Sign in to member.selfdesign.com

FAQ: General Details

• What happens for a typical SelfDesign family?
  
  
• What is my role as a parent?
  
  
• When should we begin?
  
  
• Must I have a computer?
  
  
• What learning resources do you provide to learners and parents?
  
  
• How does SelfDesign support faith-based curriculum?
  
  

Q. What happens for a typical SelfDesign family?

Here is a Basic Overview of procedures for participating in our program:

i. A Learning Consultant is assigned to your family and will contact you by email to begin with us (N.B. Families enrolling in SelfDesign must have a computer and internet hookup [high-speed recommended])

ii. After a Learning Consultant reviews family information (included with application), we can begin to help you SelfDesign your own educational plans.

iii. In early September (or soon after a family enrolls), the family receives instructions for downloading and accessing the SelfDesign "Village of Conversations," and contact is established with their LC through the Village and by phone, Skype, iChat, or some other form of online communication.

iv. The first programmatic step of the year is the design of a SelfDesign Learning Plan, which unfolds as a collaborative activity between the family and LC. Scheduling of this planning process is set through mutual agreement between the family and their LC.

v. Most often, while a Learning Plan is being drafted, a family begins their weekly Observing for Learning, an activity that translates to Observing for Learning entries throughout the year, with the Learning Consultant responding to each weekly Observing for Learning entry.

vi. Two times a year (for the Portfolio and Ultimate Learning Paths) a Learning Consultant and family collaborate in completing a "Seasonal Review" for each learner, summarizing learning highlights and activities. Parents will receive copies of this report to retain as formal records of participation.

vii. Families enrolled in SelfDesign have access to the password-protected "Village of Conversations," our unique online learning community featuring many subject-focused and subjective focused conferences. Messaging and communication in the Village is guided by a protocol document and overseen by our Village Steward.

Q. What is my role as a parent?

In SelfDesign, parents are acknowledged as the primary supporters of their child's learning. SelfDesign also recognizes that the decisions made about learning reside in the home. As a parent, you are asked to collaborate in the creation of a Learning Plan (unique for each child), for observing and journaling the learning that takes place to your Learning Consultant, and for working with the LC to support your child's Learning Plan. Parents are also encouraged to participate in the online "Village of Conversations," to provide feedback in SelfDesign "Seasonal Reports" (for the Portfolio and Ultimate Learning Paths) and to apprise Learning Consultant when circumstances arise in their family that may affect weekly interaction in the program (e.g. prolonged illness, personal issues, etc.). Most parents enjoy and deeply value the insights they gain from their experiences in the program.

Q. When should we begin?

You can begin The Getting Started with SelfDesign program anytime. During your first 4 months, you and your learning consultant will co-create your family vision and develop unique learning plans for each of your children. After you complete the Getting Started Program, you can choose one of three learning paths that best suits your family's needs. One great advantage of a virtual learning environment is that you can blend your children's learning opportunities with your family's holiday and travel schedules, as needed.

Since these learning paths are available continuously throughout the year, you can coordinate your personal educational calendar with your learning consultant.

Q. Must I have a computer?

Yes, computer and internet access is required in order to participate in the program. Most communication will be online with handbooks and reporting forms provided; video and audioconferencing will occur with the help of programs such as Skype, iChat, and other forms of online communication. In addition, participating on a weekly basis in the on-line Village of Conversations is strongly recommended. We recommend high-speed internet connectivity (DSL or cable), as well as a recent computer and operating system (Apple "Leopard" or Windows XP). We find that Apple computers have an ease of use and reliability, as well as features like video chat that offer a better environment for interacting in our online Village. SelfDesign does not provide computers to families.

Q. What learning resources do you provide to learners and parents?

SelfDesign does not provide physical learning materials to individual learners and/or their families. SelfDesign families purchase learning materials and specific curricula in support of their child(ren)'s individual learning plan as they see fit. However, our Learning Consultants will recommend specific learning resources for your family and, as well, current learning resource listings (with recommendations) for many different subjects, which are located in the SelfDesign Village.

Q. How does SelfDesign support faith-based curriculum?

SelfDesign is a multi-faith-supporting organization. However, the focus of our program is educational methodology, rather than religion. We focus on process not content. We support the rights of the learner to be curious and enthusiastic so that learning is wide-ranging and not constrained to a specific faith-based curriculum.

If the focus of your family learning program is primarily faith-based, you might be better served by choosing another learning program. This does not mean, however, that we are excluding faith-based families. Several of these families have chosen to work with us because they agree with our educational methodology. With the focus on learning, we are establishing a program that includes learning in the domains of body, heart, mind and spirit as legitimate human experiences. What we support is an open and balanced approach to spiritual ideas from various perspectives.