The College of Exploration (TCOE) is a global learning network. We work with partners around the world on innovative and exploratory learning programs about our environment, earth, ocean, technology, leadership, and other education topics. We are organized as a collegium and we strive to foster relationship with and between our inner and outer worlds.

Since 1991 TCOE has designed, delivered, and evaluated educational programs, workshop, courses, and events for learners of all ages around the globe, with a particular emphasis on web-based courses and workshops for educators. Over 18,000 participants have joined the online campus over the years.

Our national and international expertise includes producing and offering both on-site and online events such as workshops, courses, evaluations, and conferences. We create and support programs in strategic planning, large-scale decision making, evaluation and assessment, media production, curriculum development, and forums for educators, students, and researchers.

Our work with partners around the world includes:

  • Creating and offering online ubiquitous networked collaborative learning environments
  • Providing professional and organizational development and strategic planning 
  • Designing and implementing training and learning programs
  • Connecting scientists and their research with educators and the general public
  • Conducting program evaluation and educational research
  • Working collaboratively to develop and support science literacy initiatives
  • Creating and incorporating video in learning programs
  • Facilitating large-scale decision-making events online, bringing groups together to achieve targeted goals
  • Co-exploring and co-creating new programs, initiatives and missions

 

 

We see a continued need to improve and increase learning opportunities, especially in the geosciences and particularly ocean and earth sciences. We look forward to working with new partners and seek opportunities to collaborate with others to co-write proposals in new grant endeavors. 

College of Exploration: Philosophy of Learning and Working

From the inception the College of Exploration has had a foundation of a spirit of exploration and a solid grounding in principles that have nurtured personal and organizational development over 30 years.

Foremost among these principles is the

1) coexploring spirit

  • We have identified partners who are willing to explore creatively with us, to identify new opportunities, topics, and processes.
  • Open-ended realm of possibilities
  • No rush to judgement, allow the ideas and connections to evolve naturally.
  • The process may be intuitive; inner guidance leading the way
  • Engaging fully mind, body and spirit in building relationships
  • A peaceful framework is helpful
  • Importance of place and the need to experience the physical environment and have a face to face experience of people and places.

2) Experience both inner and outer worlds

While technology is important in today’s world, it is important to encourage through our programs a chance to experience the natural world outdoors. People need to connect with nature and be outer focused, as well as being online and intellectually engaged.

  • We want to bring the inner out and the outer in.
  • We offer our program participants the opportunity to grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually while at the same time experiencing nature, new places, and cultures.

3) Learning through conversation: we believe that people learn best through conversation. Realizing that different people have different learning styles, structuring the learning environment such that all can contribute and learn is important, whether online or in a face to face setting.

4) Serendipity supports success

To have serendipity help your organiztion, it is necessary to

  • Proactively seek or create events.
  • Be attuned to individual and collective needs
  • Prepare for serendipity and be open to conversations

5) Networks and networking

Networks are everywhere and it is important to build partnerships with like-minded people and draw upon these networks for collaborative opportunities.

6) Seize the moment: The College of Exploration team has always been most successful when they seize the moment, taking advantage of situations and opportunities that pop up, often unexpectedly. Letting your spirit guide you in the right way at the right time, and sometimes off the traditional path can lead to unforeseen success.

7) Only work with people you respect and enjoy in significant places addressing meaningful topics.

Positive outcome collaborations come naturally and quickly. If you have to try to convince a potential collaborator and excessively counter questions and concerns, it may be better to leave that possibility and move on to something more easily developed.

8) Systems

Everything in this world is part of a system. Systems principles are visible at all levels of daily life and work. Being able to see connections in the workings of all types of systems aids learning.