Open Learning Ireland is an initiative to explore the need and opportunities in Dublin for an alternative learning institution. We believe the potential exists in the city to create an autonomous consensus-driven space for social learning; an all age ‘reference service to educational objects’ which would provide a venue for experiential and academic learning. This non-profit, volunteer-run centre would be a physical nexus for learning across a variety of user determined domains, and in addition facilitate a ‘web of education’ within the city.
Our key pedagogic focuses are - self determination theory, and the importance of autonomy in learning; the potential of experiential learning and play for the development of self-efficacy and agency; scaffolding learners ‘zones of proximal development’ through voluntary peer & social learning; and the importance of non-commercial adult social spaces in developing service users social intelligence and positive social engagement.
Our theoretical influences are the work of learning researchers John Dewey, John Holt, Ivan Illich, John Taylor Gatto and Paulo Freire, and we desire to instantiate an active response to the contradictions of the contemporary context.
Following from our experience participating in initiatives like Exchange Dublin, Knowledge Exchange & Seomra Spraoi, and our research into democratic schooling institutions like Waldorf Education, Sudbury Valley Schools, Summerhill School and collectives involved in the American ‘Unskooling’ movement (Houston Real School, Ithaca Free School etc); we are compelled by the vision of a voluntary learning institution where individuals of all ages, ethnicities, socio-economic status, genders and sexualities can pursue their own learning passions at a pace of their own choosing. Where learners can access resources not ordinarily available outside of academic and commercial institutions. Where groups can dynamically form to enhance peer learning and produce projects, entrepreneurial and charitable endeavours. Where experts and talented amateurs with no formal relationship to pedagogy can offer free talks and seminars. And where those alienated from traditional education by negative experiences of schooling, by age or by financial & cultural barriers to participation can regain a love of lifelong learning.
What We Will Do
Stage 1
Conceptual and organisational development.
Stage 2
Occupy a space in Dublin on a temporary ‘pop up’ basis, to explore potential interest and functioning of the project.
Stage 3
Finding suitable multi-use space locations, through initiatives like Transcolonia.
Soliciting involvement of a variety of non-traditional & traditional learning institutions - e.g.: TOG, Fumbally Exchange, Seomra Cycles, Saor Ollscoir Na H’eirin, 091 Labs, Knowledge Exchange, Block T, Joinery & similar creative spaces, Mutantspace, Gluaiseacht, Dublin Skill Share
Acquire loans of non-conventional learning objects - e.g: 3D printers, computers with design and multimedia editing software, gameboys with LSDJ music software + amps etc, soldering equipment, welding tools, power tools, laboratory tools (spirit lamps etc)
Built a ‘temporary library’ of books owned by project facilitators
Create physical & web methodologies for peering - linking learners with learners
Develop commercial models for supporting the development of project - e.g.: sponsorship, paid classes, Dave Eggars 826 Valencia (ie: cryotozoological shop)
Borrow computer / printer & fill with educational resource library
Stage 4
Develop a permanent or periodic Open Learning Institution in the city.
Our key pedagogic focuses are - self determination theory, and the importance of autonomy in learning; the potential of experiential learning and play for the development of self-efficacy and agency; scaffolding learners ‘zones of proximal development’ through voluntary peer & social learning; and the importance of non-commercial adult social spaces in developing service users social intelligence and positive social engagement.
Our theoretical influences are the work of learning researchers John Dewey, John Holt, Ivan Illich, John Taylor Gatto and Paulo Freire, and we desire to instantiate an active response to the contradictions of the contemporary context.
Following from our experience participating in initiatives like Exchange Dublin, Knowledge Exchange & Seomra Spraoi, and our research into democratic schooling institutions like Waldorf Education, Sudbury Valley Schools, Summerhill School and collectives involved in the American ‘Unskooling’ movement (Houston Real School, Ithaca Free School etc); we are compelled by the vision of a voluntary learning institution where individuals of all ages, ethnicities, socio-economic status, genders and sexualities can pursue their own learning passions at a pace of their own choosing. Where learners can access resources not ordinarily available outside of academic and commercial institutions. Where groups can dynamically form to enhance peer learning and produce projects, entrepreneurial and charitable endeavours. Where experts and talented amateurs with no formal relationship to pedagogy can offer free talks and seminars. And where those alienated from traditional education by negative experiences of schooling, by age or by financial & cultural barriers to participation can regain a love of lifelong learning.
What We Will Do
Stage 1
Conceptual and organisational development.
Stage 2
Occupy a space in Dublin on a temporary ‘pop up’ basis, to explore potential interest and functioning of the project.
Stage 3
Finding suitable multi-use space locations, through initiatives like Transcolonia.
Soliciting involvement of a variety of non-traditional & traditional learning institutions - e.g.: TOG, Fumbally Exchange, Seomra Cycles, Saor Ollscoir Na H’eirin, 091 Labs, Knowledge Exchange, Block T, Joinery & similar creative spaces, Mutantspace, Gluaiseacht, Dublin Skill Share
Acquire loans of non-conventional learning objects - e.g: 3D printers, computers with design and multimedia editing software, gameboys with LSDJ music software + amps etc, soldering equipment, welding tools, power tools, laboratory tools (spirit lamps etc)
Built a ‘temporary library’ of books owned by project facilitators
Create physical & web methodologies for peering - linking learners with learners
Develop commercial models for supporting the development of project - e.g.: sponsorship, paid classes, Dave Eggars 826 Valencia (ie: cryotozoological shop)
Borrow computer / printer & fill with educational resource library
Stage 4
Develop a permanent or periodic Open Learning Institution in the city.