and said his goodbyes to the remaining guests and Dan joined about 30 minutes later.  That concludes our special day, one that'll be a highlight for us for many years.

Post-wedding and mini-moon

Our immediate family, along with best men, stayed in the venue's gorgeous apartments.  The apartments had a large communal kitchen where we all met in the morning to share breakfast.  It was so nice to be able to sharing the memories of the day with our family and now official extended family.  Dan's grandma went on to say that the wedding was a nice memory to have.

We then had to gather our belongings from the venue and got to packing it into our car.  As we approached the car, we noticed balloons inside and lipstick writing on the side windows saying "Just married", and a just married banner on the inside of the rear window.  A lovely departing surprise, although Dan wasn't keen on the gold bits inside the balloons that exploded everywhere when popped!  The culprits were Martin, Stu and their parents - sneaky sneaky!

When we arrived home, there were more decorations waiting for us , just married banners taped to the door with balloons.  The decorations continued inside with more dreaded gold-filled balloons, of which some had already been popped by Theo.  On the table were some extra gifts from Martin and Stu - we love you boys!  We took some time to chill and opened the cards and gifts from our lovely guests.

Then comes the mini-moon at the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa near Keswick in Lake District.  This was just the vibe we needed, relaxing slow paced getaway, time to focus on each other and wind down after the fast paced day previous.  We enjoyed leisurely strolls around Keswick with a few trips to the chocolate shop.  We explored the Lodore waterfall and went for a walk up Catbells, not to strenuous but amazing views at the top.  We treated ourselves to a six course taster meal at the Forest Side and made the most of our two hours of spa time each day.  All in all an amazing trip.   

Has anything changed since being married?  Not so much, but we both talked about this and do feel there is an increased sense of belongingness to one and another, a type of 'soul contract' that goes beyond paper.  And there's also greater sense of confidence (single to married status?) and security between us.

It was such an emotional and happy day because of the love between us, our personal history to celebrating where we are now.  A big thing we took from that day is that the love for us both is real, and there was so much of it for us too.  It was greatly felt and we've more love and appreciation for each person that was present for us.

From what guests have been saying, many seem to have took a piece of our wedding into their hearts.  Some have said they felt the love between us and around us, like a euphoric-type feeling.  They really must've let the love and emotion in.  Perhaps because we kept our love and wedding real and authentic to us, and not make it something it is not.

We have lived together officially since April 2018, now married, got our furbaby - what's next?  For definite, more travelling.  We're ready for rest of our lives 😊 We'll remember this day forever.

Below are some a few online comments we received, in no particular order:

• Roy S (dad) - "Just want to wish my youngest all the very best today, I hope you and Gary have the most wonderful day"
• Stu and Martin G-W - "All ready for tomorrow's Best Men duties at Daniel & Gary soon-to-be Scott-Purdy's wedding day.  Speech done, plans ready, going to be an exciting day 😁 🏳️‍🌈"
• Stu and Martin G-W - "Brilliant day celebrating the new Mr and Mr!  A dream achieved, equality a reality. 🙂 🏳️‍🌈"
• Jasmine P - "Congratulations to Mr & Mr Scott-Purdy! Beautifully personalised wedding 🥰"
• Dan B - "Hey man! Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your and Danny's day, we absolutely loved it. I feel like it was so special watching how excited you both were to tie the knot! The ceremony, jasmines reading, both of your turbo charged emotional speeches, it was just fantastic honestly. So proud to have been in the room! Everyone we talked to that we didn't know was so friendly and fun, a true testament to how great you both are. I would ask how it feels now the excitement has died down but in all honesty the best part is what comes now for you both! A life together, making more memories! Hope to see you both soon for food and a catch-up! Xx"
• Jenna G - "See you both tomorrow 🥰 get plenty of rest tonight xxx"
• Mike L-C - "Hi chaps. Thank you for a wonderful day yesterday and congratulations again! Have a fabulous mini-moon! X"
• Matt L-C - "Have an amazing honeymoon ❤️ Congratulations, was a wonderful, love filled day ❤️ Absolutely, I'm still buzzing from the speeches, they were amazing!"
• Andy T and James F - "Happy wedding day to Gary Purdy and Daniel Scott💍"
• Craig M - "See both of you tomorrow. Try and get plenty of sleep and ease the mind xx"
• Craig M - "Beautiful day and evening celebrating the wedding of two lovely people x"
• Steve S - "Had a great time, thank you both for inviting me to be part of your special day 😊 You all did brilliantly in ya speeches, well done! Hope to see you both soon."
• Sean J-D- "I'm so happy for you, and I'm sad I wasn't around to celebrate your special day with you xxx"
• Rosie B - "Can't wait!! See you down the aisle 💕"
• Rosie B - "I'm excited for you to finally tie the knot! The best couple!  What an amazing day - I bet you're both still on Cloud 9! Thank you so much for letting us share it with you, it was so special. X"
• Amy C - "Happy wedding day to one of my longest friend! I'm so happy you found your person. Congratulations to you both ❤️"
• Sue W - "Wonderful ❤️ congratulations 🎊 xx 😘"
• Chris W - "Have a wonderful day all of you ❤️🍾🥂xxx"
• Chloe S - "Congratulations you pair! 😍😍 Looks like a perfect day xxx"
• Chris G - "Congratulations to you both Dan! wishing you many happy years together. Looks like a really special day 🥰❤️🎉 X"
• Michelle S - "Congratulations - can’t believe little Dan is married 💙🥂🍾xx"
• Craig D - "Huge congratulations to you both guys!!! 🍾🥂🤵‍♂️🤵‍♂️🐱💕 Hope your special day was everything you dreamed it would be and more! Loving the 80's neon table arrangements and theme by the way! Very San Junipero!🌴 Hope you're all well and have a fab mini moon! Xx"
• Ryan S - "Congratulations 👏 All the best to you both for the future"
• Jonny H - "Have an amazing time tomorrow! 🥂 💍 ❤️"
• Callum P - "Congratulations guys! Have an absolute blast! Love and luck for the future 🎉💙🎉🤵‍♂🤵‍♂XX"
• Christine G - "Thinking of you and Gary this morning Dan... I hope you post lots of pics of your celebration!"
• Darren A - "Awww so beautiful 😍🤩 xxx"
• Clare H - "Awww Absolutely gorgeous!!! huge congratulations"
• Robbie B - "Huge congratulations boys!! Gorgeous photos xx"
• Emma H - "Aww it looks amazing! Congrats guys x"
• Kelly S - "So darn chuffed for you both 🤩🎉"
• Emma C - "Congratulations!! That video got me 🥲 xxx"
• Steve A - "Congratulation both of you, glad you had the best day every x🎂🥂"
• Jane G - "So exciting! Congrats guys. U got this!"
• Claire A - "Have a lovely day/ night 💕 xx"
• Lindsey S - "Have the best day xx"
• Sophia D - "Have a great day 🥰🥂"
• Paula M - "Congratulations hope you have an amazing day xx"
• Fran J - "So exciting..have an amazing day! Really looking forward to celebrating with you both tomorrow evening! Xxx"
• Gemma S - "Aww congrats, have a lovely day ❤️❤️"
• Diane H - "Have a wonderful day lovelies xxxxx❤️❤️❤️"
• Lisa W - "Hope you have a fabulous day and night xx enjoy every moment"
• Rebecca M - "Can't wait to have a dance with the newlyweds! Xx"
• Sandra S - "Hope you have lots of happiness together as me and uncle Roy did❤️"
• Donna T - "Congratulations to you both 💙👨‍❤️‍👨💙 xx"
• Mandy M - "Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈 Have a fab day x"
• Jane W - "Have an amazing day ❤️💕 😙 keep calm and take in every moment xxx 🥰😘"
• Jill B - "Congratulations 🥳 wishing you both all the best 💙🎉"
• Katie F - "Congratulations 🥳 have a fabulous day and take in every minute xx"
• Cat B - "Have an amazing day 🙂❤️, I'm so sorry we can't be there, but we can't wait to see the pictures xx"
• Lucy C - "Congratulations to you both have the best day xx"
• Leanne A - "Have a lovely day, congratulations x"
• Carol B - "Congratulations to you both.  I hope you have a fabulous day tomorrow. Lots of love 💞💞💞💞💞"
• Alison L - "Congratulations 💕💕💕How wonderful you both look"
• Liz T - "Have a lovely day guys. Congratulations! Xx"
• Anita W - "Congratulations! Have the best day xx"
• Viv M - "Cannot wait. Love Viv Jim Steve Jenna Stacey and Rory xxxxxx"
• Martyn H - "Congratulations 🎈🎊🎉 Both have a great day"
• Karen M - "Enjoy your day boys x"
• Sarah S - "Congratulations! Hope you have a wonderful day 🍾🥂"
• Lainey K - "That's awesome! Congratulations! .. hope you have a fabulous day xx 👬👨‍❤️‍👨🍾💒🏳️‍🌈"
• Gary P - "Congratulations to you both for tomorrow. Best wishes for your future together. X"
• Faye O - "Congratulations to you both 💞 enjoy your special day 🎉xx"
• Helen G - "Have a wonderful day!"
• Dave F - "Congratulations and have a wonderful day 👨‍❤️‍👨 x"
• Russ D - "Congratulations to the both of you, have a fantastic day 🥂🍾 xx"
• Andrea R - "What marvellous news 🙂 Congratulations 😍🍾🥂🍾😍"
• Steph C - "Soak up every moment Dan and hope you both have a fabulous day xxx"
• Terry T - "Have a great day guys! 🍾"
• Kelly S - "Congratulations enjoy your day 🎉💕"
• Malcolm M - "Congratulations 🎉 have a wonderful day xx"
• Jackie S - "Congratulations hope you both had a fantastic day"
• Lou M - "Delighted for you both ❤️❤️❤️"
• David N-T - "All the best Dan"
• Vinyl Sounds - DJ Tim Asher 🎧 - Thanks Daniel & Gary, it was so nice to first meet you at the Wedding Fair and then see you both rocking it at The West Mill Exclusive Use Wedding Venue on your big day 🙌🙌 Hope you both have a fantastic marriage together ❤️
• Sons of the Sun brothers:
• Josh - "Blessings to you both ❤️❤️❤️❤️ so much love, thank you for sharing x"
• Thomas - "Wow Amazing Brother, Congratulations on your wedding and bright future in the union!  Also your post was really amazing!  Looking forward to hear more from you.  Viva Life 🐒❤️‍🔥"
• Adam W - "Viva your life together! 🙏❤️‍🔥 Best wishes"
• Ka'el - "Congratulations brother! Thank you for sharing these insights into what looks and feels like a beautiful celebration of love and life! ❤‍🔥🙏🏻  All the best for you, Gary, and your loved ones! 🤍"
• Jay - "Daniel and Gary, many ❤️ congratulations on your wedding! Many Blessings on your union and your life together, filled with every happiness, tons of love and this circle of brotherhood for support in times of need. Kreddi, Jay"
• Ross W - "Beautiful bro! Have a wonderful day! 💗"

Dan's speech:

An extract from my blog post on where it all started, 'All about now' from 3 November 2015; “While I am in the now.  Tonight I have shared a reason for happiness, I have started a relationship with a new guy called Gary.  He's beautiful both on the inside and the outside, creative and artistic and has a matching sense of humour as me.  How lucky am I!  Everything I have needed or wanted in someone he has got and I don't have to immerse myself into this relationship to feel a purpose.  Because I can feel it.  We have no labels as we know we are together.  There are no rules or procedures on how things should be - just us and how we are. It's too easy to base future events on past ones, so just don't!  It feels right and this time I seem to have taken my time and not given my all up front, but allowed it to trickle out rather than a flood gate opening and drowning everything in it's path!  You can't keep doing the same thing, let things be and how they should be.  I can learn a lot from Gary.  It's like I provide the emotional side and he provides the logical side.  We both provide the parts that we both have less of and become whole when put together.

I'm looking at my future, and it looks so damn pretty!  I'm no longer standing alone but together to share our mutual dreams and journey.  And as a result we shall both grow as people from inside and out.  The caterpillar I once introduced a long time ago, maybe this is the cocoon stage and the butterfly has not yet begun to develop.”

EDIT:

Some comments on the blog post:

• Viv M - "Yay, congratulations on your one month anniversary.  Love you guys.  Great day xx"
• Jasmine P - "Best day!  Such a good read, takes me right back to every little detail 🥰 love you both! X"
• Jenna G - "Want to do it all again 😁🙌💞 xx"
• Dan - "So do we!  As guests at our own wedding lol, for a different viewpoint. 😊 x"
• Jayne B (colleague) - "Hi Daniel, Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed reading about your wedding celebrations on your blog.  Wishing you both the very happiest life together." 

Newsletters as a vehicle for progressing digital practice

At the end of September 2022 I co-launched our debut Institute of Health and Allied Professions (IHAP) newsletter, alongside our School Management Support Administrator and Head of Department.  An idea I initiated early in my role (though there had been previous discussions before my arrival), suggesting it to my head as a useful extension to our department meetings, improve general department communications and a central place for staff to share publications rather than email via department mail list.  Additionally,  I had a personal underpinning intention of building connectedness, community and belongingness across the department, through such means.  As well as enabling people with quieter and talkative dispositions a platform to express themselves.

As a digital curriculum lead in the department, I feel it firmly fits within my role to produce this so I took lead on it.  I went onto co-collecting news, curate other news worthy items, produce, edit/write new text and communicate the newsletter, and subsequent news item submission request and feedback forms.

EDIT:  In December 2022, after reading Rod Webb's 'You’re a STAR!' blog post,  I feel his recommendation below reinforces my initiative.

"Make it Easy to Get Recognised

Create frameworks that make it easy for good news stories to be shared.  Encourage people across the organisation to throw a wider spotlight on their own local stars with rewards and public acknowledgment."

Rob explains stars in the context of "Here’s the question I’d like you to ask yourselves the next time you’re looking at the night sky.  Do the stars that shine most brightly, really shine more brightly?  Or is it that they are simply closer and therefore easier to see?  What about the ones you can’t see because you’re looking in the wrong direction?  Or those that can’t be seen at all from your side of the planet?...Remember, there are a lot of stars out there.  The stars that shine most brightly in your orbit, though important, might not be the only stars worth noticing." 

I produced the interactive newsletter using Microsoft Sway, and using the visual embed feature in an Outlook email to distribute across to all IHAP staff members.  The newsletters will be published bi-monthly, but me and my head will review the frequency.  The next one is scheduled for the end of November 2022.  Below illustrates the newsletter structure - I have not included a screenshot due to staff names, personal details and pictures featuring in it.

• Key updates
• Meet the team, Staff Spotlight: [staff name]
• Successes to celebrate incl. publications
• Events and opportunities incl. staff socials, dates for your diaries, appreciation and staffing
• Innovation corner incl. [staff name and topic title]
• Digital developments
• Reflective moment incl. [staff name and topic title]
• How to feature in this newsletter and feedback
• Joyful resource

Besides communicating important department updates and successes, I see interventions like this to celebrate, disseminate and progress digital practices - making them visible to all.  A motivational vehicle to enable others to share and progress their digital practices: literacies; developments; experiments; innovations; achievements/successes; reflections/evaluations and a safe space to share what and why something digital hasn't work.  So I have an underpinning intention of using some of the designated spaces in this newsletter to share such information; digital developments and innovation corner.  So far in this section we have had audio feedback and Vevox practices.  Obtaining pieces like this requires me to engage and work with our academics on capturing and presenting such detail, and or collaboration opportunities to feature in future editions.  Which I have approached a couple via a mini case study format that I have.  I think some may have been reluctant at first, but after they had seen the first one and how it is presented, it has piqued their interest in wanting to share.  The digital developments section highlighted:

• "Digital Curriculum Support and Development - IHAP staff have direct access to a designated learning technologist (me), that offers advice and support on all things technology enhanced learning and teaching.  From embedding digital literacies and skills into the curriculum, innovation and learning design support, to advice and skills in using curriculum-specific learning technologies including PebblePad, H5P, Virtual Reality (VR) immersive walls, NOW, Microsoft Office 365 suite, Microsoft HoloLens, iPads and much more.
• VR wall content - if some academics need any 360° video content to use on the VR wall, and feel able to use our 360° camera - bookable tutorial and handout available.  They can book the camera out via the technicians and capture the footage you need.  Then Digital Curriculum Support and Development will encode the content to be accessible via the VR suites (Clifton and Mansfield).
• Online tips and support - shared some popular self-directed resources and encouraging staff to upload a profile picture/book for a professional picture to be taken.
• Upcoming workshops - listed H5P retreat, understanding and using ATLAS (PebblePad) and VR wall sessions.
• H5P developments - shared my 'IHAP Shared H5P developments catalogue' to preview IHAP-specific in-development and completed H5P objects, also enabling opportunities for academics to co-collaborate with subject content leads and adapt objects for their own courses and modules.  And using H5P Course Presentation title slide placeholders to add a professional flare to Course Presentation H5P objects using one of the samples, created by then intern."

I also took initiative by putting in others bits such as internal communities, department SharePoint site, promoting the use of our #NTUIHAP social media hashtag, and suggested the sections; appreciation and a joyful resource to close the newsletter with.  I also encouraged my head with her reflective moment section inclusion.  I've subtly been modelling gratitude, appreciation and vulnerabilities across the department - I'm not just all about digital!  This was subsequently made an agenda item at the December 2022 department meeting; "IHAP Newsletter – Appreciation/Innovation/Reflective moments".  EDIT:  In the November 2022 edition, over a weekend I pondered over a 'reflective moment'.  Before publishing, at the last minute, I included the following piece on based our colleague social party.

"The value of colleague social events

We spend a good proportion of our lives at work, so I like to make some effort in getting to know colleagues more personally. Having previously come from a highly individualistic work environment, I have realised how important and vital workplace family-like relationships are to feeling a sense of belongingness, self-worth and achievement.

In a role like mine as a learning technologist, where I am present across multiple course teams. It's a challenge to feel connected to a particular team, as well as getting to know people personally. Therefore, I value social events such as the IHAP Christmas party that was held on 25th November 2022. Alcohol or non-alcohol infused (although sometimes it helps!), to me, are crucial to establishing professional working relationships and my own wellbeing. Quality time with colleagues outside of the work boundaries can do us good. With that in mind, I respect those that prefer a clear separation from work and personal lives, and staff socials that may not be for everyone.

At the event I had some great personal conversations with people, and some who I wouldn't have perhaps been as confident to speak to. But now we have got more acquainted, I feel this has now enabled further connection and dialogue between us, even possible friendships, that can be transferred into the work environment. We have more in common beyond our professions than we might have thought. Do not underestimate and take for granted the value of true team spirit when everyone pulls together and to share hearts and minds towards common goals.

Thank you Kathryn Shilling for organising a wonderful event for us to get together and enjoy a good ol' time!"

I'm not a 'rainbows and unicorns' person though.  It is naturally me - not forced internally or externally on me.  I often forget to give appreciation (as well as learn graciously receive) so I have made a conscious effort to do so, so I openly invite others to join me.

The newsletter has been well-received so far by staff - ratings have all been 5* and below are some pieces of feedback I received.  Engagement figures provided by Sway look high and decent too.

• Professor Sara Owen, Executive Dean of the School of Social Sciences - "Hi, I loved this newsletter…so much better than list of publications.  Dan is a talent!  Best wishes Sara"
• Farai Pfende, Senior Lecturer - "Many thanks for a great new digital innovation for HAP."
• Dr Anne Felton, Head of Department - "Thanks for doing such a great job co-ordinating and putting together."
• Dr Anne Felton, Head of Department - "Thanks as always for your flexibility with this."
• Leah Jayes, Senior Lecturer in Public Health - "This is the first newsletter I’ve read since joining, such a great resource, thank you."
• Tara Bromley, School Management Support Administrator - "Thank you for all your work on the newsletter!"
• Nikki Welyczko, Deputy Head of Department - "Btw, I’ve had a look at a couple of past Newsletters and they are fabulous. Really well done!"
• Me - "Thank you Nikki, very kind of you to say.  I do feel they add value to bringing belonginess and community to the department."
• Lin Mantle - "Just caught up – brilliant work in putting all this together Dan – thank you! x"

I'm hoping for the success to continue, and the newsletter to be a staple department communication method.  I will continuously evaluate and collect feedback on it.  I'll report back here as I progress with this intervention.

EDIT:

In January 2023, Nottingham Trent University's communications department reached out to say the following:  "We’re doing a project at the moment, scoping out the types of communications colleagues and students receive from schools.  It’s been flagged to us that you send out an Allied Health Newsletter. 

Are you able to let me know the following:

• How many colleagues does this go to?
• Does it go to any students?
• Is it just sent to Allied Health colleagues? 
• What’s the frequency? 
• What’s the sign off process? 
• How do you get the content to create it? 
• I can see it’s a sway, is it just updated on SharePoint or is it emailed out? 
• Have you had any specific colleague feedback around it?
• Are you able to share your viewing figures?"

This shows that the newsletter has been recognised by central services as a key communication method in our area.

Hold the man

This reflection comes fresh off one of the most profound experiences I have ever received - the impact was too real not to be shared.  From 23rd to 25th of September in the Brecon Beacons, Wales.  I participated in the 'Sons of the Sun - an Awakening The Wild, Golden Soul Journey for Men', organised and facilitated by Keef Wesolowski Miles and Ross Walton of Bridging Worlds.

 'Hold the man' has a physical and spiritual (accountability) meaning.

A bit of divine choreography?

Following a 'call' at the end of 2020 and subsequent Movement Medicine practice, co-founded by Ya'Acov and Susannah Darling Khan.  After seeing a Facebook post of theirs that mentioned they had completed some intensive training with their earlier generation of Movement Medicine apprentices.  I felt the spontaneous urge to comment on my excitement - which I haven't done before on their posts.  Shortly after Keef reacted to it and added me as a friend.  Often when you accept a new request on Facebook you see a recent post they made in your newsfeed.  I saw Keef's upcoming Sons of the Sun programme and was instantly intrigued.  A thirst to experience Movement Medicine in-person and having an ever-growing curiosity of shamanic practices, certainly got my attention.  However I was quite hesitant with my upcoming wedding - I messaged Keef, dialogue began we had a quick online chat and I eventually surrendered to the 'call'.  I was excited but nervous about what was to come; going deeper within me and others and the environment around me.  I was definitely out of my comfort zone but was willing to experience what was to come - some of which appeared otherworldly, but I wasn't weirded out, but accustomed to them.  Well I do have an open mind and heart to this sort of thing, after having years of interest and mediumship experiences.

I arrived in Wales and met some fellow men, eighteen in total.  Our egos were in check before we entered and there was no expression of status or professional identities.  There was no expectation to like each other but respect one and another.  Balanced with a healthy dose of humility.  I felt instantly accepted and respected.  My typical shyness was present but I made conversation and threw myself into the relaxed schedule of the first day.  We got acquainted with other men and prepared the woodland space we'd soon be immersed in.  We had a small sharing circle - holding the elder stick when it was our turn to speak and be listened to.  Later that day and when other men joined us, we had a martial arts inspired embodiment session then had our first complete sharing circle followed by my first in-person Movement Medicine experience.  This felt truly incredible - Keef guided us through such a beautiful heart-centered session where I went onto share that I felt I got to know the men more than I did than speaking to them.  That dancefloor acted as a physical network that enabled us to intimately connect to others through dance.  I could 'see' the men for who they are much more than words could explain.  I had some deep connections on the dancefloor, looking into other men's eyes and sliding between them like water.  The first of incorporating the elements; earth, fire, water and air.

Journeying

On the second day we started at 6am in the woods we prepared the day before, to hold a ceremony around the Cabana Sweat Lodge.  Before we entered the sweat lodge, as men we shared as a circle, I and others made a wish at Keef's daughter's wishing alter (mossy tree stump), danced and chanted around the campfire, each found piece of nature to resonate with and place at central alter.  Then we stripped our clothes and bared all.  Literally our bodies and soul with dignity.  In darkness with soaring temperatures, through four rounds of enquiry of body, heart, mind and soul.  We dived deep into ourselves, expressed, listened and witnessed each others grievances, gratitudes, blessings and dreams.  It was extremely tough to focus on my own releasing as well as listening to the other men's.  I think I would have had a major release, but that came out two weeks prior after a mini-meltdown after a wedding logistic phone call with a family member - but I think it somewhat prepared me for this.  This was one of the most challenging and beautifully traumatic experiences I have ever had.  When I had my eyes closed I saw various strange visuals and an appearance from my cat Agatha who died a year ago on that day - I was hoping she'd come and she did.  The sweat lodge pushed me both physically and spiritually to my edge, which I don't think I have ever reached.  On round three I couldn't take the heat and was losing my concentration but found a way to cope and see the process through.  In fact I was stretched that much that at one point I felt I was over the 'spiritual stuff' and couldn't take any more - the hungry ghost was fed and full.  But eventually I was to feel left wanting more.  All men emerged somewhat tender but stronger for expressing our life's tensions and joys.  We all felt emotionally and spiritually drained of what we had experienced.  We were cracked open wide to prepare us for what was yet to be experienced.  As well as being covered in earth!  I was that dirty I just decided to put some clothes over top and walk back barefoot to site.  Before we left we each had a ceremonial blessing with a herbal brew we collectively made earlier.  Then invited to have five minutes connecting with a brother by looking into each others eyes, followed by a small sharing circle.

Later that day we had a small period of downtime and shared lunch.  Followed by an invite of an hour in our surrounding environment to reflect on the Movement Medicine vicious circle we were introduced to.  I found a beautiful canal area a short walk away from our location which I found really grounding to digest and process this morning and the next invitation.  We then danced through each archetype: victim; rescuer; prosecutor; hungry ghost and charlatan.  I had a deep connected moment with a another man when we mimicked the elemental fire.

Loud

On the 3rd day we started at 6am again.  We walked in the dark to a hill peak to do a ceremony and watch the sunrise.  We had a sharing circle and then were invited to share a vision and commitment to our spiritual growth and to be witnessed by other men.  In turn we each held the elder stick, faced a neighbouring hill peak with our backs to our bothers, and expressed what was within us.

Having been inspired by another man's loud and clear commitment.  I wanted to take the opportunity to shout something, but I wasn't sure what.  Then it came to me.  I took the elder stick and my position on the rock edge.  I spoke and on the final part I said "...and sometimes TO BE LOUD!!!".  As soon as I did this I felt a state of change and a sense of relief and release of something that had been hidden for some time.  The men were proud that I expressed myself in this way, and possibly a surprise in my character.  By nature I am a reflective and quiet person that tends to listen and observe, injecting into conversations when I find an opening.  Although I typically allow stronger personalities to have their airtime.  I also consider myself to be a chameleon and reveal and conceal my presence as I choose.  However, as one of the men pointed out, my presence was acknowledged by everyone but I became more present on the final day.  So I'll promise to be more loud about my presence.  That doesn't mean I am going to be bolshy and dickish; but loud and grounded within reason.  I'll still be diplomatic, but making my views and opinions more known in the moment rather than being quiet about them.  Even if my thoughts on the matters are incomplete at that point - as I said I am more reflective.

As I didn't arrive into the programme with a single pain point to be addressed.  When reflecting on my sharing in the circles, I felt I had an inconsistent narrative.  My main sharing themes were around family judgement, creating space for me to engage in this type of work and unknowingly finding/re-finding my voice.  But I do think those releases led to being loud/more vocal becoming the most prominent.  Throughout all the revelations I had, I think this was the one that needed to be expressed the most.  I finally let my voice be heard - or at least for a long time.  I instantly felt more present, vocal and increased conviction - I really did receive a 'download'.  I can now confidently hold my space better than I did before.  I will continue, and be held accountable to be loud (where appropriate) and be heard - I'm a fierce Leo, hear me roar!  Ironically I felt I arrived on the day I was leaving.

Later that day we received cacao, a sacred plant, that opened up our hearts and spirits.  Then danced around the Movement Medicine wheel: dancing fool; wise elder; dancing warrior; wounded healer and inner shaman.  Shortly after, another standout moment was when we had a wild primal dance, on the grass - which I enjoyed so much and getting wild with the men.  We formed a circle and literally threw around our wild souls and animalistic identities.  Shouting, chanting, crawling and taking all sorts of animal forms.  I really wanted to go full on animal but somehow resisted.  I dream of being absolutely animal with other men to Xavier Rudd's 'Lioness Eye'.  I actually considered requesting it to Keef to play.  In pure spiritual synchronicity, as we ended our dance with a group hug, a local kite (bird of prey) literally circled around us, signalling a blessing of our work and connection.  We were all in awe of it and hugged and chanted as it passed us all by.  In the evening Rapé was being offered ceremonially.

Hold the man

On the final day afternoon we had an initiation ceremony.  We started out by wearing blindfolds, lined up behind each other, and our hands on the man's shoulder in front.  Then we began to move into what felt like a figure eight motion.  We then sat and awaited to be called to run towards our futures.  I listened to other men be named and invited to run to the guitar playing in the background, played by Ross, whilst being called by other men who arrived before.  I was last to be named.  It fell silent for a few extended seconds.  I was then called and Keef asked me to stand up and run to my future commitment as a husband.  I ran steadily (trying not to fall for fear of being symbolic to my path ahead), the guitar started to play in the distance, as I got closer all the men were shouting me to join them.  I reached them and they all held me tightly and hummed, chanted and said well-wishing prayers for me and Gary (fiancé).  They initiated me into my upcoming marriage, 4th October 2022.  I had the most profound experience I have ever had.  I've never felt anything like it before - pure joyful and heartening overwhelm.  I literally could feel the men's love rising up through me.  It gets me teary now thinking about it.  I was unashamedly emotional and teary from such raw love.  I'm not cold-hearted but it takes a lot for me to cry in the moment these days.  I was left with this love deeply imprinted on my soul that I will remember forever. Maybe one day I will find more words to articulate this better.  I'm glad those moments were caught on picture and video as I'm scared of forgetting them.  To close the formality of the weekend, we all shared our deep gratitude for each other by having an appreciation circle.  Pulling three names our of a hat, and when those men were in the center to stand up with them and give heart-centered appreciation of their being.

This rollercoaster of a journey was an educational and life-affirming experience that pushed me to the edge of my inner-self.  I was individually held safely by men, simultaneously holding me accountable for my sharings and commitments.  They held me in every sense.  The days were long and the work was deep and intense.  But the results were deeply potent and the healing power is noticeably strong within me, literally shining both inwardly and outwardly.  I feel recalibrated, reset, reprogrammed and renewed.  A sense of an ascended personal spirit - a goal to be the best version of me, as I know I'm not always.

We co-created our sacred space, connection and community.  I now want to maintain the momentum and keep connected to it.  I was also reminded of the masculinity that I didn't know I needed in my spirit and life.  And the need for primal expression and release - to be a wild fierce male.  And I now have this challenge and opportunity of integrating masculinity for my own well-being.

I was expecting to return in a buzzy sort of feeling, but that was not the case.  I was extremely tender and emotional and somewhat a changed man in heart, soul, body and mind - a positively fragile state.  Weirdly my home didn't feel like home when I got there, perhaps our community instilled a sense of home in me.  It took me a short while to settle back into the reality and the mundane.  But me and Gary did have a deep and emotional conversation about my experience - I was very teary and quite spaced out.  I woke up the next day quite confused about my typical wake up routine, which I had deeply ingrained in me.  I now feel and have a different mindset to them which I can't articulate.  But somewhat a slowness that feels quite peaceful compared to the previous self-pressured rush.  I don't want to fall back into my old ways but to make this change permanent.  I really absorbed the heart-centred language and peacefulness.  I'm now challenged in finding a balance of waling in both industrial and spiritual worlds.

The whole programme has opened my spirit and soul open wide, to enable me to create the space to do this in my day-to-day life - which is what I had been wanting to do.  As Ya'Acov Darling Khan says; take small steps and the occasional quantum leap - which is precisely what I did here and am so so glad I got out there and did it.  Literally life and soul-changing.  It's also enriched and embedded my prior Movement Medicine practice and developed awareness of other shamanic practices.  I also feel this community was the 'peer support' vision I had in the 21 Gratitudes January 2022 lesson theme 'Living Life On Purpose', in the 'Live New Year refuge Class Special'.

Brotherhood

Before my arrival I have never referred to 'strangers' as brothers, a concept I couldn't comprehend.  We went from strangers to men to brothers.  I am now left with a shade of sadness that I may not be with them for a while.  I realised how powerful their energy and presence was when I left.  The absence of them is emotionally clear.  However, I am still high on what they gave me.  Brothers to be who we are, as we are and how we are - being our authentic selves.  Brothers that truly love each other.  It was also such an honour to witness each other's growth and what they achieved for themselves; expressing our raw vulnerabilities and courage.

"Hey brothers, I got home ok. I just wanted to say a brief heartfelt gratitude for the time we have shared over the weekend.  I'm deeply and profoundly touched by your presence and acceptance. 🙏 Enjoy rest of your stay"

I had the opportunity to give medicine as well as receive - pockets of gold!  I recall a conversation with one brother where I talked about not living beyond my means (lifestyle choices) and loneliness of living on my own and being in my own company.  I also enjoyed the many deep spiritual and universe-spanning conversations.

I couldn't stop around for the optional fourth day of relaxed integration and community.  Whilst we had a short time together we have memories and a lifetime of deep heart-centered connection and shared medicine.  Which I hope to continue with them and build a stronger bond and brotherhood with them.  Deep gratitude and bows to you all brothers, and blessings to you on your own journeys.  We may not see each other for a while, but I know for sure I unconditionally love them and would love to have more experiences with them.  Perhaps I have some new Movement Medicine buddies to dance with too!

Deep bow to Keef and Ross for holding this space and keeping us safe. 🙏 You deserve all the love, respect and success.  Higher power to the both of you.

EDIT:  Some comments from brothers, Ya'Acov and Keef:

Brother - "That was a beautiful read, thanks for sharing 🙏"

Brother - "Lovely to read brother💚Massive hugs & love coming your way🙏💚x"

Brother - "I loved reading that Dan- transported me right back into the magic 🙏❤️"

Ya'Acov - "Great to read that Daniel.  And to get a deeper sense of your experience though your blog.  So glad for you and for us all - the men's work matters.  YDK🙏🏼"

Keef - "Thank You Daniel for your courageous and generous heart.  It was a privilege to witness and dance with you and the other brothers.  Your 'stag' initiation was certainly a peak moment.  So beautiful.  And so beautiful to hear and feel your reflections in you blog post.  Much love and blessings on wholesome integration steps.  KWM x"

Susannah - "So glad you had such a profound time with MM Teacher Keef Miles.  Yeah!  Thanks for sharing about this.  Wonderful, best, Susannah"

H5P happenings: my observations and findings of colleague perceptions

Within the School that I am based in, School of Social Sciences, I am a member of a sub-group called SOC Digital Development Group.  Consisting of a diverse range of academic and professional services membership across the School, and including seniors and other individuals from central services.  We discuss needs, issues and priorities and evaluating and sharing best digital and online practice across our School.  On the 5th September 2022 I delivered the presentation below 'H5P happenings: my observations and findings of colleague perceptions'.  It focuses on how I am increasing/promoting uptake of H5P and the challenges I experience and how I/we can overcome them in our School.  The presentation was deliberately basic and created in note form for my own use, to explain the pointers in greater detail - so nothing attractive to look at!

When I was delivering my presentation the chair took notes on Microsoft Whiteboard, shown on the screenshot below.  These will be formed into actions for the next academic year for the group to discuss and refine.  Influencing the way H5P is promoted and supported across the School.

Other H5P related blog posts:

• Creating rapid eLearning activities (H5P) (12 February 2019)
• Enabling and empowering academics to create digitally interactive eLearning content with H5P (26 June 2019)
• H5P endeavours - a progress update (26 March 2021)
• Planning and facilitating digital innovation - Snippets of practice (2 February 2022)
• Away day - a feel good moment (11 July 2022)
• Virtual placements using H5P, 25 November 2022

EDIT:

On 13 October 2022, I had a direct invitation from the H5P Core Team to share a testimonial of H5P.com; my successes/feedback, achievements, experiences, insights and feedback to the H5P developers and engineers.