​When we began designing and running our ‘in person’ training events, it was important to us that we did so with an indivisibility of principles. 
 
‘In this event or design, are we engaging safely, fairly and fully?’ is one of the questions we continually reflect upon. Over time, we have adapted, modified and created learning experiences in response to our self-reflection and the feedback from participants.
 

While there are times when we need to share information directly, our events are not lectures where participants are passive recipients of information. Our in-person events involve participants being immersed in collaborative problem-solving experiences. They work in small groups as they learn tools and processes, engage in reflection and feedback and develop ideas about how to adapt their learning to their individual settings. The close interaction also helps to quickly generate a strong sense of community. 
 
We summarised our challenge in the following question:

We began by analysing the elements of our in-person training and identifying the essence of each experience – which skills, attitudes were we asking people to use and what specific knowledge did they require in order to be successful?
 
At the same time, we began investigating digital tools and platforms which would best allow ourselves and participants to experience the essence of our in-person events. We will openly admit to many moments of needing to overcome challenge, struggling with the magnitude of the task in extraordinary circumstances. We are certain that many of you will resonate with this. A year on, we are able to recognise that we were navigating our way through being in a state of 'shock' at the sudden lockdown across the UK. 

​We ran our first ‘pilot’ event in August 2020. Our participants comprised of volunteers who had all previously experienced the full range of our training events – courses and in-school project (Embedded CPD). They were able to give us direct and honest feedback which enabled us to make the necessary modifications.
 
As in our in-person events, the online course built progressively. A modified version of our logo was born! However, the most obvious difference in the new design was the inclusion of both synchronous and asynchronous elements. 

2012 was our last previous experience of a purely online training event. At that time, we did not have a choice of VLE although we were able to structure our training design within the limits of the platform and the education establishment’s protocols. However, our most profound piece of learning was that you cannot assume participant familiarity with the required technology (both hardware to software) to engage successfully with the training content. To our surprise, we spent a large proportion of our time as unofficial ‘techies’!

 
We did not want unfamiliar technology to become a barrier to learning in our new training design format, so we have spent a lot of time creating step-by-step demonstration videos for those who sometimes feel challenged by new technology…or even old technology. It is our response to our earlier question, ‘In this event are we engaging safely, fairly and fully?’.

 
Online training has also enabled us to allow participants a greater insight into what ‘Designing for Learning’ looks like in real settings. Asynchronous sections contain links to project websites where participants can see ‘theory into practice’ in the Learners in Action pages. They are able to explore our initial project designs and rationales and what this has looked like for us with real learners in real settings. It has always been one of our principles that we only share tools and strategies that we have tried and tested in the real world.
 

Using the model of combining synchronous and asynchronous elements has enabled us to design and structure events which can last a day or over longer period of time. During a day, participants move between the synchronous meetings and asynchronous individual or small group tasks, reducing the screen fatigue of long lecture-like webinars.

 
We are continuing to apply our principles to developing the scope of our online training. The last year has definitely enabled us to take quite a few more ‘single steps’ on our journey! However, we are delighted with the positive responses so far from our online participants - it's made all of the hard work so worthwhile. 
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​As the day approached, we began checking the weather apps every few hours, noting, to our dismay, the gradual change from an expected day of full sunshine to an overcast day with a high certainty of heavy rain. Astonishingly, Nash Point appeared to support its own microclimate and we were blessed with clear skies and sunshine, even though we could see rain further along the coast in both directions!
 
This meant that our planned reception meal – a picnic on the grass – was able to take place. Each of our limited number of guests received their personalised, individual ‘goody bag’ containing bottled water, pre-wrapped foodstuffs and a piece of ‘wedding cake’ – a Tunnocks’ Tea-Cake! A thoughtful guest supplied surprise bottles of Prosecco and No-secco! There were, however, some uninvited guests in the form of small caterpillars, who seemed to like some official guests more than others!

We were stunned when we watched her performing this live yesterday. It keeps getting better and better every time we see it again.

Powerful. Words Matter.

#inspirational #humbling #hopeful #AmandaGorman

When we work on collaborative problem-solving, whether it be adults or children, one of the biggest hurdles to success is attitude. Not just our attitude towards solving the problem, but our attitude towards the people we are working with. 

​​Building community is not always easy. Maintaining community is not always easy. Repairing community is not always easy. However, it becomes easier when we approach each other with respect instead of animosity; when we listen instead of just speak; when we empathise instead of persecute; when we include instead of isolate; and, when we are truthful instead of deceitful.
 
Who we are is important. Our identity, our beliefs and our values make up our sense of self. How we are is a manifestation of those beliefs and values – the way we interact with other people – our character.
 
If we are to build communities which are fair and safe, then character matters. It matters not only in uniting people through commonalities but also how we manage and work through our differences to make things better for everyone not just a few.

Today, we celebrate ten years of Single Steps Learning!   

​At the beginning of March, we were trying to decide when it would be best to take two or three days summer holiday, during July, as we prepared for a full event schedule in the academic year 2020/21. 
 
Then coronavirus arrived and lockdown happened. Like everyone else, we had to figure out how to deal with the ‘new normal’ as our own personal circumstances dictated – different boats, same storm. For the first time in almost 10 years we were ‘off the road’ and facing a future that was, and still is, very uncertain. 
 
In thinking about the future, we inevitably reflected on the past and what an incredible journey it has been…

We have enjoyed friendships with people, whose support and generosity has been so important to us and our survival. We have met so many inspiring people, who don’t recognise how good they are due to their genuine humility. We have had the opportunity of working with learners of all ages - being able to share in their challenges and achievements. Moreover, we have had the privilege of learning from them too.
 
In ten years, a lot has changed. On a professional level, we have been doing more settings-based projects than off-site training courses. On a personal level, we have climbed 17.6 Munros, and have 1760 more grey hairs between us!
 
What hasn’t changed is our belief that our thoughts and actions can make a positive difference to the lives of other people. For the last ten years, we have chosen to do that via Single Steps Learning by creating and designing experiences, which provoke engagement in the process of learning and building community, through collaborative problem-solving.
 
Whatever awaits us in the future, as Single Steps Learning or not, that belief will continue. 
 
Thank you to everyone who has helped us, inspired us, supported us and, on occasion, challenged us. So, raise a glass (or a mug) with us tonight to celebrate! You are all part of Single Steps Learning.
 
Andrew and Lynne ​