Where Does Transformational Learning Occur?

In class this evening, we all went around in a circle and shared moments of transformation in our lives.  What struck me as interesting is that none of the stories shared had to do with the classroom.  Example after example were major life changing events like death of a loved one, a traumatic sports injury, finding Jesus or changing churches.

Now I am lingering on the question, can transformational learning even occur in the learning environment?

So now I am trying to think back to a transformational learning moment that I have had in one of my classes. I am trying to think of a life-changing, inspirational moment like the students in "Dead Poet Society" experienced.  Honestly, none come to mind right now.  I have read books and poems that change my life but none were assigned to me.  I have been inspired and transformed by art and music, but none were shown to me by a teacher.  I have seen the beauty in mathematics and computer programming but only in self-learning experiences, never in the classroom.

I will be interested to see how this is resolved as I learn more about what transformational learning is all about.

My First Impressions of D2L

When I first heard the name D2L come up as a possible replacement for the UCO learning management system, I could help but think of R2D2, the beepy little robot from Star Wars.  I couldn't wait to see what this magical new application would "transform" the learning environment.  My first impression of D2L is that it is impressive.  So many different features like surveys, checklist and online rooms.  I haven't seen these types of features before.  It is good to see a learning management system begin to color outside of the lines a little bit.  It still has a long way to go to be revolutionary though.

Now I can't wait to see how my professors begin to fuse this technology into their instruction.  How will they maximize its potential or blend it seamlessly with their learning objectives?  Only time will tell.