WK4 Comment on Classmates' Blog - Blog Post 3

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Everett Jones blogged:

What an interesting read again.  This book has potential as being effective.  I would suggest that it is a great starter book for motivation.

Wishful thinking, optimistic thinking about giving your spark to others and being receptive to others light and spark is awesome.  Not everyone has that spark that can be seen, so it is our job to show them our spark of kindness and maybe their spark will shine a little brighter for the next person.  We are all conduits of knowledge.  Chapter 9 is very much about this concept of feeding off of each others sparks. 

Following chapters:

Keeping our minds open in difficult circumstances to the possibilities of new beginnings or closure may be more ideal.  Negative thinking only places us backwards on the game board.  Let's think positively and place ourselves in a better place forward on the board.

As I've stated in other blogs, everyone has something good about themselves whether it is apparent or not.  WE all possess qualities that can bring out the best in others or in situations.  Do WE always make the better decisions for us?  Not always.  However, when we do make the better decision, WE all benefit in some way.  If not, let's build up another and wait our turn to be built up ourselves.  WE should be in this together.

@Everett

You know my mom would tell me all the time to hang around those who seem to have had the same thoughts or morals. It took me a while to understand that as a child. But when you are trying to be a positive and optimistic person those are the people you need to hang around or they will blow out your spark. I like how you pointed out how you need to pass your spark off to others. What use is your spark if you can’t pass it. Eventually you will stop growing. As teachers we have the best opportunity to bring out the best in students. It starts early. Like you said sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but at least we tried.

WK4 Comment on Classmates' Blog - Blog Post 2

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Pam Holifield blogged:

I have recently added the phrase, "A vision articulates a possibility" to my Facebook page to see the comments that would be left. Since I am terrible with delayed gratification, after only one 'like' I moved onto my students to hear their comments. Some students were stuck at the word 'articulates' while others replied, "Oh yeah, yeah I get it Miss (for some reason all the kids use Miss instead of Mrs. such and such)." Anyway, I came to realize that students are the one who should be reading this book. The problem blocking most students is that they have no vision. Therefore blocking most possibilities and missed opportunities.

I look at myself. I always had vision and always steered my course to the direction I wanted it to go. I remember people asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up and I replied with specific details up to to the type of car I would drive. All have come true except my Eddie Bauer Explorer is a Kia Sedona (which most people think is the Cadillac). My visions determined my possibilities. I wish most of my students would see their visions like I saw (and still continue to see) mine, work towards those goals, and not miss opportunities that might belong to them. Like in the movie "Field of Dreams" if you build it, they will come.

@Pam

I enjoyed our blog this week. Students do need a vision. Some of them have visions but they are the wrong kind of visions. Instead of them wanting things that will help them in life they have a vision of things that will help them bling-bling in life. When you are a child, that vision has to start at home. There are so many things out there like TVs, movies, music that seem to deter students from a realistic vision. Not saying that they can’t have those things but now they want them quick and easy – which is a whole different story. Instead of reading the vision portion of the book…they need the entire book.

WK4 Reading Ch 9-12 - Blog Post #1

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Hmmmmm____________

Don’t let a “No” ruin everything. Did I mention that there’s a reason for everything? Sometimes a “No” means “Yes” to something else. Take for instance a house that you thought was your dream house or the guy/girl you thought was your soul mate. You might not have known that your so called beautiful dream house had a pipe issue or an ongoing electrical problem. You might not have known the person of your dreams had halitosis or was really mean and lied all the time. It’s all about how you look at things. Sometimes “No” can be a blessing. Are you optimistic or a pessimist?

The book also spoke about shifting blame. I used to do that a lot until I grew up and found it was wrong. I had an apartment by myself toward the end of my college years. One time I lost a bracelet and swore someone took it. Then I realized how stupid it sounded seeing how I was the only person there. No one to shift blame to.

Situations that we are in can change the way we think and our vision of our future. Whatever your vision is for yourself, you most likely will accomplish. Visions are usually formed from what you have a passion for.

WK4 Publishing Leadership Project

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I really wanted to submit my information to a journal in Alabama but I did not find one that I thought was right for my project. I decided to submit to AACE the Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education and ISTE the International Society for Technology in Education. My first choice is AACE because most of their members seem to be those that can make a change in the school system. I believe presenting my project to them will convince them that blogging enhance students learning.  My second choice is ISTE the International Society for Technology in Education because it is geared toward pre K through 12. Even though my project focuses on 7^th grade bloggers, it can definitely start in an earlier grade level.


Publishing/Leadership Thinking Outloud Part 1 of 2


Publishing/Leadership Thinking Outloud Part 2 of 2


Publishing/Leadership Project Paper

WK4 Publishing/Leadership Project Part 2 of 2 - Think Out Loud 2

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Below are the 3 publications that I am considering. They all seem to be interesting and will reach the audience that I am targeting.

AECT’s Quarterly Review of Distance Education is a rigorously refereed journal publishing articles, research briefs, reviews, and editorials dealing with the theories, research, and practices of distance education. The Quarterly Review publishes articles that utilize various methodologies that permit generalizable results, which help guide the practice of the field of distance education in the public and private sectors. The Quarterly Review defines distance education as institutionally based, formal education, where the learning group is separated and where interactive technologies are used to unite the learning group.

The Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), founded in 1981, is an international, not-for-profit, educational organization with the mission of advancing Information Technology in Education and E-Learning research, development, learning, and its practical application. AACE serves the profession with international conferences, high quality publications, leading-edge Digital Library, Career Center, and other opportunities for professional growth.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving learning and teaching by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. ISTE membership is a powerful and meaningful way for educators to connect with peers, to gather in a variety of forums to share the challenges and excitement of teaching, and to be part of a community that leads the transformation of education.

WK3 Publishing/Leadership Project Part 1 of 2 - Think Out Loud Blog Post 4

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I have chosen to do a publication. I am not a big speaker and would rather write my words than to stumble on them. These are the journals I am looking at to publish my paper: ISTE– International Society for Technology in Education, AACE- Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education, and AECT- Association for Educational Communications and Technology.

WK3 Comment on Classmates' Blog - Blog Post 3

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Andrea Nichols blogged:

Lead from any chair. I am a trained classical musician. I attended the University of Southern Maine from 1987-1990. During that time I played for the University of Southern Maine Concert Band and sang with the USM Concert Chorale, while majoring in music education. The conductor of the concert band was(and still is) Dr. Peter Martin and the conductor of the chorale is Dr. Robert Russell. Both still teach and conduct at University of Southern Maine. It was a privilege to play and sing under both of these professors because they have excellent artistic vision as well as non-confrontational approaches to conducting. That’s not to say it wasn’t constantly intimidating to play in their ensembles. I never felt good enough. It’s tough being at the skinny end of the baton. Practices were long and tough. The performances I was exposed to during this time were some of the best live performances of music that I’ve ever heard and, amazingly, I got to take part in them. I love the shiny moment at the end of a piece when the exquisite music stops but the conductor does not lower his hands from conducting, the moment where the audience is transfixed on the performance they just heard and are reluctant to applaud for fear of ruining that moment of awe. But then the conductor lowers his hands, breaking his connection with the ensemble and the applause washes over the musicians bathing them in warming glory.

Questions. This book asks lots of good questions. Question: How much greatness am I willing to offer my students? Answer: About as much as they are willing to take. Why is my team not shining? Why are my students not shining? I plan on asking myself that more often both as a teacher and a team leader.

The book says that nobody has to lead but I’m not so sure about this. Someone always takes the lead. I mentioned in my last blog about the book (and in class) that I like the idea that you can lead from any chair. I think I figured this out as a child because I always wanted to be one of those back up singers (think 1970’s Tina Turner). The back up singers had great costumes, dance moves and their own microphone. They weren’t in the spotlight but they had the greatest harmonies that made the lead singer sound really good. I think it’s funny now, the idea that I was 12 and didn’t want to be the lead singer. Most people want to be the lead singer, but not everyone can (or should) be. It’s usually the people with the biggest egos that need to be the lead singer.

That leads me to Rule Number 6. More specifically: Don’t take yourself so goddamn seriously. That’s funny. I think I need to remember this rule. I take myself way to goddamn seriously. I must be listening to my My Calculating Self. I once went to a counselor in college who made me take this self-analysis test and then told me that I should be an accountant (instead of a school teacher) because I was constantly calculating about life. So true. This calculating mentality can lead to insomnia. I guess this takes us back to Rule Number 6. Chill out, Andrea. Relax.

What would have to change for me to be completely fulfilled? Oh man, where do I start? That may have to be a completely separate blog. How can I take myself less seriously if I have to figure out what I need to be completely fulfilled? Right now I think my answer to that question is more laughter and more sleep. ☺ I think that I get really depressed and downtrodden when my calculating self eclipses my central self. I think that I am generative, prolific and creative but usually way to busy with life to let that flow. This is where my discontent breeds amongst itself. It takes grace to practice Rule Number 6. Rich, compassionate and free, what I want the world to see, my expressive world of the central self.

Presence without resistance.

That’s tough.

Close the gate to escape, denial and blame. Easier said than done.

Emotional heavy lifting. Been there, done A LOT of that.

Clear all judgments. I’m not a judger, I’m one of the judged.

Downward spiral talk excludes possibility.

Sarcasm creates victims but that doesn’t stop anyone, does it?

Start from where you are, not from where you should be. I still need a map.

Make way for passion. I’m passionate about sleep.

My Promise to Myself:

Figure out what’s holding you back and let it go. I’ll try.

Participate wholly. I will.

Life flows when we concentrate on the long lines, the patterns that connect over time.

I’ll look for the long lines.

Phrasing is everything.

@ Andrea

Just by reading your blog, it seems that you have a personal connection with the authors. You can probably relate to the majority of the stories that were talked about. I like how you took what the book offered and related it to what we know. I too would rather be a back-up singer. I’m the one to help make things work behind the scenes. The little things that people don’t pay much attention to but are important. I don’t like being in front.

On another note… It looks like you need to lighten up a little. Life’s too short. Enjoy while you have a chance. Remember, you can’t control everything but you can control YOU!

WK3 Comment on Classmates' Blog - Blog Post 2

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Mike Colletti blogged:

“I continue to enjoy this book.  The Zander’s continue to present a common sense  approach to living and leading.  I could relate to Chapter 5, Leading from Any Chair.  When I read some of the stories relayed to us, I had to smile.  

I am a coach, and I have always tried to allow the students I work with the chance to tell me what they feel they need to work on.  My most successful competitors have taken to this approach and we have productive practice sessions, which translates into success in rounds of debate and speech.  I believe the more ownership the child has with her practice and performance sessions, the better she feels.

As part of this approach, I also have sessions where we don’t work on specific pieces to perform.  Sometimes, just sitting and talking about school or life or almost anything is more effective than going over a performance selection for the umpteenth time.  Being able to relax, and lighten up a little, is following Rule Number Six.  In the scheme of things, speech competition is minor to some of the other things my kids deal with every day, and by showing an interest in the rest of their lives, it allows me to then be able to ask for more of them when it really counts, in competition. 

I think I have had this approach for most of my career.  It is nice when respected individuals like the Zanders validate what I have been doing.”

@ Mike

It looks like you are doing a great job! There aren’t too many people that will take themselves out of their position to see what others want so that everyone can be productive. You are allowing your students to take part in their own learning rather than telling them what they need to do. This is very important. It sounds like you have already given them an “A”.  :)

WK3 Reading - Blog Post #1

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I am actually enjoying reading The Art of Possibility. Sometimes God places things in your life right when you need them and not when you think you need them. This book has been very refreshing. It has helped me to look at situations differently than I have before.

Everybody should be a conductor if we go by the definition in the book. Conductors have the ability to make others powerful. As a teacher, we do exactly the same. We have the power to either be instrumental in someone’s success. You look good when you help to uplift others.

We are also encouraged to lighten up and not take everything so serious. As you lighten up you start looking at things as they are and not from the past. You shouldn’t focus on how wrong things are because it takes away your ability to act effectively. Like stated in previous chapters of this book, thinking positive is the key. When positivity is your primary focus then you tend to look at the glass half full instead of half empty. I am personally dealing with a not so positive situation as we speak. I do see how the more you give attention to problems, the more they escalate. It makes things worse.

My passion in life is to change the way my students/children think about things. I want them to think about making right choices. Not to always follow their peers because even they can mislead them. I want them to carry themselves in a way they can be respected. It is my hope that even if I get through to some that’s enough. 

WK2 Blog Post 4- How do you think?

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Now that I’ve read, I want to give everybody an “A” including myself. The hard part is how do you give yourself an “A”? We are our own worst critic, basher, friend, and sometimes even enemy. When you’ve always thought of yourself as one way how do you turn it around? When things did not go as you thought they should have, how can you think positive? Well…it comes through positive thinking and prayer. Instead of always thinking that something bad is always happening to you, turn it around and say that it wasn’t for you to have, do, see, be, and so on.

I remember one day I was having a birthday party for my oldest daughter. I could not find my keys. We looked and looked and looked. Still there were no keys. The birthday party had started without the birthday girl. I was really upset. Eventually we found the keys in my youngest daughter’s toy car. As we were leaving to go to the party, there was a news flash on TV telling everyone to not use the interstate. There was a bad car accident where a car hit a gas truck and blew up the interstate. No cars could pass. Several people were hurt. At that moment I realized that if we had left when I wanted to leave then we would have been in the mist of the accident. Everything happens for a reason. That day changed how I thought about everything.

Changing the way I think. Optimistic, that’s the key.

WK2 Blog Post 3- Comment on Classmates' Blog

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Ashley May blogged:

“As I read through the chapters, I couldn’t help but think to myself.  I know I have heard this all before.  After about the fourth time I found myself saying this, it dawned on me; these are all Biblical principles being put into action.  I had heard this all before.  We have studied many of these same concepts in depth at my church.  Such titles as What You are Expecting is Expecting You, Your Thoughts Create Your World, and Confession that Brings Possession immediately came to mind.  You can click on any of the titles to purchase any of these titles or to read more information.    My Bishop, S. Terri Smith, always says, “The principles work if you work them.” It is show true.  Believer or non-believer, Christian or non-Christian, the principles of the Bible always work.  After realizing that this book was simply a repeat of teaching that I had already received being presented in a different light, I was able to read and enjoy more.  I was able to really get into what the Zanders had to say. 

There were a few points that stuck out to me that I would like to address.  First, Ben dealt with removing fear as an obstacle.  This was a prevalent theme throughout the first 2 chapters.  I had my “aha” moment when I (once again) realized that I am the biggest opposition to my own success.  It’s my thought patterns about my environment and myself that have to change.  I have to stop limiting myself to the box.  Instead of thinking outside of the box, I have to operate as if the box doesn’t exist!

The second point that I absolutely loved was when Zander said, “When you make a mistake, lift your arms high in the air and say ‘how fascinating.’”  I thought this would be a great exercise for me, personally.  I tend to put an extraordinary amount of pressure on myself to do everything and be everything.  What’s worse is that even though I know I cannot be perfect, I am still somehow disappointed when I am not.  This exercise will be great for me to start to take some of the pressure off of myself, and to allow myself to make mistakes. 

The third point that stood out was the story of the Taiwanese student.  He went form seeing himself as a 68, to seeing himself as an A.  It made me wonder, how do I see myself?  Why do I let others define who I am? Why do we all let others define who we are, even if it’s just a small part of ourselves?  This passage was extremely liberating for me.  It also reinforced things that I knew, but that I hadn’t yet learned.  I hope that makes sense to you!  It’s just like when people hear you but they are not listening.  Anyway, I am going to strive to do a better job of only caring about how I see myself, and giving myself that A!

The fourth and last point that I wanted to discuss was about making contributions, and about how that is like making ripples.   It immediately brought me back to Professor Rena Hanaway’s class.  Her theme was always  “making ripples,” and I really, finally, truly got it! It’s really about doing enough to cause a change in others, and for that same change to cause a ripple effect.  On a random side note, I thought it was rather befitting that I would reach this epiphany of sorts during the same week that I am hammering home cause and effect relationships with my 6th grade students!”

@ Ashley

I found myself relating what I read to my life and how I perceive things. Since I am going through some personal struggles right now, it was easy for me to understand and get into the reading when the authors started discussing relationships. I think all of us, at some point, have let others define who we are. The good part is that I’m sure we came to our senses once we saw how ridiculous things were becoming.

By the way…Reading your post wasn’t that bad. You just probably had a lot to release. Remember in our reading, it’s all about how you think. It’s an INVENTION.

WK2 Blog Post 2- Comment on Classmates' Blog

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Scot Byrd blogged:

“I think that it is Interesting that we are reading this in Month 11 as we are heading out of the program and on to our new lives as Full Sail Alumni. This book so far has re-iterated what we have been doing this whole time in the EMDT program. It's like we just needed a reminder in words of what it is we have been doing and how it is a good idea for us to do the same in our profession.

The thought of giving an A at the beginning of a class sounds pretty crazy to a lot of people and they would wonder where the motivation to do quality work would come from. But this is the same kind of stuff we have been doing in this program and I have started to do in my own classes at my job. I ask the students to create and I want them to try their best in my class as we learn new programs and tools that they can use for all subjects in their education. I know that they don't all have the same talents and skills so I can't realistically ask them to create the same quality work for everything that we do. What I can ask them to do is to try their best, and they will only do this if they know that they will not be penalized for this and therefore won't be risky. So I took this idea from one the first months in the program (i can't remember which one) and created Risk Free activities that allow students to try different programs and projects with no risk to their grades. In doing this I have seen students give me some pretty awesome things that they normally wouldn't have done and would have just followed the rubric exactly to get the grade. The Art of Possibility spells this out with great examples of how this truly is the best way to get the most out of your students and make them not just play it safe for the good grade.”

@ Scot

You’re right. Since all students will not be able to create the same quality of work, giving students the “A” will hopefully ensure that they will strive to be and do the best they can do. I think it increases their level of thinking. Who knows…they may ENGAGE themselves so much that they may get that “A”.  :)

I like how you are incorporating the risk free projects in your classroom. You are stepping out of the box and your students will appreciate that later in life.

Wk2 Blog Post 1- Reading Ch 1-4

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There were so many life lessons demonstrated in the 1st four chapters. The reading encouraged me to change the way I think. Think positive and to think of things as you want them to be. It forces you to be optimistic. It also suggested that life is better if you give. When you give and not look for anything in return, then your blessings are multiplied. I'm a living witness. There are a lot of concepts that I will be trying in my classroom next year. It is too late to apply some of them now. The concept of giving students an "A" at the beginning of a course can take some of the worries and frustrations away. Students may feel more comfortable in a new classroom setting and it may boost their confidence. Changing the way we think about everything is definitely the key to living a prosperous life. In some situations...It may even change the outcome.

Wk1 Blog Post 4- Grand Slam

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I am totally not a baseball or softball fan but I do love sports. My oldest daughter is into drama, dance, and singing. My youngest daughter has gone from being an awesome gymnast to softball. I didn't think I would like it but it is fun. Her first game was very interesting and kept us on edge. She did really good to have never played sports before. The last play of the game all of the bases were filled and the score was tied at 3. My daughter stepped up to the plate and hit the ball way out in center outfield. (I hope I said it right. I did mention that this is not my favorite sport.) Everyone including her came home. Her team one 7 to 4.

How did this make me feel? GREAT!!! I am a very proud mother of both of my girls. I really enjoyed the game and I think it really boosted her confidence.

Wk1 - Comment 2 on classmates' blog

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Angela Alipour blogged:

“When push comes to shove the copy write laws are all about the money. Who can get the most money and how. What’s wrong with someone taking your work and creating something else out of it as long as they give you the credit for being the inspiration of their creation? Especially when they can make it better. If we can do this with text why not film and music? Don’t those people get paid enough? Actually I think that many of them get overpaid.One of the people that spoke in the video said that an artist needs copy write laws as an incentive to create. Yeah, right! When someone is creating they are not thinking about copy write laws. They are creating.

With the Fair Use law it’s good to know that there is a law that can cover your behind if you need it too. Of course it has to meet the criteria of critical comment, teaching, parody, and news reporting. Even under these circumstances one needs to be careful.

I was happy to know that Creative Commons is available for creators. The saying two brains are better than one is what came to mind when I saw this video. Sharing a personal idea or creation with another person can sometimes cause the other person to elaborate on that idea and the final result can be spectacular.

As I’ve been watching more and more videos about this I find that the music industry seems to have a real issue about copy writing. Wish I would have known about Creative Commons during the FSO music class.”

@ Angela

I like to share whatever I have. Personally if someone took my work and made it better then I am all for it. Eventually it makes me look good. I will also feel good knowing that I inspired someone else to create. Even though I understand why the laws are put into place, I don’t care for all of them. It is nice to know that they are there if needed.

WK1 - Comment 1 on classmates' blog

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Week 1- Blog Post 2

Sara Baker-Dykes blogged:

“The arguments and opinions regarding copyright issues could go on forever.  During his presentation at the TED conference, Larry Lessig painted a clear picture how parties on both sides of the “fair use” issue are not willing to compromise their stances.  In the meantime, our future, our children who are digital natives, have turned to piracy to create media and art by getting content off of the Internet. I understand the need for copyright laws and agree that the artists and owners should be compensated for their work.  However, when it comes to educating students, it’s a shame that the laws can’t be more forgiving seeing how instructors are making no profit from utilizing the content.  Students could be exposed to the new ideas and content that could help popularize the given content.”

@ Sara

I truly agree with you about the laws being a little more lenient when it comes to education. They are too complicated and there are too many to remember. Children don’t mean any harm. Let me change that to most. (LOL) There are so many things we as teachers can do with what’s out there. Sometimes students need a starting point, something to spark their interest.

WK1 - Copyright

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I knew copyright was an issue but I did not know it was this deep. I was really blown away by the issues it covers. Some of it I don't believe in. It seems that they should put music beats in the same bracket as you would names and titles. Beats, I think, are too common. I think it’s amazing how people sit and listen so hard that they can pull out beats and say "That's Mine!" But on another hand I understand it’s about the combination. It’s really weird. The legal aspect of being creative can be over the top sometimes. They take protection to a new level.

I personally don't like downloading music from the Internet. I still like going to the store to purchase music on CDs. That way I know for sure it belongs to me and I have a proven copy. I like how they have opened up new technology to do so but its risky. I also wondered, since downloads are so cheap are the artist still getting the money they feel they are due.