Internet Learning Volume 4, Number 2, Fall 2015 | Page 52

3 Questions for an Online Leader
doesn’t just survive, but thrive. Further, its not just a matter of differentiation and survival,
it’s just the right thing to do. We have the ability to create incredible learning experiences and
if we don’t do it then I think we need to consider why we are in higher education to start with.
With respect to models and underlying theory, well I think we are making that up as we go and
there’s nothing wrong with that. When online learning first emerged the CoI was made up to
explain what was happening. Some of it was based on grounded theory in traditional learning
environments and some of it was based upon what we discovered about how the environment
impacted cognition, interaction, etc. The same is true now. I believe we have foundational
elements, including the CoI that will still apply, albeit in pieces and then there are things we
are seeing that will have to be researched and explained. The models are definitely changing
and that’s really exciting to me.
Question 3. Undoubtedly, you've had several innovative ideas in the world of online
education throughout your professional career. What fuels, or inspires you to come up
with such innovation?
Ice: Simply put, I’m a dreamer. I guess I’m lucky enough to be one of those people who
managed to muddle their way through our K-12 and higher education institutions without
being completely stripped of creativity. To me, the art of the possible is the most exciting thing
there is. Being able to continually think about what can be instead of what is gives me hope.
That’s part of my everyday life, but it has special meaning in my professional life because I see
how many more people can be positively impacted if we can deliver on the adjacent possible.
When I get tired of trying to do that, or when it becomes obvious that the field is no longer
interested in the possible, then I know it’s time for me to find something else to do. So far I’ve
been lucky enough that that hasn’t happened. The downside is that you frequently rub a lot
of people the wrong way when you continuously dream, but so far I’ve been able to find a
handful of others who are willing to embrace an idea that everyone else considers crazy and
help me run with it.
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