By the bye, sensemaking is what I am attempting to do at work, where we are working on what the next steps should be in enhancing our online learning environment. I like the idea that, really, any strategic plan will do as long as it gets people moving and oriented; it is up to them then to keep mindful of the cues that result from their actions and continually update their actions and purpose accordingly - it is actions rather than plans that show them where they are and where they want to be and determine success. Sensemaking emphasis on bold action that shapes the environment, rather than getting bogged down in negative deliberation, is attractive when the situation is complex - a simplified view is the way to get action. If a plan sounds plausible and reasonable, it is good enough if it generates the action that actually produces the outcome, however different that may be from the initial idea.
As part of this subject, I'd like to look further into how designers or learning technologists work with teachers and institutions to conceive of and design learning environments.
PS: I think Natalie, you are on a very interesting track with your thinking about collaborative design and sensemaking. Peter and i have been working on quite similar research project with eLearning design teams at UNI.
ReplyDelete