Have you ever been faced with a situation that presents a challenge to you?? Of course you have, we face them all the time. But what do you do when you don't know what to do?? You tell yourself--"I can fly"!!!
Inside each of us dwells the knowledge and power to change our worlds. Find the motivation that you need to address the challenge; whether it's a new school, family issues, or a new job. There is a quote that says, "Only the strong survive"; I believe that is so. Instead of letting the problem that you're facing overwhelm you-- look within yourself and find the strength to tackle that mountain.
Next, find resources that can help you to meet the challenge: people, ideas, seminars, websites and more. Sometimes success depends on how willing you are or how hungry for success you are. Resources can be as simple as people that can help you or connect you to those who can. In order to "fly" you will definitely have to leave your comfort zone. Don't be afraid to try!! The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Find a role model that you can emulate. Above all else, if you have a dream, don't let it die because you neglect it or are too afraid of the altitude.
Sometimes you might need to change your associations. Turkey and eagles don't run in the same pack. Flying requires vision. If you can see it, you can achieve it. The sky is the limit. In my church, we are taught, "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me." Develop an "I can" attitude. When you change your attitude, you change your altitude.
Once you learn to fly, you won't be afraid to try again. You're not alone--just try and then you, too, can say "I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky- spread my wings and fly away. I believe I can soar! I see me running through that open door, I CAN FLY"
Sunday, December 2, 2007
End of Part 2 Blog
Wow!! What an incredible journey it has been navigating through the streams of an Online Class. The second half of the journey has been just as unique as the first half. It has challenged, prodded, pushed, and led me to explore new worlds. I approached these new worlds with a bit of trepidation! Even as a 21st Century instructor, supposedly on the cutting edge, I was encouraged by my wonderful teacher and group member to rise to the occasion to expand my knowledge base. I couldn't have done it without you guys!! So, before I began to share, let me thank you!! Thank you from bottom of my heart!!
We started with digital portfolios. I had actually created something similar to this on my job. But what I learned caused me to go deeper into possibilities. I remember so vividly the discussions from this subject. We expressed our concerns on communicating on this new level with so much theft identity. However, we were assured by our teacher and others, that our identities were safe. The E-portfolio had many interesting websites and examples for us to emulate. This assignment was very interesting.
Next, we explored the learning theories. How do we learn? That is a good question that requires a good teacher to know how to address the different styles of learners. You can not effectively teach f2f or online if you don't understand how a student learns. These tools equip us to reach the little candle of knowledge within each student causing it to burst into a brighter flame.
We explored three approaches: Cognitivism, Behaviorism and Constructivism. We revisited the various theorists of these learning styles. Each has something to offer. My favorite is Gardner. I truly believe in the Multiple Intelligences. By the same token, I know that Vygotsky and Skinner have merit also. As I said in the discussion, the successful teacher studies her students to find out the learning style they conform to and then builds on that while encouraging the student to explore other methods. There is no right or wrong learning style.
Interestingly enough, the learning style of the instructor is critical. On my job we did a 4-Mat training for ourselves to discover our learning strengths and weakness. We then gave the same survey to students. The purpose was to know what we were facing and to build, again, upon what the students brought to the table. Of course, that's in a f2f situation. As an online instructor, you must prepare for all learning styles, without the benefit of body language helping you to understand or give you feedback. You miss out on physical feedback, but you must capitalize on what the student sends back to you.
Another assignment we had was to create a Wiki page as a group assignment. I had not ever created a blog, until this class. I most certainly hadn't create a Wiki!-:) I had seen these things in the news and on websites, but I had no clue how to "create" such a technologically involved component, capable of enhancing learning. I'm happy to say that I'm no longer a spectator, I'm a participator.
I found very quickly that all I needed to do was look at what was presented, read the instructions and expand my horizons. It was quite easy. The assignment in this second half came together just as fluidly as it did for the first group assignment. The information superhighway is full of educational websites and resources to attract the attention of any type of learner that you have.
As we're coming to a close on the second half, I can honestly say that I have been empowered with knowledge. Not just for myself, but for the children that come to me on a daily basis seeking guidance in their quest for knowledge. With the doors of opportunity opened for me, I can show them new and exciting ways to learn. And in the end, that's my goal- to impart knowledge.
We started with digital portfolios. I had actually created something similar to this on my job. But what I learned caused me to go deeper into possibilities. I remember so vividly the discussions from this subject. We expressed our concerns on communicating on this new level with so much theft identity. However, we were assured by our teacher and others, that our identities were safe. The E-portfolio had many interesting websites and examples for us to emulate. This assignment was very interesting.
Next, we explored the learning theories. How do we learn? That is a good question that requires a good teacher to know how to address the different styles of learners. You can not effectively teach f2f or online if you don't understand how a student learns. These tools equip us to reach the little candle of knowledge within each student causing it to burst into a brighter flame.
We explored three approaches: Cognitivism, Behaviorism and Constructivism. We revisited the various theorists of these learning styles. Each has something to offer. My favorite is Gardner. I truly believe in the Multiple Intelligences. By the same token, I know that Vygotsky and Skinner have merit also. As I said in the discussion, the successful teacher studies her students to find out the learning style they conform to and then builds on that while encouraging the student to explore other methods. There is no right or wrong learning style.
Interestingly enough, the learning style of the instructor is critical. On my job we did a 4-Mat training for ourselves to discover our learning strengths and weakness. We then gave the same survey to students. The purpose was to know what we were facing and to build, again, upon what the students brought to the table. Of course, that's in a f2f situation. As an online instructor, you must prepare for all learning styles, without the benefit of body language helping you to understand or give you feedback. You miss out on physical feedback, but you must capitalize on what the student sends back to you.
Another assignment we had was to create a Wiki page as a group assignment. I had not ever created a blog, until this class. I most certainly hadn't create a Wiki!-:) I had seen these things in the news and on websites, but I had no clue how to "create" such a technologically involved component, capable of enhancing learning. I'm happy to say that I'm no longer a spectator, I'm a participator.
I found very quickly that all I needed to do was look at what was presented, read the instructions and expand my horizons. It was quite easy. The assignment in this second half came together just as fluidly as it did for the first group assignment. The information superhighway is full of educational websites and resources to attract the attention of any type of learner that you have.
As we're coming to a close on the second half, I can honestly say that I have been empowered with knowledge. Not just for myself, but for the children that come to me on a daily basis seeking guidance in their quest for knowledge. With the doors of opportunity opened for me, I can show them new and exciting ways to learn. And in the end, that's my goal- to impart knowledge.
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