The Start of the Journey

When I applied to do my doctorate in Educational Technology I had some reservations. First off I live in a small Northern community, closest city over 200km away. There are no opportunities for doctorates in this area. This doctorate was for myself, a goal I had set a long time ago. The response to my applying was of course predictable. "What are you crazy?", "What a waste of time/money?", "What kind of wife/mother are you - isn't your family or important?" The only support I really received was from my mom (a story for another time) and my principal at the school I where I was at that time working as an assistant principal. (I have since moved onto to accept a position at the local college as an Instructional Designer - my passion!)

So no real support from close family or friends, okay I could handle it. I tend to be a bit of a loner anyways, I could go it myself. I convince myself I will meet like minded individuals when I arrive at the University of Calgary, working individuals, passionate about learning and educational research. People I could have enlightening conversations with about our field.

Fast forward to our 2 week orientation session on campus at the University of Calgary. One of the very first responses I received from a member of the cohort, set me back. We were walking to class and the person inquired as to where I was from. My reply - a farm, in Northern Alberta. The response - no, you are lying, no one really lives and a farm that has an education. Okay, just a naive response perhaps, as we our doing our meet and greet, I could already sense the room. Oh you are a superintendent (I better make a contact with you), or you are a director of learning (mark you on my list of people to connect with. You do what? You are an instructional designer? What is that?, From where? (okay move onto the next person). Now don' t get me, most of the group was polite and well intended, however for quite a few, if I could not advance their careers there were bigger fish to go after.

Finally connecting with my fellow Educational Technologists group I found we were all made to feel that way, the four of us. Funny thing is we are all in management positions, one so high up the government sector that he deals directly with the minister, but we were not in Educational Leadership and we were on the outside looking in.

Fast forward to the EDER700, a course of journey and discovery, who are we... how do we see the world...