Thing 3: Uploading Photos

Sjerrie and Jessica, 2012

Jess, my best friend, and I enjoyed a summer trip to Galveston Island.  I took this picture because it was our first trip to the newly renovated Pleasure Pier. Look at our view from the top of the Ferris wheel.

Skeeters Game, 1st Visit

This picture was taken at Constellation Field during the inaugural season of the Sugar Land Skeeters.  The field is absolutely gorgeous and the stadium provides a rich, welcoming feeling for all patrons.  For me, baseball brings back childhood memories of playing second base for Kyle Chapman Little League.

Thing 2: Blogging

I remember when blogging became popular among my friends.  It was then that I created my first blog using Xanga.  With only a few personal posts, blogging made staying in touch with my out of town friends easier.  When social media websites, such as Myspace and Facebook, became increasingly popular is when our excitement for writing blogs and posting comments dwindled.  However, now that social media poses such a heightened risk for educational settings, the use of blogging seems to be making a comeback.

This tool can be set up in three steps by signing up, personalizing, and writing.  While creating the account for this class, I thought of several ways students can benefit from blogging.  As an  English Language Arts and Reading teacher, I want my students to have access to a variety of formal and informal writings, including an interactive class blog account.  Students would learn that reading is more than just text from a novel.  I would be able to encourage reading and free writes.  One major goal would be to maximize their written communication skills.

Thing 1: Lifelong Learning

I consider myself to be a lifelong learner. I enjoy reading and researching topics that interest me.  Formal studies prove that highly successful people commonly share 7 1/2 habits.  These habits include:

1. Begin with end in mind
2. Accept responsibility for you own learning
3. View problems as challenges
4. Have confidence in yourself as a competent, lifelong learner
5. Create your own learning toolkit
6. Use technology to your advantage
7. Teach and monitor others

And... most importantly 7 ½.  Play!

For me, the easiest habit is to "view problems as a challenge."  My mindset  is highly competitive.  Therefore, I enjoy finding new ways to excel and make it to the top.  If someone tells me something cannot be done, that drives my competitive spirit to find a way to accomplish any worthwhile task.

On the other hand, the hardest habit for me to accomplish is finding enough time to "play."  Sometimes it seems I take on too many roles (teacher, coach, student, mentor, bookkeeper, friend).  I am definitely the perfectionist, but sometimes my involvement in so many activities stretches my schedule a bit too thin.

As an educator, I strive to model my passion for lifelong learning.  I want to instill that same internal desire and passion for independent learning within my students.  One step toward that goal is a Learning Contract.

Thing 16: PhotoPeach and the Final Evaluation

1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?

I enjoyed searching for new tools to use in the learning environment.  One of my favorite tools is using YouTube and being able to create new videos to share.

2. How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?

This program has affected my lifelong learning goals by providing resources and ideas for independent learning and ongoing tools for students to use in the classroom.

3. Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?

Not really, but the success of this program has created a strong desire to continue learning new, innovative ways to use technology.

4. What could I do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?

I became tired of using the blog to display what I have learned, but I understand how it can be used in other environments.

Thing 15.5: Twitter

Twitter has never been a topic of interest to me. However, after creating an account, it is obvious that it has some benefits as well.

Thing 15: Things like Skype

Skype is most definately... one of

Thing 14: Podcasting and Bookmarking