Last week has been an absolute whirlwind for us at Dark Times Academy. In addition to our amazing classes, we also were invited to deliver a counter disinformation workshop for the adult and community educators down in Christchurch. During our visit we were hosted by the lovely folks at Risingholme and we delivered our workshop at the Hagley Adult Literacy Centre.
Together these institutions reflect the breadth and depth of adult and community education. For Risingholme, the focus is on visual arts and crafts. We got to meet some of their quilters, see a simply gorgeous pottery studio, and enjoy the spring flowers on their stunning grounds. Hagley’s facilities are a bit more subdued, but animated by the energy and enthusiasm of their instructors and learners. We left revived and deeply eager to build our own contribution to the sector–in collaboration and as one of part of a very diverse sector.
The narrative around online education has been focused on disruption for far too long. We want to be part of a new narrative–one built on collaboration and mutual support. Disruption doesn’t bring joy and it doesn’t build communities. Rather than disruption, what we think the adult and community education sector needs is more celebration of their extraordinary work. Work we are so proud to be part of.
Learning is such a meaningful experience for all of us. It’s part of what makes life fun and meaningful. The thrill of having things click into place, of understanding a new idea, of practising a new skill–seeing so many different places that help make that happen and talking to so many of the people who help make it happen was just an extraordinary learning experience for both of us this week.