Each one of us has unique stories to tell about how we got to today from yesterday. These stories explain who we have been, who we are, and where we are going. Here are some of mine.
Leaving a Learning Legacy
Helping you know what I know
For twenty years I co-led a cross-cultural training event preparing people for cross-cultural service. It was good, but a lot of the content's effectiveness was time sensitive. I was filling people up with stuff they didn't need right then, but would later. Would they remember? And, my "good stuff" usually ended up "archived" somewhere in a binder on a shelf. Wasn't there a better way?
I wanted a vehicle to let THEM get what they needed where they were when THEY felt they needed it. The internet was an obvious choice for this, but back then it couldn't do what I dreamed of, and I dreamed BIG!
I dreamed of a "virtual community" where people could gather to learn, read, communicate, connect, pray, create, and grow. A place that was easy to navigate, and where connection speed or style would not matter. A place which was safe and secure. A place where someone could learn on their own, or join a community on the same learning topic. Where their "answers" are used to enhance the learning of others. Where they could access other resources and even scripture within this context without having to go to another website.
I dreamed of a software solution where they could work on their own computer, or at an internet cafe, or even on their cell phone or PDA. And if they needed to, with a few clicks, they could repurpose their learning into a bound book printed locally anywhere in the world. (Available globally locally --say that fast three times!).
It turns out, my dreams are being realized through www.virtualstorehouse.com. The folks at Snowfall Software have created an online community which is incorporating all of the above. (I am actually one of the team as well. I wear two hats: Chief Learning Architect, and Technology Evangelist).
The title of this entry talks about leaving a learning legacy. Everything that allows me to leave my insights to others, is available to all the rest of you. THAT is a legacy worth leaving.