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An #opened16 #IdeaVomit

img_4175Gardner Campbell’s opening keynote was preceded with a short film he’d made. Divergent and clashing visuals and sounds meant to frame a complex/chaotic story of how @gardnercampbell struggles with his own sense making. Or at least that’s what I thought it was. Amongst the clashes was A LOT of Bob Dylan. Many clips from “No Direction Home” with the highlight (for me at least) when Dylan is asked in a pressing by a photographer to suck his glasses. An awkward moment ensues where Dylan refuses and responds “No, do you want to suck my glasses?” It was right there for me. Our iconic image of Dylan is with those sunglasses, those lenses. How we frame things. Performative natures in our work. How outside forces try to “reframe” our work for us – we push back against their control. We push back. So many of us here and our transformative experiences. Why we do what we do. What stories we want/need to share. Gardner delivered such a riveting talk that the only question from the audience was someone who repeated “would you suck your glasses?” to which he responded, “will you suck my glasses?” It was like a meme in the flesh.

Gardner’s story set a tone for the conference that echoed throughout. People are here because they want to share their stories and learn about other’s stories. Most of the stories I’ve seen are about care and love in the time of great change.

My favourite analogy or metaphor comes from @amcollier’s talk. Presenting on critical instructional design, she referenced the Pont des Arts in Paris where people worldwide share a visible source of their love. They put a padlock on the fence on the bridge to symbolize their love. Its a beautiful mix of different colours and shapes of locks. Its a wonderful way to share with the world. And the weight of the locks is slowly destroying the bridge. What a great image of the way our work can lead to unknown ends.

On the last day of the conference Sara Goldrick-Rab! If you missed, I’ll leave you with Dave Kernohan’s notes from her talk. It was amazing and terrifying at the same time. Stories of a few students and their harrowing journey in/through/out-of higher ed.

Also, I went to a panel where student projects were shared and the focus was on agency. Each of the students shared unique stories of projects they’ve worked on. My main take away was from Erika Bullock? – how do you make someone care? We can do whatever we want to help shape your digital identity, but if you don’t have an audience or a final space for your projects what do you do? How do you share your story? She shared my favourite slide of #opened16 as well :)

To sum up, in a scattered way: I am having all the feels! Those of you’ve I’ve shared time with – thank you so much. Those I haven’t – lets hang on teh twitterz or some such :) Although this is my first Open Education conference, I feel like I’ve been here for years. Virtually I have been here a few times and I have met many of you in this crowd. Its been wonderful and frustrating at the same time meeting so many people. Hearing your stories, sharing some of mine, and even rocking out a couple of songs with strangers in front of a wonderful crowd. I will definitely be back and look forward to more of your stories.

Thanks for all teh awesomez peepz!

What are your stories from #opened16? Add a comment or shout on teh twitterz to @daniellynds with the hashtagz!

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