Wk 3 - Think Out-Loud PPP: part 2

frog (ready to jump in) was raised by target audience

In researching whether I wanted to publish or present my CBR project, I had decided last week to look into publishing.
This week I spend some time looking at each of the suggested journals. I tried to find one that would both fit my project and more importantly, my target audience. I finally decided that I would submit my publication to Learning & Leading with Technology. This publication is the International Society for Technology in Education's (ISTE) membership magazine. It takes simple ideas for utilizing technology to improve learning in the classroom. This seems to be a perfect fit for my project and its target audience of 5 year-olds.
I have already registered as an author. It appears that all I need to do is upload my project and they will notify me once it has been received.
I guess all I have to do now is get ready to jump in!

Wk 3 - response to Les

photo taken by Alicia Welch

Les-
I liked what you had to say about how passion is such a driving force. As educators, we all know that we did not enter this profession to become rich and famous. At some point, we all had a passion for education. Some of my peers have lost that passion, for whatever reason, and have chosen to leave teaching.
With technology ever changing, I think it will definitely benefit us to continue to grow and develop a passion in this area. As technology continues to integrate education, we will be able to keep up!

Les' original post...
The author has a very profound perspective of leadership. The author says we should look for passion and commitment. The silent conductor the person who leads is one who recognizes the opportunity to lead from where they are. How can we have teachers arrive at this perspective of leadership from any chair? I believe exploring the 21st Century skill collaboration could easily help are students discover and model the silent conductor, wouldn’t this be nice?

Chapter 6 “Rule Number 6”.
I needed this chapter. I love to laugh and tend to do this quite often at work but more with the students that the teachers. As an administrator, I am going to practice taking myself less serious. I have a good relationship with the teachers but believe their perception of me is getter done. I want to enjoy the process more. I like the question, what would have to change for me to be fulfilled? (pg. 87) I know, me? No one else or anything has this power. I am rediscovering my Central Self and scaring the hell out of people around me.

Chapter 7 “The Way Things Are”
Own the reality your in, what I am doing that. No you’re in denial. I once learned a valuable lesson 2 + 2 = 4. I use this mathematical statement like the authors use the way things are. I use to live in the world of “should”, “should of”, and “could of,” what if”. The reality of 2+2=4 means, if you add all of the realities around you up the product is your reality. When you deal with what is real you can then begin to perceive the real options offered in the reality.

Chapter 8 “Giving Way to Passion”
BYTFI (pg.121) yes, I love this book. Sometimes we allow systems to systematically take passion from us. This is so tragic, the lost of passion. Passion is a driving force for creativity and living authentically. When passion is lost we are lost. Two suggestions appear on pg. 114. Discover where you are holding back and participate fully. I want to use these suggestions as it relates to technologies possible impact on learning. Let’s go big or stay home.

Wk 3 - response to Mike

Mike-
I like what you said about leaders. I think it does just come naturally for some people. I also agree that people can practice this skill and, therefore, become a leader.

photo taken by Alicia Welch

I used to get extremely nervous when standing up in front of parents at Curriculum Night. Over the years, through practice, I find it's not so bad anymore. I never though of myself as a leader, however, I am learning to become more comfortable in that role.

Mike's original post...
This is some of the best reading that I have have ever read. I have been challenged, disciplined, encouraged, inspired, and motivated all at the same time. I believe that everybody possesses leadership skills, some just have more than others. The difference between leaders is that some are more natural than others. Being a leader just comes natural for some. But that does not mean that everyone can not be a leader. They just need to find the are(s) in which they are gifted and let their talents shine there.

I love rule #6! I find myself there all too often, especially being a middle school teacher. It is easy for me to get all up-tight when things don't go my way or when I don't get the response I want. However, I have been working on this area. I am trying to let my guard down some and let my students have a good laugh at my expense more often. I have learned that if I do that, then it lets my students know that I not any more important than they are and that I, too, am human and make mistakes.

I like the chapters 7 & 8, speaking the possibilities and having passion. I think it is easy for everybody to find limitations in everything. It is easy for us to begin something and, after we encounter one road block, when completely shut the project down and say "this will never work." That no only takes away from any possibility that we have for success and completion. We need to try to always keep the most positive aspects about everything that we do or are involved in. 

Wk 3 - The Art of Possibility (Chapters 5-8)

photo take by Alicia Welch

In reading through The Art of Possibility this week, I was most drawn to what was written in chapter 6. This chapter focused on 'Rule Number 6.' This rule talked about remembering not to take yourself so seriously.

I think this is something that many of us need to keep in mind. We have a tendency to move through life quickly, focused on what we have to do, where we have to be and who we have to see. We need to remember to stop and focus on the larger picture. Not taking ourselves so seriously allows us to see that bigger picture. We need to stop and take the time to appreciate the smaller things in life.