Week 4: Comment to Melissia

www.ncreading.org

I am excited about the possibility of submitting my project for publishing or presenting at a conference. I never envisioned the possibility of submitting but now the possibilities for my life and things to accomplish are as big as I can imagine them to be.

I am very interested in the possibility of presenting at the North Carolina Reading Conference. I think presenting to colleagues in my state and having communication with fellow educators would be so powerful for me. I am not the best presenter but I feel as if teachers knew more about the forms of technology available to them and understood that it doesn’t take much to learn how to use it and incorporate within your classroom would enhance the level of instruction.

The problem is there are so many Web 2.0 Tools available teachers get overwhelmed. Teachers should be exposed to a few tools and then select one or two and work hard at implementing them and empowering their students. Teachers don’t have to know everything, but be knowledgeable about a few things that work for them and their teaching styles.

I am also interested in contacting the Journal of Research on Technology in Education, Learning & Leading in Technology, Journal of Educational Technology & Society, and Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education. The journals all seem interesting and definitely deal with teaching and technology. I don’t know where I will ultimately submit, but the process will occur.

Melissa,

I could relate to your enthusiastic journey.  I never thought of myself publishing anything to a conference or organization.  But, I agree by doing this it will elevate us to higher goal and accomplishment. I am not the best presenter either, but I do know practice makes perfect.  I believe you will do great at that conference and just remember the old rule when presenting, pretend they are your students and how you are able to connect with them.  If you keep that in mind you will do just fine. Good luck, and I hope you keep your followers updated.

Week 4 Comment to Michael Chapple

Michael Chapple Logo

My project centers on social learning and how it can be implemented into classroom technology. The society of today revolves around social media and students from elementary to high school use such tools as Facebook, Twitter, and other sites on a daily basis.  With those types of tools being used by students it would be a great resource to turn those social media tools into social learning tools for education purposes. 

I have decided to present my research in the form of an article. After some research and pondering my two choices for journals to attempt to be published in are Edutopia and iste. There were many sites that cater to education and the use of technology, but I found these two choices to be the most appropriate for my article and me.

I said ….
Your research is an excellent idea to use in the school system. As a parent, I cannot count how many times I got a call from the principal office complaining that my child was caught with their cell phone. Although I do support the schools policy and am still torn about my kids having their cell phone on them when they walk to and from the school to let me know if they are okay. By implementing this project in the school system will be a win-win situation. Teachers will no longer be interrupting in their class for a student using their cellphone and parents don't have to worry about their child walking home. However, I will suggest if their could be a parental control insult so the students can not use their phone in class other then education purpose.

Wk4 Publishing/Leadership project part 2 of 2:Think Out Loud Post Two

Originally, there were two chosen sites I wanted to present my article to it was Edutopia and International Society for Technology in Education (iste), but after a intensive search I found National Education Association (NEA) would be a better choice for me.  Edutopia is still my second choice because it carries some of the same characteristic of NEA. 

http://www.nea.org

NEA mission is to help improve Public Schools for every student.  They believe every student in America, regardless of their background, deserves a quality education.  In my first blog about helping Detroit Public School to upgrade his or her media center, I mention every student should equally be knowledge on his or her education.  NEA also believe individuals are strengthened when they work together for the common good.  I feel strongly if parents, educators, and community work together then we will build a stronger foundation for our children.  I believe NEA open up the doors to fresh ideas to add on their existence philosophy.  My research could be an asset to this organization to help improve the on going dilemma that prohibits the increase of parent involvement.

http://www.edutopia.org

With out a doubt Edutopia would always be my choice to present.  Over a year I became a member to this organization because of the informative data the present to their audience.  As a parent I could continuously educate myself with the latest Social & Emotional Learning, Teacher Development, Technology Integration and Comprehensive Assessment.  They have multimedia collections for their audiences to view, but most importantly they acknowledge parent involvement is declining worse year after year.  With my research, I believe it is a stepping-stone to help find the root cause on why parent involvement is declining and perhaps we could find solutions to help solve the problem.

Wk4 Publishing/Leadership project part 1 of 2:Think Out Loud Post One

http://www.wordle.net/create

My project is on parental involvement in the school.  It is a know fact parent involvement is a vital need for students to achieve higher academics, but I am not so sure all parents are aware of it.  In fact, I am not sure everyone agrees with what is the meaning of parent involvement?  Communication is the key to eliminate the misinterpretation of the meaning of parent involvement as well as seek out reasons, which interfere with parents not actively, involve with their child's education.  With this knowledge it will allow educators, administrators, and other support groups to seek out solutions to help parents in need so they could be more productive in helping their child to achieve higher academically.

I have decided to present my research as an article.  After gathering feedback from parents and teachers I found there were two points of views (parents versus teacher) that needs to be cleared up.  Presenting an article will give both groups an opportunity to read and understand how each other feels in hopes of connecting them together so both groups could better serve the children. 

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Wk4 Publishing Leadership Project

Hmm… I want to present my work as a presentation because that would be better for me, but I am always challenging my children to push a little more so I need to follow my own advice and do an article.  I am a little nervous but I need to remember Rule Number 6: stop taking myself so seriously!

The two sites I chose to present my article are Edutopia (www.edutopia.org) and iste (http://center.uoregon.edu/ISTE/2010/program/).  Both seem to be more opening minded and inviting to new members.

Week 4: Chapter Reading 9-12

Enrollment, according to the author in Art of Possibilities, it is not forcing, bargaining, or tricking someone to get your way.  It is the art and practices of generating spark to share.  I remember at a career seminar I attended there was homework giving for each student to go out that day to a idea company they would like to work for and asked to speak with the hiring manager.  We were instructed to tell them our purpose was not to ask for a job, but to interview them to see what type a candidate they are looking for to hire.  At first I was scared, but after asking the questions I became more relaxed and the hiring manager seen that in me. A the end of the interview I was given constructive criticism that helped me.  Like the father who dressed in his three-piece suit to met with a man to conduct business in person, sometimes you must face in person to impress the mind of others.

Just a Thought for the Day

Last weekend my daughter had an opportunity to audition for Disney show.  While listen to the rules from the scout agency, I sat there wondering...wow there are kids ages 6 on up sitting here in this room hanging on to every word the scout was saying.  In my mind, I took that same group of kids and place them in the auditorium of a school and perhaps a teacher or administrator stood before the crowd and spoke how would the attention of those kids be toward that speaker? 

It is interesting to see when a child want something they will listen to the rules, but when it come to something they feel it is force upon them they would mischievously behave.    

Response to Sonni-ology

Its hard to get in front of the 8 ball when you start out behind.  I heard the phrase while watching television this week (a rare thing since I started school).  This statement made me think about my students.  They are from low-income families, some live on Medicaid, or from paycheck to paycheck.  They do not have the luxuries of computers or other technological gadgets.  But, I believe and feel that just because my student’s are not middle and upper class, does not mean that they have to have an underclass education.  I believe a teacher that I give my students everything I have to offer that being financially or bring my personal technical devices that I allow my students to use. By doing this I feel that my student may be beside the eight ball or in front of it, but I am determine to ensure that they are not behind that eight ball.

Response

Sonni, I think that is most beautiful thing you are doing for your kids. I often think about the city school here in my state and how that has little knowledge in technology. At the beginning of my Action Research I wanted to make a difference on helping those students to be at the side of the eight ball, but unfortunately I do not know who to talk to so I can help. It is good to here someone else is able to do something that I wish I could do.

Response to Veronica

Veronica Santo

The Rule Number 6 can help us distinguish (and hold at some remove) the part of ourselves that developed in the competitive environment of the “measurement world”. For the sake of discussion, we’ll call it calculating self. (p81-Art of Possibilities). According to the author this rule tells us to not to take the things so seriously. We have to live our life happy and with love. And enjoy every step of our life. We have to bring humor to our life. Laugh, laugh and laugh. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. According to Helpguide.org, Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. And the best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free and easy to use.

Response

Veronica it takes more muscles to frown than smiling.  I agree we people laugh more they relax more.  I love Rule Number 6 so much I read that insert from the book to several people.  Each time everyone laughs and admit the rule has truth to it.

Week 3 blog: Reading Chapter 5-8

I remember when one of my daughter's was around five years old. She looked at me and said she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up.  I was so happy to hear her say those words.  I knew what I needed to do to help her fulfilled her dreams.  However, that fairytale never came true because one of her lovely teacher cast a dark shadow over my daughter's head and told her "if you become a doctor then everyone will die!"  My daughter never told me what that teacher said until years later for the fear of what I may have done.  In the book of The Art of Possibility it talked about a child is an exquisite attention-getting device.  (p. 82).  A child relies on strong leadership to help children to discover who they are and achieve their goals.  However, when that leaders or role models shatter a child’s dreams it affects them.  In adulthood, unless the child has a strong will, they grow up not fulfilling their goals and live their life in a box.  I like the Rule Number 6 “Don’t take yourself so seriously” because I spent most of my life trying to fit in or live my life to someone else expectation. During my undergraduate days I tried to be an overachiever and constantly let myself down.  I had to do a calculating self and ask myself “Why am I not aiming for my goal and what can I do to change this problem?” Once I stop taking life so seriously that’s when I was able to aim for my goal without stressing myself out.  I changed the way I thought of myself from the scarfs of my childhood life and realizing only I control my path.

Remark about Alicia's (Queen) blog WK2

Hey Y’all

“The frog’s perceives only that which fits into its hardwire categories of perception. “ Change your perception and you will change you attitude.

The opportunity of thinking out of the box is what is discussed in the first chapter of the book The Art of Possibility.  Putting into my personal perspective when I think of my life I have to think of first what defines the “box” that I have to think out of.  It is my family, friends and the expectations that I put on my self.  Am I content with the status quo or do I want to “rock the boat” and push the lines of expectations? 

I have to admit at times the opportunity to draw outside the lines was a lot easier when you did not have the “responsibilities” of life. If I am honest I have to admit I am a person who does not work well with in the lines.  My personal ways of confrontation and subtle even at this stage of my life.

It is funny when I look at my son’s humor I see my old way and I am reminded of my previous rebellion, as well as the parameters that were put on me as a young girl at his age.  (Girls can’t, Our religion does not, we can’t afford)  Now, I look at him and I wan him to believe to think out of the box and that the sky is the limit.  I want him to taste everything and then decide what is not good for him. 

Last year at this time we were preparing for a trip to Egypt, the opportunity to see another culture excited me and the opportunity to share that with my son was extra special.  The days that we spent in Egypt I learned more about my self and my son than I ever expected.  The culture opened our eyes to a different perception of the World.

The trip allowed me to look at the world in a different perspective, see experience a different philosophy of living and the concept of family. Based on the reading it gave me the ability to answer some life questions.

Response

Alicia I can relate to what you are saying.  I never was a person that thought inside the box.  That was why I became an artist.  When I was little my mother use to introduced me as her backwards child.   Everything I did was different from what I was told to do and it drove my mother crazy.  She thought I had a disorder problem...nope I was just stubborn.

Regina’s Week 2 BP#4 Reading

How will I be a contribution today?
I try to enter the doors of our school with a smile and a good morning as I stroll through the halls passing students thinking to myself “It’s going to be a great day!” I try to assist the parents and students as much as possible. I always keep in mind that we have them for the majority of the day and for some this is a safe haven, some are caring the weight of the world on them at such a young age, and as Tricia mention “We need to give them the benefit of a doubt.” It is such a great feeling when you reach at least one and he or she comes back to visit and say, “Thank you for always being there and believing in me.” He then goes to our conference room to speak to a small group of students about his college life. This is my daily contribution.

Response

Just a simply thing such as warm smile opening up the doors to a positive atmosphere.  I try to make it a habit to smile at everyone just to show I have a kind heart and the make them feel comfortable around me.  You never now what type of day that person had some a warm smile is a good way to start the day. 

Week 2 Comment to Elaine Scott

This eBook is right on time for where I am in my life at this very moment. As a musician with a passion for music, desire to excel, with the ability to love what others do and learn from them, this book was meant for me to read. The mission of the book seems to be about creating values and direction for others. I love the metaphors of music and arts Zanders used to describe life and how we deal or don’t deal with it.

I have lived “out of the boat”. I had allowed life and others to not only get me off track but as the authors stated, I didn’t even know where the track was anymore. Truth is I am just now finding my way back. I would not have thought to think of this life I live as an invention that I could change. Sure I knew all the clichés about “working hard”, “never giving up”, “hanging in there”, and “if it won’t kill you it will make you stronger.” Hell then I outta be SuperWoman by now! But to think in terms of “it’s all invented” makes sense to me. I am already doing it. The moment I decided to start my Masters after losing my job and house I re-invented my wheel to turn into another pathway. Sure I didn’t know if it would work or if the wheel would take me anywhere but I made the wheel anyway and here I am riding a month before the finish line of graduating with a Masters degree.

It is a difficult place for the mind to “define and confine” (p.14) our perceptions. I guess this is where the term “thinking outside the box” fits perfectly. So in my measurement of the world I set the goal to be in a better place than I was before and being at Full Sail University helps me strive towards that goal. In my Universe of Possibilities (p.21) I set the framework or maybe I have to change it, do the necessary actions it takes to succeed, change my mindset (I am still working on that), and let life and my Creator take care of the rest.

The Zanders described my entire philosophy on how I treat the people I meet in this world. As much as I am struggling to find my place in life and within myself I absolutely love supporting others to achieve and I make a point to give out all the 'A's" I can. I feel like the last of the Mohicans in that respect for most people today are so hard and unloving. Yes there was a time when it was okay to be more than cordial to a friend, co-worker, or even family member. You actually loved each other. Not so much today. People think I am crazy when I get too expressive. I don’t try to measure others I just respect and love them and hopefully, I get the same in return.

I don’t have much to give but what I do offer to others is my undying love, faith, blessings, kindness, and a smile - Sincerely. Sometimes it’s hard to do but in order for me to get where I am going without the guilt of walking over someone to get there. I find it easier to take a moment, stop, and just help them up. Oh sure, today you have to be cautious because there are people who may take advantage but with an open heart and both eyes wide open, kindness usually prevails over everything else. I had no plans on teaching and have never filled that position as a career. What I find myself doing as a contribution to this world is working with the at-risk youth and any young adult that wants to be better. I love them up and show them an old –fashion, traditional type of care and most times they listen and turn out all right.

Benjamin and Rosamund Zanders eloquently suggest in summary that if we just take the everyday challenges, step outside the box, give ourselves and others an ‘A’ in life, and keep a purposeful perception of how we deal with life we will always find ways to approach these challenges with a universe of possibilities.

Response

One of my famous lines I use is "I goin’ to be me and there is no one goin’ to make me feel bad for what I believe in!"  If I got a penny for every time someone steer me in the wrong direction I would be rich right now.  You are right! This book was not just a book to read for class, I considered it being a soul-searching book that helps you to re-think on how you pursue life.  Often we get off track of our goals and we do get blind-sided, but until we recognized we are responsible for our own actions there will be no growth in our life

Week 2 blog: Reading on Chapter 1-4

All rights reserved by jonglundberg

There’s an old saying “You are what you think you are” in other words, if you think you are a failure then you are a failure, if you believe you are a achiever then you are an achiever.  It’s what you believe, which controls the destiny of your life. 

At the beginning of chapter one reading it used the example of a shoe factory sending out two of the scouts to examine the country of Africa.  Both viewed the same thing “no one wears shoes”, but each one of them had a different report.  One scout thought it was hopeless and the other felt it was a great opportunity.  Same situation, however, the perspective of each scout was different.

Last week I went to a “Get Motivated” seminar. There were a platform of several famous people all sharing their story on what the problem was, how they felt, and what did they did to get motivated. There were a few speakers talked about their drought moment. They felt discourage, angry, and in some cases suicidal, but some how they made a connection to God. In each case, there was a force from up above, using surrounding people as a vessel to encourage each speaker to lift their spirit up and stop dwelling on their own sorrows and realize there were others who suffered too. Although there were many speakers the one that stood out the most to me was John Walsh’s story.

For those of you who do not know John Walsh, he was the man whose son, Adam, was adducted and killed at a young age.  From that incident John and through the help of his wife and friends created American Most Wanted show.  John told the audience how he felt after hearing his son was murdered.  His wife who was devastated as well was in the garage reading bundles of letters they received from other parents who shared the same pain. Meanwhile, John was sitting in his living room entertaining thoughts about killing him.  Later, with the help of a pathologist doctor he changed his way of thinking and created the show.  The point I wanted to draw out was the fact although both John and his wife shared the same devastating news, it was their son who was murdered, the wife put her anger into reading letters of other victims and had the passion to help, whereas, at time John was only thinking of himself. 

What if John commented suicide what would have happen to his wife, friends, or would there be an American Most Wanted show?  I was always told God send angels to help you through you tough time, in John’s case, that pathologist doctor was his angel.  Because of his angel, John show was a success in capturing many other criminals as well as helping others find closure. I believe, you can change a bad situation into something positive and truly will be blessed as long as you change your perspective into positive energy.