Hockey WineUp Launch

While completing my graduate studies I became very interested in the application of Situated Cognition Theory within the field of education. As a result of this interest I developed a phrase that has guided my view of education: "Learning is Social and we Learn by Doing"

Situated Cognition Theory outlines that every domain has a set of signs, codes, symbols, language etc, and that these things create a way of knowing within that specific domain. People who master the signs, codes, symbols, language etc, become experts/brokers of knowledge within their domain and can guide others who start off at the periphery of knowledge on an inbound track. Those who stick with it become insiders and potentially brokers of knowledge themselves.

I have always enjoyed the image of a group of people at an outdoor hockey rink skating around by themselves, shooting pucks, maybe even passing back and forth with someone they do not know. All of a sudden everyone decides to throw their sticks in the middle to select teams, some players change sides based on the colour of jersey/sweater/jacket, and then someone shoots the puck to the far corner and a game starts. To an outsider, this may have been confusing to watch or follow, but for anyone who knows the signs, codes, symbols, and language of shinny or pond hockey this is an example of knowing.

The application of Situated Cognition has helped me understand the world we live in as it has allowed me to realize that there are multiple ways of knowing that are valid within a specific domain and that there is great enjoyment in learning about different domains – how does the start of a pickup basketball game differ from the shinny example provided above?

An exciting component of all of this when knowledge from two or more domains merge to create a new way of knowing – this truly is INNOVATION!

 With that being said I’m happy to share a little side project I have been working on that combines two of my passions - Hockey and Wine.

HockeyWineUp.com was officially launched on May 2, 2021. The website is young, but like the fine wines from Bordeaux or Tuscany it will evolve, mature, and improve with age!

HockeyWineUp.com combines the world of wine with the world of hockey so that Team Members can gain a deeper appreciation for the wines they drink and the hockey games they watch. Learning is Social and we Learn by Doing – the Hockey WineUp community will develop a deeper understanding of wine through hockey and provide an opportunity to enjoy hockey through wine.

Cheers!