Leaders Come Into Their Own: The IELOL Experience and Community
Author: patricia.kungie@onlinelearning-c.org
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Maximizing the efforts of others who are working toward a goal is no easy feat. There are numerous ways we can influence others. Some of us do so by inspiration, some by example, and others do so by exercising power. Using leadership as a way to influence others necessitates a socially-constructed approach, and often requires a complex set of competencies.
Each individual must find their own leadership path, so to speak, in order to lead as he or she advances in a field or throughout a career. In this respect, each individual must develop their own leadership approach and methods as they progress. To be aware that you actually shape your own leadership journey is to embrace the fact that you play an active part in your own leadership development. Kathleen Ives, in her recent blog post, wrote about conscious leadership, understanding, and envisioning yourself as capable of embracing accountability for your own leadership growth.
You do not have to take this leadership journey alone. Your leadership development should be a collaborative experience if you want to realize the full potential of this experience. The power of sharing connections and developing a network have incredible potential for innovation, creativity, productivity, and fighting against entropy. In the online learning community, you will find an existing network of leaders in the field with whom you can collaborate to navigate the complexity of any leadership journey. This community is the Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning (IELOL).
The IELOL community comprises those who have completed the the intensive, 4-phase IELOL program. They developed important competencies guided by the efforts of the program’s renowned faculty, who are accomplished professionals at the top of their respective vocations. One IELOL alumni attested:
Claire Arabie, EdD, Interim Director of the Office of Distance Learning at University of Louisiana at Lafayette
The IELOL faculty, who bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to the program as well as a wealth of knowledge about the field of digital learning, guide participants in developing learning agility competencies so they can readily address institutional challenges. The faculty members teach entrepreneurial leadership so participants can recognize strategic values within the enterprise, and an adaptable mindset so they can successfully respond to change. This program provides you with the opportunity to develop the competencies necessary to advance your career.
Reginald “Reggie” Jackson makes this point:
Reginald “Reggie” Jackson, EdD, Senior Learning Engineer, Teaching and Learning Technologies and Medill Integrated Marketing Communications Program, Northwestern University
Another alumnus stressed the importance of the program content while highlighting the uplifting environment created by the IELOL community:
Dave Dannenberg, PhD, Director of Academic Innovations & eLearning, University of Alaska
Whether you are a seasoned leader or aspiring professional, the IELOL program facilitates meaningful connections with a renowned faculty of extraordinary leaders as well as a network of alumni in the evolving field of digital or online learning. This collaborative experience extends beyond the 4-phased approach of the program, and has the potential to provide a transformative leadership development experience for its participants, as one participant stated:
Bettyjo H. Bouchey, MBA, EdD, Associate Dean & Associate Professor, College of Professional Studies and Advancement, National Louis University
The biggest benefit of the IELOL program is for its participants who stay professionally connected with each other and remain open to learning and growing with their leadership community. These leaders gain the capacity to influence their own career trajectories to integrate with their burgeoning leadership competencies in a way that yields compound results
The IELOL community brings together a group of individuals who are passionate about education and learning. It is a community that appreciates the powerful capacity of staying connected. Its community of alumni invites you to participate and grow from the IELOL experience. As an inclusive home for those who have completed the IELOL program, we welcome you!
About the Author
Amanda Major, EdD, CPLP, PMP is an organizational development and project management specialist in the field of online learning in higher education. Currently, she contributes to projects at University of Central Florida. Actively involved in the field, she has presented at national and international conferences and has peer reviewed publications about e-learning organizational development, operations, and projects.
She holds a Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institution (PMI) and a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance certification from the Association for Talent Development (ATD). Additionally, she has earned administration certificates from the Online Learning Consortium and Quality Matters. Her academic credentials include an EdD in educational leadership, policy and law; an MA in industrial organizational psychology; and a BA in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in social psychological issues.
Amanda has experience delivering results in a variety of learner-focused and client-oriented environments. Prior to arriving at UCF, Amanda taught online courses, partnered with online program management providers, participated in strategic planning efforts, developed policies, and improved business processes to contribute to quality online programs at a large public, research-intensive university. She enjoys partnering with faculty and leading projects to enhance digital learning.
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