Tim Klapdor

Online Learning Technology Leader, Charles Sturt University

Tim presented some challenging points in his Colloquium entitled: You Are Not in Control (Klapdor, You Are Not In Control, 2015). The manner in which his introductory slide was set up, with the NOT inserted in a different colour to the rest of the title – almost as an afterthought, was an indication that seat belts would need to be fastened for the journey.

He quickly moved from this somewhat disturbing title to explaining that the strongest networks had the best nodes, and that these nodes comprise of the individuals whose knowledge and wisdom in relation to networking have made them the best. Momentarily lulled into a sense of security, he then went on to explain that the systems in which networking occur do not allow individuals to have autonomy or ownership (Klapdor, You Are Not In Control, 2015).

The challenging question of who owns the data, controls our identities and defines who we are in online spaces was then posed (Klapdor, You Are Not In Control, 2015). Suddenly, networking looked less inviting – are we in control of anything or are the systems controlling us? Who actually connects us to our social groups – the social media we employ, or each of the users within the network?

Within our cohort, few have their own domain registered, although we are all very engaged in such spaces. Should we be worried? And anyone who has engaged with digital space has “lost” access to such spaces. In my case I have invested heavily in Ning when it was new and free, PB wiki (ditto), TakingIT Global (when it was provided at work then not renewed), and Moodle (before the administration at school decided to change to a different LMS). All the work I did in these places is lost to me. I have similar concerns about this blog once I finish this course.

Tim then proceeded to describe the rise of those who would confine us to some defined spaces, while locking us out of others, much in the way that the feudal lords enclosed the commons and made them exclusive (Klapdor, You Are Not In Control, 2015). He raised the roles of copyright and licensing and then offered the solace of the rise of the hackers.

On his blog, he offers some solutions to consider for those who want to mind and manage their own learning. This is summarised here:

Overall a thought provoking presentation. I guess all we can do is think carefully about what we do online, where we do it, and the longevity or transience of our decisions. If something is special we need to try and future proof it. When we die, we need to consider the disposal, or dispersal of our digital remains and ensure that we define our need to endure on our networks or to be forgotten.

Thanks for the roller coaster ride Tim! You may now unbuckle your seatbelt.

References

Klapdor, T. (2015, June 16). Make Your Own Slogan MYOS. Retrieved from TimKlapdor: https://timklapdor.wordpress.com/2015/06/16/make-your-own-slogan-myos/

Klapdor, T. [Host] (2015, August 13). You Are Not In Control.