After considerable reflection, I can see ways in which the story circle could be used as a metaphor for learning. In my own story, I was comfortable not having a Masters degree (Stage 1), until I found myself quickly coming to the end of a job with little to no job prospects (Stage 2). It was then I discovered the LDT program at UCD and, with inspiration and support of my partner, I applied and was accepted so I quit my life to begin my graduate studies (Stage 3). As of this writing, during my second semester, I am adapting (Stage 4) to all the new information, tools, and resources required to take me to the next stages (Discovery, Pay a Price, Return, and finally Change).
Where I believe the metaphor breaks down for learning is in Stages 6 and 7 (Pay a Price and Return, respectfully). I have always believed there is something to learn from every situation, good or bad. It may not be clear immediately, but upon reflection later there is a lesson to be learned from which you can grow and become better or wiser. If I were to be glib, I might say I fear of not doing well in a course and destroying my goal of a 4.0 GPA at graduation (Pay a Price).
Additionally, I don’t believe we Return to where we came from, metaphorically. Once we have gone through the trials and tribulations successfully, or not, we are not the same as we were before. We are changed with new ideas, understanding, experiences, gains and losses; cumulatively, these change us. So how is it we ever Return to who or what we were prior?
If we think of the Learning With Digital Stories course (#INTE5340) as a story circle, as I stated before, as we enter Week 4 of the semester I am solidly in the fourth stage of Adapting. I have definitely entered into the lower half of the circle, representing unconscious and disorder. While I am game for a challenge, I am feeling WAY out of my depth, this semester especially.
As a character in this INTE5340 story, mine is that of the Mentor who has become the Child who wishes to be the Mentor again. Or, I was also thinking I am a bit like Gandalf the Grey, having recently proved myself worthy (past experiences) saving my friends (former co-workers) from the Balrog (my last boss) at the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. Now, as I face the trials and tribulations (pursuit of a Masters degree), I shall come out the other side much stronger and wiser as Gandalf the White.
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