Using WizIQ to educate folks about creating a sustainable future for our children

Hi Vic,

I believe that a student or a teacher can only be stable with their experience with WiZiQ.com. In last few years, we have gathered many students and teachers who are using WiZiQ's virtual classroom for online learning or teaching.

Our commitment and dedication towards the growth online education brings in the sustainability for the upcoming generations.

Regards,
Sukhpreet
@WiZiQ

Hi Vic, I believe that a student or a teacher can only be stable with their experience with WiZiQ.com. In last few years, we have gathered many students and teachers who are using WiZiQ's virtual classroom for online learning or teaching. Our commitment and dedication towards the growth online education brings in the sustainability for the upcoming generations. Regards, Sukhpreet @WiZiQ

Save Cancel

Count me in on the group if you make one! If not in WizIQ, maybe in ning.com or something like that. .... Sustainability has become a foundational catalyst that is transforming 'all' areas of our lives. It is one of those unusual subjects that actually threads through every other subject. Thus, bringing it into our teachings is critical.

Count me in on the group if you make one! If not in WizIQ, maybe in ning.com or something like that. .... Sustainability has become a foundational catalyst that is transforming 'all' areas of our lives. It is one of those unusual subjects that actually threads through every other subject. Thus, bringing it into our teachings is critical.

Save Cancel

explain more george?

explain more george?

Save Cancel

Chris,
I agree about teaching something beyond sustainability. One way to consider this is to see sustainability as a catalyst that ignites next generation innovation. That said however, realize that sustainability has become a world-wide concept that defines major global change - Thus, with the idea that 'a rose is still a rose by any other name': our kids MUST be educated on sustainability; no matter you want to call it.
Best, Vic

Chris, I agree about teaching something beyond sustainability. One way to consider this is to see sustainability as a catalyst that ignites next generation innovation. That said however, realize that sustainability has become a world-wide concept that defines major global change - Thus, with the idea that 'a rose is still a rose by any other name': our kids MUST be educated on sustainability; no matter you want to call it. Best, Vic

Save Cancel

Hi George,

My study of the "sustainability" phenomena shows a direct tie into how we teach and learn. Sustainability, which is now one of the largest global movements ever known to human-kind, is demonstrating how old teaching/learning paradigms are being broken down and resulting in new ones. To give you an image of what a learning-network is coming to look like, take a look at this video sample of how natural mold moves and grows: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8473316.stm This is nature's way of formulating intelligence. Note it is not in straight lines or contained within rigid structures, and that its movment changes based on the information it gathers in the moment. Amazingly, this mold growth is exemplary of the how our world is now learning! It's so cool! Another way to say this is that static forms of education (school institutions) are morphing into dynamic networks of learning (known as 'communities of practice').

Allow me to elaborate a bit ...

Resistance to other people's perspectives points to the fear that we all have to being absorbed by something that can hurt us. What if we reframed this in a way that doesn't get our reactive brain to either fight or run? Instead, as a baseline for the new learning that needs to happen, I believe that we must change our dialog frame away from a way of thinking that creates a field for combat. This would mean that right/wrong or agree/disagree no longer has power over the way we engage with each other. This is not learning but rather is a reactive response to something we have already been taught in the past.

Disagreeing with each other is at the core how education is changing, and our students will need this tool as a primary tool for survival in a rapidly changing world. Rather than disagreeing, we all need to say what we see/feel/think/and connect with, WITHOUT negating another's perspective. This also helps to dissolve the assumptions/beliefs/understandings of words and language that we use, which rarely comes close to what we are trying to say and have another understand. Within this conscious act to dialog with each other differently, the seeds for creating a healthier more 'sustainable' world are released. And inside these seeds, is the signature of who we think we are as individuals and as societies. It contains the mythical comprehension of how we act, behave, and make choices. And that too is morphing. However, this subject of 'mythos' is something for another time.

A key part of this shift means that we teachers become inquirers of our own and other's belief systems, and resist the desire to resist and defend our positions. In other words, as teachers we become examples for our students by consciously showing them how to 'ask questions' about each others perspectives rather than 'question' them.

Vic Desotelle
http://tinyurl.com/ChangingNormalBlog
http://tinyurl.com/DiscoveryFuelBlog

Hi George, My study of the "sustainability" phenomena shows a direct tie into how we teach and learn. Sustainability, which is now one of the largest global movements ever known to human-kind, is demonstrating how old teaching/learning paradigms are being broken down and resulting in new ones. To give you an image of what a learning-network is coming to look like, take a look at this video sample of how natural mold moves and grows: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8473316.stm This is nature's way of formulating intelligence. Note it is not in straight lines or contained within rigid structures, and that its movment changes based on the information it gathers in the moment. Amazingly, this mold growth is exemplary of the how our world is now learning! It's so cool! Another way to say this is that static forms of education (school institutions) are morphing into dynamic networks of learning (known as 'communities of practice'). Allow me to elaborate a bit ... Resistance to other people's perspectives points to the fear that we all have to being absorbed by something that can hurt us. What if we reframed this in a way that doesn't get our reactive brain to either fight or run? Instead, as a baseline for the new learning that needs to happen, I believe that we must change our dialog frame away from a way of thinking that creates a field for combat. This would mean that right/wrong or agree/disagree no longer has power over the way we engage with each other. This is not learning but rather is a reactive response to something we have already been taught in the past. Disagreeing with each other is at the core how education is changing, and our students will need this tool as a primary tool for survival in a rapidly changing world. Rather than disagreeing, we all need to say what we see/feel/think/and connect with, WITHOUT negating another's perspective. This also helps to dissolve the assumptions/beliefs/understandings of words and language that we use, which rarely comes close to what we are trying to say and have another understand. Within this conscious act to dialog with each other differently, the seeds for creating a healthier more 'sustainable' world are released. And inside these seeds, is the signature of who we think we are as individuals and as societies. It contains the mythical comprehension of how we act, behave, and make choices. And that too is morphing. However, this subject of 'mythos' is something for another time. A key part of this shift means that we teachers become inquirers of our own and other's belief systems, and resist the desire to resist and defend our positions. In other words, as teachers we become examples for our students by consciously showing them how to 'ask questions' about each others perspectives rather than 'question' them. Vic Desotelle http://tinyurl.com/ChangingNormalBlog http://tinyurl.com/DiscoveryFuelBlog

Save Cancel

As teachers, it is "US" and not CEO's or other (so-called) leaders of the world that has the GREATEST influence on making a world that works better (i.e. the idea of sustainability). Most of youth are way ahead of us older folks on this understanding. But they still need permission from us to speak it and act it. We do that by speaking it and acting it in our class rooms; both in class and online.

As teachers, it is "US" and not CEO's or other (so-called) leaders of the world that has the GREATEST influence on making a world that works better (i.e. the idea of sustainability). Most of youth are way ahead of us older folks on this understanding. But they still need permission from us to speak it and act it. We do that by speaking it and acting it in our class rooms; both in class and online.

Save Cancel

Regarding more information on a bigger picture of what sustainability is, here you go :)

http://tinyurl.com/WhatIsSustainableInnovation

Vic

Regarding more information on a bigger picture of what sustainability is, here you go :) http://tinyurl.com/WhatIsSustainableInnovation Vic

Save Cancel

Thanks Vic for such a thoughtful response.

I certainly buy into "both/and" vs either/or mindsets. An inclusive and respectful attitude is an on-going goal of mine. But, it is not something I require of others.



I am afraid, though, that I am either thick sculled or you have not definitively stated your premise in simple terms for me. It now sounds like you are talking about interpersonal relational dynamics. Not ecological "sustainable" stuff. I wish I wasn't so dull, but please try one more time. What are we talking about?





PS I did visit your changing normal blog. Did not stay long and now I know you are going to get pissed off at me.... I am really sorry brother, but it sounds kind of over-the-top. Now mind you I'm NOT against that kind of super macro thinking stuff and it may sound dismissive of me. I know you are not sitting under a pyramid chanting to a crystal (are you? ;-) But, for me, that uber cosmo level thinking is so big, it makes my head hurt.



Please excuse me from your great topic and devote your valuable time to others here who have big enough heads to process it. Oops was that passive/aggressive? Honest, it was just an attempt to keep things light.



I am so bad ;-) but I still most assuredly welcome you and yes, your ideas to WIZIQ. If WIZIQ is not big enough for all comers and ideas, it is not the Holy Grail I thought. I promise to quit being a distraction to your discussion.

Thanks Vic for such a thoughtful response. I certainly buy into "both/and" vs either/or mindsets. An inclusive and respectful attitude is an on-going goal of mine. But, it is not something I require of others. I am afraid, though, that I am either thick sculled or you have not definitively stated your premise in simple terms for me. It now sounds like you are talking about interpersonal relational dynamics. Not ecological "sustainable" stuff. I wish I wasn't so dull, but please try one more time. What are we talking about? PS I did visit your changing normal blog. Did not stay long and now I know you are going to get pissed off at me.... I am really sorry brother, but it sounds kind of over-the-top. Now mind you I'm NOT against that kind of super macro thinking stuff and it may sound dismissive of me. I know you are not sitting under a pyramid chanting to a crystal (are you? ;-) But, for me, that uber cosmo level thinking is so big, it makes my head hurt. Please excuse me from your great topic and devote your valuable time to others here who have big enough heads to process it. Oops was that passive/aggressive? Honest, it was just an attempt to keep things light. I am so bad ;-) but I still most assuredly welcome you and yes, your ideas to WIZIQ. If WIZIQ is not big enough for all comers and ideas, it is not the Holy Grail I thought. I promise to quit being a distraction to your discussion.

Save Cancel

Hmmmm This is the first time this happened here. We are both posting at the same time. It feels like a sync problem with the space time continuum. So you can ignore everything I just posted. Except I will leave it (the posting)there because I so enjoyed my little pun on head sizes.

I will keep my promise and leave your discussion to those who will appreciate a little more levity and acceptance of your ideas.

Hmmmm This is the first time this happened here. We are both posting at the same time. It feels like a sync problem with the space time continuum. So you can ignore everything I just posted. Except I will leave it (the posting)there because I so enjoyed my little pun on head sizes. I will keep my promise and leave your discussion to those who will appreciate a little more levity and acceptance of your ideas.

Save Cancel

Vic, thanks for the topic!

As you may suspect, I have an opinion, of that I am sure. But I don't know what it (opinion about sustainability) is until you define sustainability and the parameters pertaining to your discussion.

PS I don't know teacher geek speak, either.

Vic, thanks for the topic! As you may suspect, I have an opinion, of that I am sure. But I don't know what it (opinion about sustainability) is until you define sustainability and the parameters pertaining to your discussion. PS I don't know teacher geek speak, either.

Save Cancel

If sustainability means the radical eco movement where every thing we teach or discuss must be eco/sustainable centric, then I think that is a "world view" that, while popular, is not mine and I would not want to foist that upon my students and classes.

I still request a clarification of your original topic. If it simply to say that you are looking for "like minded" individuals to join together to begin some classes or discussions about a sustainable ecological model for the earth, then fine. I will bow out as I am not personally vested in those types of classes. And, my views are not pertinent.

If 'sustainability" is meant to convey an ongoing educational community that needs a big enough vision to sustain itself through the coming years. Then I'm all in.

Or, I'm just in an argumentative mood and should be ignored. My wife tells me that even in my kidding I am sometimes passive/aggressive. We need to get her more involved, so she can translate me to me and you ;-)

If sustainability means the radical eco movement where every thing we teach or discuss must be eco/sustainable centric, then I think that is a "world view" that, while popular, is not mine and I would not want to foist that upon my students and classes. I still request a clarification of your original topic. If it simply to say that you are looking for "like minded" individuals to join together to begin some classes or discussions about a sustainable ecological model for the earth, then fine. I will bow out as I am not personally vested in those types of classes. And, my views are not pertinent. If 'sustainability" is meant to convey an ongoing educational community that needs a big enough vision to sustain itself through the coming years. Then I'm all in. Or, I'm just in an argumentative mood and should be ignored. My wife tells me that even in my kidding I am sometimes passive/aggressive. We need to get her more involved, so she can translate me to me and you ;-)

Save Cancel

@Sebastion @Vic if you are saying in needs to be incorporated into all disciplines.

So is my faith paradigm. But while informative to me and my entire outlook on life, is better left at the door of my classroom as much as possible.
Just my opinion.

@Sebastion @Vic if you are saying in needs to be incorporated into all disciplines. So is my faith paradigm. But while informative to me and my entire outlook on life, is better left at the door of my classroom as much as possible. Just my opinion.

Save Cancel

hi Vic,
What, I can contrue that you mean to say that how we can make the coming generation to know the value of our fossil fuels which are diminishing day by day. And how they can use these natural resources judiciously and also consider about alternative sources of energy. If it is not, please clear the meaning of "sustainability", so that I can also put something here.


Rajesh Sharma

hi Vic, What, I can contrue that you mean to say that how we can make the coming generation to know the value of our fossil fuels which are diminishing day by day. And how they can use these natural resources judiciously and also consider about alternative sources of energy. If it is not, please clear the meaning of "sustainability", so that I can also put something here. Rajesh Sharma

Save Cancel

George,

I'm glad you are listening to your wife.

George, I'm glad you are listening to your wife.

Save Cancel

I think Vic has raised an important issue.
Do we have to confine ourselves to the limits of any academic syllabus?
Shall we not share our concerns about the future of this planet and use the online facilities provided by wiziq to create proper awareness among the students?
But how?
The best way to start with will be to create an online community of eco-concerned teachers, have discussions on specific issues like global warming, and then conduct free public classes for all who are interested.

I think Vic has raised an important issue. Do we have to confine ourselves to the limits of any academic syllabus? Shall we not share our concerns about the future of this planet and use the online facilities provided by wiziq to create proper awareness among the students? But how? The best way to start with will be to create an online community of eco-concerned teachers, have discussions on specific issues like global warming, and then conduct free public classes for all who are interested.

Save Cancel

Michael Beckwith, a prominent speaker, says something about sustainability. Sustainability: do we talk about our marriages or jobs as sustainable? That sounds more like it's about to go down the tubes! Further, does that word elicit the kind of life enhancing experience we want for ourselves and the kids?

I heartily encourage gathering our collective wits and brainstorming a definition of what we want our world to look like. I for one think the kids may have a better idea than we do what the problems are, certainly in some cases, and asking their opinion will also address the problem of them not knowing what they think - a recent comment (something like that George?).

Let's look at and explore w/o defining just yet, what we want to experience as a life well lived, then let's call that something other than sustainability. Who can I nominate to lead this?!

Thanks!

Michael Beckwith, a prominent speaker, says something about sustainability. Sustainability: do we talk about our marriages or jobs as sustainable? That sounds more like it's about to go down the tubes! Further, does that word elicit the kind of life enhancing experience we want for ourselves and the kids? I heartily encourage gathering our collective wits and brainstorming a definition of what we want our world to look like. I for one think the kids may have a better idea than we do what the problems are, certainly in some cases, and asking their opinion will also address the problem of them not knowing what they think - a recent comment (something like that George?). Let's look at and explore w/o defining just yet, what we want to experience as a life well lived, then let's call that something other than sustainability. Who can I nominate to lead this?! Thanks!

Save Cancel

Hi Vic,

The meaning or context for sustainability raises questions and ideas. I am researching sustainability of life itself be it students, a community, the planet, or whatever. I wonder about the concept of thought, how we use our mind to create the things that are important to us, as well as the things that we construct together such as group belief systems.

I have just aligned with an organization called The International Society for Ecology and Culture (ISEC), a 20-30 year study and assistance program developed in the rural, archaic community of Ladakh. Amazing information about parenting, children and community structures ensued. The ISEC began preparing the people of Ladakh for the coming tide of industrial nations. It was just a matter or time.

They wanted the people to perceive what held their community together and become clear about what they valued in their lives. It was such a difficult concept because the verb “to be" is not used in their culture. As you can imagine, the education and the fear for this cultural goldmine was devastating for the beauty and innocence, as well as its imminent demise. Under the tyranny of time, they also gently educated them about what they would be confronted by.

The discovery has occurred and the Ancient Futures video includes “Paradise w/ Side Effects," the subsequent tracking of this culture as it was swept into commercial endeavors. The Society learned a great deal and now, there is a wonderful movement, certainly shared in our own New England, to embrace their findings and to help educate us into self and local responsibility.

There are programs and CD's such as Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh; Local Futures: Beyond the Global Economy, and The Future of Progress: Reflections on Environment & Development. www.isec.org.uk I would welcome practical, philosophical discussions not to agree or disagree, but to get clarity to bring into our own lives and learning/teaching communities.

Hi Vic, The meaning or context for sustainability raises questions and ideas. I am researching sustainability of life itself be it students, a community, the planet, or whatever. I wonder about the concept of thought, how we use our mind to create the things that are important to us, as well as the things that we construct together such as group belief systems. I have just aligned with an organization called The International Society for Ecology and Culture (ISEC), a 20-30 year study and assistance program developed in the rural, archaic community of Ladakh. Amazing information about parenting, children and community structures ensued. The ISEC began preparing the people of Ladakh for the coming tide of industrial nations. It was just a matter or time. They wanted the people to perceive what held their community together and become clear about what they valued in their lives. It was such a difficult concept because the verb “to be" is not used in their culture. As you can imagine, the education and the fear for this cultural goldmine was devastating for the beauty and innocence, as well as its imminent demise. Under the tyranny of time, they also gently educated them about what they would be confronted by. The discovery has occurred and the Ancient Futures video includes “Paradise w/ Side Effects," the subsequent tracking of this culture as it was swept into commercial endeavors. The Society learned a great deal and now, there is a wonderful movement, certainly shared in our own New England, to embrace their findings and to help educate us into self and local responsibility. There are programs and CD's such as Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh; Local Futures: Beyond the Global Economy, and The Future of Progress: Reflections on Environment & Development. www.isec.org.uk I would welcome practical, philosophical discussions not to agree or disagree, but to get clarity to bring into our own lives and learning/teaching communities.

Save Cancel

The above writing is a cleaned up copy of the previous submittal!

The above writing is a cleaned up copy of the previous submittal!

Save Cancel

Well, sustainability...
What a diffcult topic, doesn´t it?

On one hand, sustainability and policies about caring our planet, but that is culture, culture is family, we as teachers can do little about this, but we as parents can do much, What I mean is that nowadays all of us are citizens of the world, right now the frontiers don´t exist, if the new technologies are taking the leadership, and a big surprise is that the new generations are teaching "us" (old generations or maybe mature generation)about using this kind of new Technologies (internet, Ipods, and so on) Everybody thinks in the future but not in the present as a possible life support. Well...

The point is, sustainability not only is about how we care our planet, but how we, as human beings, can support, keep our selves in this world, taking into account that the nature resources are extinguishing. Now how we as teachers can guide students in order to survive in this world, how these kind of "schools"(online platforms can help new generations living in the current world, how we create the awareness of authonomy. We have self authonomy, but do we teach students this important value, Do we as teachers, persons, friends, husbands, wives act in corcondance of what write in here?, What kind of sustainability is this business (teaching online). What kind of pedagogy is teaching sustainability?. Is that possible?

As you can see this is a really good topic. Now I have more questions than before.

Thank you Vic.

And I think this was your idea of sustainability.isn´t it?

Well, sustainability... What a diffcult topic, doesn´t it? On one hand, sustainability and policies about caring our planet, but that is culture, culture is family, we as teachers can do little about this, but we as parents can do much, What I mean is that nowadays all of us are citizens of the world, right now the frontiers don´t exist, if the new technologies are taking the leadership, and a big surprise is that the new generations are teaching "us" (old generations or maybe mature generation)about using this kind of new Technologies (internet, Ipods, and so on) Everybody thinks in the future but not in the present as a possible life support. Well... The point is, sustainability not only is about how we care our planet, but how we, as human beings, can support, keep our selves in this world, taking into account that the nature resources are extinguishing. Now how we as teachers can guide students in order to survive in this world, how these kind of "schools"(online platforms can help new generations living in the current world, how we create the awareness of authonomy. We have self authonomy, but do we teach students this important value, Do we as teachers, persons, friends, husbands, wives act in corcondance of what write in here?, What kind of sustainability is this business (teaching online). What kind of pedagogy is teaching sustainability?. Is that possible? As you can see this is a really good topic. Now I have more questions than before. Thank you Vic. And I think this was your idea of sustainability.isn´t it?

Save Cancel