Free-range professional development

All learning is open as learning can’t happen otherwise. The concept of free-range has been borrowed from farming where it has been recognised to create more ethical ways of being and better quality results. We could add to the mix the Do-It-Yourself, recycling and upcycling culture which are gaining not just popularity but also importance to raise awareness and responsibility for a sustainable present and future and transform us all into makers and innovators. Being resourceful, sharing and collaborating for own and collective good become increasingly more important and enable us not just to survive but also to thrive in challenging times. Learning and development is ongoing, it has to be, if we want to keep up and lead change. The rapid technological advancements and the desire of humans to collaborate, brought about changes to the way we live, learn and develop. The internet and social media have minimised geographical distances and maximised the potential for free-range learning and professional development that stretches across the globe. The Open Education Movement, open educational resources, open educational practices as well as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) all contribute to the opportunities and the possibilities. Professional development is increasingly a blend of formal, non-formal and informal offers and activities. Especially professionals can benefit from new ways of development within open and distributed communities. Having the freedom to pick ‘n’ mix opportunities and putting their own development menu together based on their needs and aspirations is empowering and will help them further enhance their practice, their career prospects as well as their connection with and belonging to professional communities. Keywords free-range learning, professional development, Open Education Movement