Wk 4 Comment- Stacie's blog

With privilege comes responsibility. As I read through chapter 10, “Being the Board,” I couldn’t let go of the previous phrase. Suddenly I feel like Rosamund and Benjamin Zander lost their minds and went into a euphoric, completely unrealistic state of thought and writing. If I step into my car, and enjoy the privilege of driving, I expect other drivers to do so as well. Of Course I am taking a risk that there are idiots out there who won’t comply, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be held accountable. I understand the author’s viewpoint is on removing the blame because it leaves us powerless, but their example was full of faulty reasoning. While many of his points were geared toward the act of mistakes in trivial moments, he seemed to mistake the power of a legal system and holding to a law abiding standard with blame. While obviously an accusation must occur in order for justice to be brought, for the person in the hospital who has just been rear ended, it would be ludicrous to think they wouldn’t want justice to be served. Otherwise the drunk driver would continue to get behind the wheel after drinking.

Ms. Woods' Exploration Station said...

Stacie,
Thank you! I couldn't put my finger on why I felt uncomfortable about these chapters, and I state it in my blog. This one statement made it all clear, "declaring yourself as your own God". When I make myself the board who is holding me accountable? I have no problem taking responsibility for my actions. However, I believe God has the final say.

Wk 4 Comment- Amanda's blog

Being responsible for everything that happens in your life. Many times when something happens in our lives we want to push the blame off on someone else but in reality we need to be responsible enough to take the good or bad that comes with everything that happens in our lives.

Ms. Woods' Exploration Station said...

Amanda, great insight on "making all the moves" when you become the board. It is still an area I am uncomfortable with, because that means when something "bad" happens I have to look at myself first.

Wk 4-Publishing

I wonder if we are allowed to choose any additional sites for possible publication. I say this because of the ones listed, there are only two sites that have a broad enough scope for my article to considered. I am thinking of publishing with the Journal of Educational Technology & Society or Edutopia. Both sites have enough flexibility that my article can fall under categories not specific to technology use. Although, I used technology in my action research, it was not the main focus of the research, which quickly eliminated many of the other possible sites for publication.

Wk 4 Reading Activity- Chapters 10-12

The concepts presented in chapters 10-12 were a bit harder for me to grasp. I get being a player in the game, or a contributor, but actually becoming the "board". Wow, that takes a real sense of letting go. I am uneasy even as I type this blog (recognizing the calculating self at work). I think it's because in order to become the board it requires a complete release. And to my calculating self I would be losing something, not sure what, yet still unsure about taking the risk. I'm kind of glad that there is something in this book that presents a challenge to me. I read the other chapters thinking, "I got this down packed" only to find out there's more to this thing than the initial steps. This phase is where true application takes place.

Wk 3- Free Choice

Bittersweet is the word that comes to mind. So much to do! Graduation slip, AR Status, Publishing, and let's add lesson plans, committee meetings, department chairs meetings, faculty meetings, and sponsor clubs. Something is wrong with the world when I am working in my classroom on a Saturday! I take it all in stride though. To whom much is given...

Why am I so grade obsessed? I just realized that I check FSO for grades entirely too much. I almost felt like my students when they ask about what grade they made on a test or project. I think this is one of the most random blogs I have posted since beginning this journey. It's probably do to my mind being in 400,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 places LOL! (I made a funny).

Wk 3 Comment- Abbie's blog

The reading for this week really hit home, because it talked about something I really have trouble with: Being present in the moment. I often find myself worrying about tomorrow or trying to change the past - when I need to let go of all the resistance in my mind and just be in the here and now. I know my life would be more stressfree if I could begin doing this in my day-to-day existence.

Ms. Woods' Exploration Station said...

Abbie,
I have to focus on being present as well. It is easy to get caught up in the next move instead of truly enjoying what is unfolding, be it positive or negative. Mistakes...how fascinating! lol

Wk 3 Comment-Stacie's blog

As I read this book, I have to shake my head and laugh. I’ve read these concepts before. They are beautiful and positive; just what a downtrodden, negative world needs to hear. Then it hits me. Oh ya…this is all biblical truth. Yes. These are biblical principals spoken throughout the bible by Jesus himself. Take for example the 4 practices for chapter 9, “Lighting a Spark.” Every one of these principles is about investing positive life into others.

Ms. Woods' Exploration Station said...

Stacie,
I enjoyed the discussion on downward spiral conversations and conversations of possibilities as well. It's about getting the spark back and keeping it light so that we can affect the world around us. Brings to mind the children's sunday school song "This Little Light of Mine".

Wk 3 Reading Activity- Chapters 7-9

In this world of competitiveness it is easy to fall into the trap of winner v. loser. I felt that forgiving someone was admitting that what they did was ok. I was one that had to make it known that I am right and you are wrong. This strategy was not particularly successful with my sister, especially because she was a stubborn as me. I soon realized that it took too much energy to walk around upset over petty things, even if I wasn't at fault (my calculating self). The lesson that popped out while reading these chapters illustrated that. Recognizing things as the way they are does not mean you are accepting of the situation; you just look at the situation for what it is. I truly appreciated the part on distinguishing downward spiral conversations and conversations of possibility.

Wk 2 Free Choice

What happens after graduation? I have a strong feeling I'm going to miss the hectic pace of having a new course every month and not knowing what to expect from the instructor. I have an uncontrollable drive to make a bigger impact than I have ever in my life. Attending Full Sail has awakened a determination and confidence that I knew was there, but hesitated to indulge. I feel as though I should shout from a mountain top, "LOOK OUT, HERE I COME!" I am a ball of excitement, nervousness, and relief all in one.

Wk 2 Reading Chapters 3-6

I must admit reading chapters 3-6 reminded me of what I already do. The main thing that stood out during this reading was the Rule Number 6. I am pleased that I started incorporating this rule shortly after finishing the first semester of undergraduate. After being stressed out about finals and taking EVERYTHING entirely too seriously, I went on Christmas break with a new determination that I would never put myself through that type of torture again. In essence life is too short. I believe this attitude is one reason why the science department, which I chair, is one of the most "drama-free" departments in my school. I'm glad to know I'm on the right track.

Wk 2 Comment - Quinn Brown

Success and failure is hard concept that not even I have mastered. I am far from it. As a student in school I knew the feeling of success and I stressed myself out to remain successful. I should have seen my success and my accomplishments as a chance to think outside of the box or take a risk. However, I saw it as a trap. I think that students are not able to escape the rules that have been set for the game of failure and success. In school students often see success and failure in a black and white perspective. They never see it in shades of grey, which they should. They don’t see the room they have to improve. They box themselves up in a failure or successful category. Zander & Zander (2000) mention contribution in Chapter 1. In the classroom students should contribute what they can to the overall learning experience. Contribution will turn into growth and growth will eventually turn into success.

Shanna Woods

Quinn,
I feel you on the not mastering success and failure. Imagine getting the first C (in my life) in grad school. Yeah, it was month 2! I realize now that I was not a contributor yet. And I almost allowed that feeling to defeat me to the point of thinking about leaving the EMDT program. So, glad I didn't. And a healthy dose of Rule Number 6 didn't hurt.

Wk 2 Comment- Thourn Heng

To answer this question from the reading, we need to give the people we teach, coach, lead, and/or conduct a voice. Good leaders are good listeners who are not afraid to admit when they are at fault. When followers see that their leader is not too proud to admit when they are wrong, they see the humility of that leader. A humble leader is not always directing his or her subordinates. He or she must also be a good listener and give their followers a chance to express what they observe through their eyes. Keeping an open mind is what keeps a good leader from being clouded by the things they experience and perceive. Also, good leaders let someone else shine a different light on the same situation.

Ms. Woods' Exploration Station said...

Everyone has a need to feel validated and valued whether they speak up about it or not. It is easy for the "big wigs" to look down on those they supervise which causes undesired tension. This tension can be alleviated if we get rid of the big I, little u syndrome.

Wk 1- Free Choice

Month 11 Expectations

I can't believe I'm in month 11 already. It seems as though I was just enrolling in Full Sail University a few weeks ago. Now I'm looking forward to graduation. This month I am feeling more pressure than I have felt the entire time I have been in the program. I guess it's because now I'm really down to the wire. This month will be focused on accurately populating my AR website. With the hustle and bustle of months past it's easy to get behind. I am determined to get this thing right. I will not accept any hold ups on graduation. My eyes are on the finish line. October 1, 2010 HERE I COME!

Wk 1 Comment- Pedro

I must confess, at first I was really reluctant to read the book. I was stuck in a dilemma of whether to skim or read. I am so glad I decided to read; The Art of Possibility, really is an art. As I was reading this book I was confused, amused and enlighten all at once.

Ms. Woods' Exploration Station said...

I completely understand your reluctance to reading the book. Surprisingly, I was impressed with the reading as well. It's funny how we put limits on ourselves without realizing that we have.

Link to Pedro's blog: vote4pedro2ice.blogspot.com

Wk 1 Comment- Thourn Heng

My thoughts and actions are a reflection of the measurement world because I grew up very competitive. For example, what is the grade that every student wants to earn because it is the highest grade? Of course you already know the answer. We grow in a world where intelligence is measured by numbers (percentage) and richness is measured by accumulation of “stuff.” (I am referring to stuff as property, money, cars, etc.) It is very hard to step out of the competitive educational expectation, because it is “all invented” for us to be aggressive and competitive by nature.

Ms. Woods' Exploration Station said...

Thourn, I think it's second nature for us (humans) to measure ourselves against one another. However, this is unfair to those who do not perform at our level. This strategy also backfires whenever someone out performs us. I agree with Lizzie in that we as educators have to find other ways to measure success.

Link to Thourn's blog: coach2win-macblog.blogspot.com

Wk1 Reading- The Art of Possibility Ch.1-3

Reading chapters 1-3 of The Art of Possibility produced a variety of emotions. I did not realize how much I look at the world with preconceived ideas. It is difficult to let go of that mind set. If I am not measuring myself against my classmates in this EMDT program, then I'm measuring my students against standards that I have set that I believe they should achieve. I have found that I have an imaginary measuring stick and I use it in all aspects of my life, not to exclude church. Yes, I said church. If someone sings a song and gets a rousing reaction, then I have to top that. I am constantly reminding myself that I am not "So and So". I do not have to do things like or better than them. The funny thing is, I tell my students not to judge themselves according to what someone else does or thinks, and I do it.

I was very impressed with "giving an A". I understand the concept of taking the limits off. However, there is a thin line between unleashing potential and encouraging mediocrity. This concept is a very powerful one when used correctly. It falls in line with the motto for my classroom: Each day is a new one, so let's begin again. Fear of past failures seem to cripple some, while opening up a new door for others. I am encouraged to look at failures and disappointments as not being negative, but as a learning tool.

Wk 4 Project- Future Report

The future of LMS

Wk 4 Udutu Project

My experience with Udutu was interesting. I found using the basic screens worked better for me. After much trial and error and accidental deletions I was finally able to produce a project that I am pleased with. My Udutu project teaches the layers of the atmosphere. It is geared towards my lower functioning special needs students. I was pleased with being able to upload a previously created Flash project. The simple formatting contributed to a less stressful experience.

Here is the link to my Udutu Project:

http://publish.myudutu.com/published/launcheval/21562/Course39276/Launch.html

Wk 4 Comment-Sarah's Udutu project

Here is the link to my comment on Sarah's Udutu Project:

http://web.me.com/sarahmhodge/LMO_Month10/Welcome.html

Sarah, I enjoyed viewing your project. The upbeat section was my favorite. I liked how you interjected an assessment early in the project. Great job!

Wk 4 Comment- Quinn's Udutu project

Here is the link to my comment on Quinn's Udutu project

http://web.me.com/qlbrown/LMO_10/Week_4/Entries/2010/7/30_Wk4_Udutu_Project.html

SHANNA WOODS

Quinn, wonderful job supporting your Action Research project. I stated before that I am glad you have been able to use social networks to get the word out about dance. The benefits are endless, you never know who you're able to reach.

Wk 4 Comment-Thourn's Udutu

Here is the link to my comment on Thourn's Udutu project:

http://coach2win-lmoblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/wk4-udutu-project.html

Ms. Woods' Exploration Station said...

Thourn, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for your Udutu Geometry lesson. I will definitely be subscribing. Your teaching style is easy to understand. If I had you for a teacher in high school I probably wouldn't feel the way I do about math. I was so excited to get them correct.