Week 4 Comment - Nandi

Nandi's post:

Blame is an awful excuse that lets go of your ability to take responsibility for the set of events that are happening. The opposite of that is taking responsibility for what happens. Being the board itself is like being on the front line of any game. You have the power in your hand to transform any condition given to you. Should haves are common place in my life. I have been at the helm of my fault game for decades, unceasingly blaming myself for all shortcomings.

I think it was a great strategy to get Cora back into the orchestra. I am a director and know what its like when people don't show up for rehearsal. I have had to apologize for my frustrations to students. "You do not find compassion simply by listening to people; you open the channel by removing the barriers to tenderness within you." This quote is to die for because where always feeling that something will be taken away from us if we show compassion to others or show humility.

The story of the little bald girl was my story. Here it was that my hair had been very damaged so my father cut my hair down as low as a boys. Eventually I stopped wearing the scarf to school. All the children laughed at me but then they got over it and just asked me why was my hair so short. My teacher was bossy and she commanded that I remove my scarf. I knew that they would have taken it off during recess time anyway.

As far as leadership is concerned, the leader must be willing to understand what control is. It is not something that could kill the joy of living. The teens in the New England Conservatory stayed up all night because they were excited to be in Brazil. Now how do you control that inspiration. They didn't need a punishment for living it up in a foreign land. Mission statement is let's have fun. When talking about vision while looking at it in a possibility way, a vision does not contain no specifics of time, place, audience or product. A vision is freedom.

The beauty of life is to pass off the good energy to another. I think that happened when they sent their letters to NASA. They were inspired about the reason why they do what they do. You would think that such a huge organization wouldn't have the time to look at letters but they did and they were changed by reading them.

The We principle is only hard cause its so easy to get back into the ego. I for one can’t stop thinking about my problems that I face everyday let alone start thinking about the other person and how they may be negatively affected by my actions. But I will consider this practice as it will free me from being to consumed by myself.

My comment:

Nandi,

I too spend too much time blaming myself for shortcomings. Mostly this happens in my parenting. I always worry that I'm not there enough for my kids. It's a nagging guilt and regret that gets to me sometimes. Still though I think my kids understand, and I'm being careful to make special time for them, and to do a better job at listening.

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Week 4 Comment - Laura

Laura's Post:

During this week, I have had the opportunity to really put into effect some of the practices of this book as I have watched my mother-in-law rapidly decline in health and then pass away. We were all there and it was incredibly sad, but incredibly peaceful as we said goodbye. I have been actively trying to just be present in this moment, with all that it is. I have tried to help my children, who were very close to her- we are all a close family- to also be present and just be, whatever that means for each one. We have not gone to the games of regret or blame- we have simply been here. My presentation Tuesday was very rough and my children were sometimes loud or awkward at difficult times, and I found myself later saying- “How Fascinating!” It was so freeing to my soul to just experience what is right now and to give that to the others around us.

As I read through the rest of the chapters, I have decided to add this one thing more to my classroom- I plan on creating a class vision with the students. This will be my goal when we return from break, to create a place for the We that each student can identify with. I would like to help them reach for the possibility in other ways and teach them some of the principles as the year goes on. I will be rereading this book- and adding more each time.

On a side note of being- as I was writing this entry, I could see my four year old backing up to me while I typed. I quickly put up the computer so he could take his favorite place on my lap. It was glorious to bask in that quiet moment together.

My post:

Laura,

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. My grandmother passed away almost two years ago, and my children still talk about missing her. Each of my children chose things of hers that were special to them. This really helped them feel like they had their own little piece of her.

This book is one that I will definitely re-read. I really appreciated how the author seems to speak to each of us individually. I think that it was very thoughtful of our professor to give this to us at this point in the program as well.

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Week 4 Reading

Being the chess board for me is the delicate balance of "wearing many hats". I have many roles in my life. I am a head of household, a mother, a girlfriend, a coach, a teacher, a friend, a daughter, and probably other things to. Oh yes, and a student....soon to be a graduate! My life is definitely an ongoing game of strategy, but usually so long as I get enough sleep, I manage things quite successfully.

I especially liked the quote, "as the board, or the context in which life occurs to you, is to give yourself the power to transform your experience of any unwanted condition into one with which you care to live. It's so true! There are so many things in life that don't go as planned, and some of them can be pretty bad, but it is possible to find something good that comes from these situations.

I find that so many people refuse to accept responsibility for what goes on in their lives. Especially being a high-school teacher, I hear my students blame anyone and everyone but themselves. I try to teach kids to consider the consequences before they make choices, rather than afterward. I teach them to be accountable to themselves. It is always easier to blame someone else though.

The Art of Possibility is a read that reminds us of many things we already know, but forget while going through the daily grind. It's been good for me to be reminded. I'm sure my family will appreciate my reflection from reading this book. I'm a better person for it.

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Wk4 Publishing/Leadership project part 2 of 2: Exergaming in Physical Education

1. I have chosen to do a presentation, and would like to present at the E-Learn 2011 Conference in Honolulu, HI. More specifically, I will be submitting my presentation in the category for Tutorials/Workshops. I chose this category, because I think that many educators are still skeptical about how video games can be used for exercise. By providing a demonstration of the circuit and having people participate, they would be able to see what Exergaming has to offer to individuals or classes of students. This particular conference has a wide, multidisciplinary focus, including e-learning in in corporate, government, and healthcare communities. Although my AR project focus was on high school students, the Exergaming lab can be duplicated and adapted for any age or environment.

To visit the conference site, you may click on the link below.

http://www.aace.org/conf/elearn/

I also considered submitting a presentation proposal to AECT or Association for Educational Communications and Technology. The 2011 conference is in Jacksonville, FL which is close to home for me and easy to attend. This association is dedicated to improving teaching with technology. To access the AECT site, please click on the link below.

http://www.aect.org/default.asp

To view my presentation, please click on the following link:

Jerue_Julie_PublishingLeadership Project

The commentary for the project can be found at:

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B87ou5aVBwNnMGYyMzZiZGMtYzg3ZS00YjBjLTgyNDUtOGQ1NGVhZmVkMTMw&hl=en&authkey=CMu0jfkE

Week 3 Where to Go From Here

I really like the book that was chosen for this class. It provoked a lot of thoughts, some that I'm not ready to accept or that I necessarily wanted to think about. In all honesty, I didn't take the time to read all that was required. What I did read was inspiring and depressing, but the possibilities are up to me to embrace or ignore. Will I take what I have learned and pursue my dream, or will I except my fate and decide that it is too difficult to chase.

I know that my dream job is to work from home, to make a decent wage, to have the flexibility to travel more with my bicycle racing, and be more present in my children's lives. I want to create the learning platform for online education programs. Most specifically with Florida Virtual Schools as it is part of the same Florida Retirement System that I am already a part of. At least for the next three years until I am vested. The job openings are there, but they require experience with CSS, Photoshop, and other similar applications. I want to take additional classes, so that I am qualified to apply. This will come at a cost though, mostly to my children. At what point do I put my dreams aside to make sure they are receiving enough of my attention? This is a constant question I wrestle with. Hopefully the solution will become clear soon!

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Week 3 Comment 2 Katie Lovette

Katie's Post:

The Way Things Are: Sometimes settling for the way things are is a lowering of expectations, sometimes it’s finding a starting point so that one can make things better. Where are you in this continuum?

I don’t think we settle for the way things are, I believe we give in because it becomes too difficult to try to make things better. Sometimes we get lucky and a door will open that allows us to start something that will eventually lead to making it better.

Well I’m not always an optimist and I tend to let things stay if it’s too hard to change it. Where I work if I get the opportunity to change things I do or at least I hope on board with others to help in any way I can.

Giving Way to Passion: Control says that the only way to avoid disappointment and frustration is to not care at all. No hits, no runs, but most importantly, no errors. What are you doing in your daily life that expresses your passion or the things you are passionate about?

I teach and every day I get out of bed, dress, and drive out to the school with hopes that I inspire a student to fulfill his dreams. I want to watch them as the concept of storytelling hits them and they cannot wait to become the storyteller.

At home, I’m passionate about my family and pets. Each evening coming home is exciting. I know comfort and love is waiting. At the door our six dogs greet me as they do every member of the family and I’m thrilled to see each and every one of them. I pet and hug each one until their attention is drawn to something else. If it takes me 15 minutes to talk and pet each one, then it takes me fifteen minutes. I realize if I don’t do it today there may not be tomorrow. I don’t want to miss out on any of it.

Lighting a Spark. It’s not about us. It’s about them. What are you doing to pay-forward from your universe of possibility?

As teachers we’ve all had a teacher in our past that has inspired us in someway. The same goes for me. My inspiring teacher is my mentor today. Ella’s first semester teaching at the college was my first semester as a student there. Immediately she became a class favorite and although I had already been working in the business, she inspired me to branch out and try new areas.

Her inspiration has pushed me to hopefully inspire my students. Taking my cues from Ella, when a student complains he’s not smart enough or talented enough, I point out his strengths. I show him his productions and how well it is written or shot. If one struggles to get to class because they don’t have transportation, I tell them to turn an assignment in through email or online. I try to let them know that I will work it out with them. I try to pay forward the kindness and encourage my students as Ella encouraged and worked with us many years ago. And how she continues the same with her students today.

My comment:

Being involved in this program with Fullsail has been a whirlwind experience, but it has taken a considerable amount of time to fulfill the requirements. My children have paid the price. My daughter announced that she would be happy to go to my graduation, because then I would be allowed to play with them again. This made me feel so badly. This degree was important to me, but at what expense have I earned it? This goes back to the Duck or Cow, I guess. My children have learned that achieving things comes with some sacrifice. Since my daughter said that, I have made a conscious effort to stop what I am doing, and give the kids my full attention. I may not get another opportunity at that fifteen minutes!

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Week 3 - Comment 1 William Boswell

William's Post:

The reality of it all...

“Accepting things as they are” is not intended to be an exercise in complacency. As presented, it is simply intended for one to focus on what is real, rather than ignoring the truth of a given situation. Also, Zander does not intend for one to infer that the facts should dictate any particular course of action. One should not feel defeated simply because of his circumstances, but one also should not create an “alternate reality” in which his actions contradict his situation to the point of insanity. Choose the cliche you prefer: “play the cards you’re dealt,” “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade,” “you can’t make chicken salad out of chicken s%@t.” Our world is full of success stories that exist primarily because someone did not allow circumstances to prevent them from achieving their dreams. Don’t live with your head in the clouds, but don’t stuff it in the sand and ignore the possibilities.

My comment:

I feel the same way. Some of the best memories and opportunities in my life have come from situations that seemingly were not working out. It's been a "when one door closes, another door opens" kind of life. I hadn't thought of it all in terms of cliches until I read your post. It's funny how many there are for dealing with this topic.

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Week 3 Reading

I have to admit that for the majority of my life I have been the duck. I had the "The way things are stinks" attitude. The older I get though the more relaxed I have become. I am definitely not at the cow status, but I do not get upset by "rainy days" anymore. I have learned that getting upset over things we can not change does no good. There is almost always a way to make something good out of a bad situation; however, there are still times where you just have to shrug your shoulders and move on.

So many people get caught up in the routine of life, and don't strive to walk out on a limb once in a while. I am not advocating being irresponsible, but sometimes there are healthy risks worth taking. It does frustrate me when people won't even try. How will you know if you don't like something if you won't even try it. Most good things that have happened to me in life are because I was willing to try. I am raising my children to be willing to try new things, but to be informed and ask questions when necessary. I hope they grow into well-rounded young people as a result of the many experiences and opportunities I have exposed them to.

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Wk4 Publishing/Leadership project part 1 of 2: Exergaming in Physical Education

At first, I thought of this portion of the AR project as a thorn in my side. I am somewhat new to teaching and am still trying to figure out the best way to teach my curriculum in my classroom. The idea that I would have something to share at a regional level seemed over my head. I also was concerned that I would be targeting a very small number of people, since exergaming is still an emerging trend.

I think that I have decided to go with a presentation. I'm sure there are many physical education teachers out there that are struggling with implementing technology into their programs, and with getting their students to participate. I want to present my project and what I set out to do, and also how I was not successful, but came up with some alternative ideas for future use. There are very few schools, at this point that have exergaming facilities. This is due to cost and lack of space, but there are ways to create a program with only a limited budget and space.

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Week 2 - Reading

Rule #6.....

I find that each new faze in my life begins with becoming too caught up in the current one. Eventually something happens that is the last straw, and it is that straw that pushes me to take opportunities I've left on the back burner too long. You know what I'm talking about....all those good ideas that we know we should take, but continue trying to fight through things, taking it all way too seriously. This week's reading is a good reminder, especially as we draw this program to a close. Each of us has gained new skills that could advance us in our careers and make us more marketable. I have decided to continue after graduation taking additional classes to learn about web site development. I want to develop online curriculum. This is something I would never have dreamt of before this program. Now I believe it is within reach. This program has taught me that I am capable of so much more. It has taught me that even though my life hasn't gone according to the childhood dream, it is never too late to work toward a new dream.

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Week 2 - Comment 2 - Natalie Hill

I should have been informed about this phrase when I began this program. The phrase is “ Rule #6, don’t take yourself so seriously”, I have been guilty of this since I started this program. I have been so uptight about each subject because I didn’t know what to expect. My blood pressure have gone up tremendously.

Normally, I am the person who is telling people around me to smile everything is going to be ok but, lately that my caculating self has taken over. My mom asked me the other day why I get upset about things so quickly and I said stress. She replied, that’s not you and I said “I know”. Once again I let myself get wrapped up in the measurement world, scared of failure.

I’ve always been told admitting the problem is the first step to solving the problem. Now that I have admitted to being stressed I am going to follow “Rule #6” to the fulliest and finish this program to the end. Enjoy life and don’t let life take control of me.

Natalie,

My friend asked me the same thing the other day, and it made me realize that my "over-achiever" ways during this program have really taken a toll on my behavior. I will be happy to have them with me at graduation. It is so hard not to get caught up.http://www.flickr.com/photos/xfp/3728296417/

Week 2 - Wimba

This week's Wimba session was very informative on what was expected from us for each of the remaining assignments. I think I might have myself in a bit of a bind with the Literature Resources page on my AR site, because I don't have a saved copy of the original long list of sources. I feel good about being able to complete everything else though, and think I may get a head start on some of it.

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Week 2 - Comment 1

Shawn Fredrick’s Post:

Week 2 Commentary on Chapters 4-6

What I gathered from this weeks reading was that individuals are their own worst roadblocks to being successful and happy. Too often we are focused on what is required in our lives and loose track of the joy of life. The calculating-self figures out what it feels must be done in order to survive in the world and is accompanied by ego and pride, “top of the world!” What I am reminded of in the reading is that when we let the calculating-self rule our lives, we spend all of our time worrying about our survival. It is the central-self that looks beyond the need for survival in life to appreciate the journey along the way. I enjoyed the stories where the ego of the individual is put aside to let the talents and passions of others shine through. This is an excellent story for what it means to be a teacher. It is not about us showing the world how smart we are as instructors but rather the ability we have to allow our students shine.

As I get older I being to practice “Rule number 6” more often. For a number of years I was in a culture where the tasks at work took on the tone of seriousness that drained me to the point at which I dreaded going into work. I was let go from my previous employment and felt the weight of the wold lighten up. The issues that I felt were so dire at the time were gone and I had a new perspective on life. I choose a second career where I felt that I was able to contribute to a greater good and life was not so damn serious!

A short story about my grandfather and father who are now retired and travel together quite frequently. On their trips they regularly eat at out of the way dinners and make it a point to anonymously pick up the tab for someone at least one time every trip. They have found the pure joy in giving the gift without the need for gratitude. It’s funny how much acts of charity throw people for a loop, they make their contribution to add enjoyment to the lives around them. It would seem if the charity were a more common occurrence the world wold be a better place.

My comment to Shawn:

Shawn,

I agree that work can sometimes consume us the point of dreading waking up to it every morning. I was relieved after this week's reading. Life is too short to get caught up in it all. I'm happy you have found your niche in your career, and that things seem to be going well for you.

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Week 2 - AR Website

I am returning from a very brief LOA this month, and I am happy to say that I did use the two months of break to get some work done on my AR Project. The last time I listened to the Wimba session over what was expected during this course, I was thrust into immediate panic! This time around, I still have some work to do on my website, but I feel confident that I will be able to have everything excepted; hopefully without two many resubmits.