Week 3 Random post...moving out, on, up?

I must say the media project is on the backburner for now as my life has been consumed this past week with moving from my cabin in the woods to an apartment in the city. I have spent the last 16 years here in the place I designed, helped build, landscaped, painted, plowed, chainsawed, sanded and adore. To say that it has been difficult to say good bye is an understatement of epic proportions. Of course I (and many others) tell myself that change is good, healthy, and essential for new growth. Yes I know this in my head, but my heart is stuck on my porch swing checking out the wildlife and change of seasons as I have for what seems like a lifetime. Thinking positively, I was lucky to have been able to sell it, and to people I know and am convinced will care for it as much as I have over the years. My final cabin day is this Wednesday, and then good bye to a very large part of me. I do realize that it really isn't me as my essence, creativity and love of nature, will follow me wherever I go, to the city or to my next cabin 10 years from now. What makes you you is inside, and I can rest easy knowing that I have lived up to Thoreau's quote about taking care of a patch of land, and also helping make my students lives a bit easier to in the years I spent teaching in the area. Thanks for the memories, time to create some more. gls

Week 3 reactions Christine Phipps

Christine

This past Wednesday I presented my media project to fellow teachers to show them what I have been doing in my classroom and learning through this program. I used a powerpoint to show to outline my presentation and just presented many ideas they can incorporate into their classroom.

I along with many people love technology when it works and unfortunately we had some issues during this presentation! It was pretty frustrating! The major problem was that my desktop/PC is the only computer hooked up to my projector in my classroom. So I had to take everything from my mac, make sure it was compatible with my PC, and check everything on the PC. Well somewhere in this process unbenounced to me my wireless internet was unplugged at the same time. So during my presentation the live links I had to support my presentation would not work. I took some time to reconnect the internet and start over but it was kind of embarrassing doing a presentation on the benefits of using technology in the classroom and it completely falling apart!

Beside the technology meltdown the presentation went over well and many of the teachers wanted more information about a few sources I provided. I really hope to motivate at least one teacher to start using more technology in the classroom!

Greg
Thanks for sharing your adventure. Sorry you had to spend all that time and stress to transfer only to have it go astray, though am sure the viewers appreciated your sharing and hope they were encouraged to give it a try. It also shows that the world does not end when thing we have planned go differently than we had imagined. I directed many musicals and plays in my years as a high school teacher and could always count on some tech glitch (sound, lights, prop etc) to add some interest to the show no matter how much I planned. It taught me to rely on the students involved and their ability to deal with the situation and above all trust that it would all be ok!

Week 2 response to Tessa Smoot

Tessa...

I have to say “The Way Things Are,” Chapter 7 has been my favorite chapter. There were so many things in that chapter that I could relate to.

When I was first learning how to ski, I remember how there were times with every time I hit a patch of ice I would fall. Like Roz, I also wanted to quit. And a few times I did. Right away, when reading “The Downhill Challenge” my attention was grabbed because I could relate to Roz’s story about skiing. I came to a point with skiing where I realized that I was wasting time sitting out. I also realized that with skiing I could set my own goals. If I lived in fear of ice and falling, I would fall. I loved this quote:

“Mistakes can be like ice. If we resist them, we may keep on slipping into a posture of defeat. If we include mistakes in our definition of performance, we are likely to glide through them and appreciate the beauty of the longer run.” p. 102

I also was encouraged by the story of the rabbi with good and bad news, along with the story of rain in Florida delaying a flight schedule.

“Attention is like light and air and water. Shine attention on obstacles and problems and they multiply lavishly.” P. 108

I find this so true. I know when I start focusing on all the problems and try to solve them; everything else seems to have something wrong with it too. It gets tiresome. And who has enough energy to keep worrying about worrying?

Greg
I enjoyed that analogy as well having been a skier and ski instructor for so many years. It really is the fear of falling that makes us tighten up and potentially causes a fall to be far more painful than if we relaxed an let it go as we give up fighting gravity. What is invaluable as a teacher is to help students overcome that fear, whether it is skiing, acting on stage or singing a song. I have found they remember that years beyond whatever activity they were participating in as a moment in life they did something they could not do before. That is the priceless gift of teaching.

Week 3 Art of Possibility Ch 9

I love the idea of enrolling someone into your idea instead of tricking or guilting them into the activity. So often we do this to friends and family with the idea that since we are excited about it they will certainly have to follow suit only to find out the insincere means by which you garnered their involvement bit you as they failed to share in your enthusiasm. I have learned that it isn’t worth the price, and if they are the least bit disinterested say it’s ok, and go about your activity, or find a willing partner to ski, hike, bike, shop, help you move or visit a friend. It is also wise to remember the old saying “tis better to give than receive”. We spend so much of our time trying to get ahead, keeping up the the damn Jones that the concept of giving is lost on many as a sign of weakness or wondering “what’s in it for me”. What is in it if you are aware enough to notice is not usually a material thing, but a feeling of happiness which could prove far more valuable. If we stop keeping score and simply do things out of a feeling of good will or see a need that could be met by our time and talent, then we truly have accomplished something. I do believe it all evens out, and to quote Sir Paul McCartney, “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make”.

Week 3 Art of Possibility Ch 7

Being present without resistance, like fighting ice when skiing (perfect analogy btw) will make life more enjoyable not only for you but all around you. Best yet, it is contagious and can lead to many wonderful moments shared with others. It is important advice not to “should” on yourself because that sets people up for so many unfulfilled or unrealistic expectations or future outcomes that in the end weren’t really part of the plan at all. I learned a lesson fairly recently that you can’t fight reality, though you can sure adapt to it and make the best of whatever experience as long as you don’t fight it. I have also found that dropping judgements about things, people, life is probably the most freeing (and difficult) practice one can undertake. We are so accustomed to reacting to people, traffic, hairdos, accents, co-workers, weather, etc. often in a negative or defensive way. It is almost like we need to get them before they get us, or of course if with others can be the source of amusement if someone is different in some way. Such a valuable lesson to remember in life is that it isn’t what happens, it is how you react to it that will determine your future well being.
Anytime I have a myriad of things to accomplish and start to become overwhelmed I remember my sister telling me “what you focus on expands”. Much like the author telling us what light is shined upon gets attention, positive or negative. Same is true in theater as we want to place the actor or actress in the best light as that will be noticed. In the end it is what we pay attention to that will get noticed and hopefully cared for in some way or other.

week 1 blog comment Stephanie Layne

Stephanie's Blog

One of our discussion board questions this week was whether we thought our school was keeping up with technology. This really got me thinking about the impact of the digital divide. In our nations history there has always been a divide between the rich and the poor and that has impacted all realms of life, including education. Now while some may think that technology isn’t affected by that, I am here to say you are sadly mistaken. I see the digital divide every day at our school. Our school is the drop out school of the district. We get the students that have been kicked out of all the other schools and we have to keep them here no matter what because there is just no other place for them except the streets. We have the highest minority rate, 75% free and reduced lunch and 75% of our students have IEP’s. We are also the only school in our district without air conditioning, the only school without ANY wireless capabilities and the school that gets flooded every year because they won’t spend the money to rebuild our levy.

To make matters worse, the highest achieving school in town (with upper middle class students) just got approved for a million dollar geo-thermal heating system to be put in....while we got our budget cut for our renovation (the last high school in town to get one) that was supposed to be started in 2009. So in regards to technology... we are the last to get anything... we get everyone else’s left overs because they think all our students will do is steal them, now seriously.. do you really think our kids are going to just go into a room and walk out of the building with a gigantic Dell monitor and tower? And they wonder why our students don’t try on state tests... what is the point when they are treated like lower class citizens?

Reply

Hi Stephanie, when I read about digital divide I was interested as my AR project is on that topic. I discovered is more than one divide, the immigrants and the natives (according to Marc Prensky, though am starting a movement to call them new/experienced digital learners so as not to segregate them). I realize that divide to which you refer is far more serious and troubling as there is an element of unfairness involved. It would be nice if in those students IEPs the objectives included access to technology. Perhaps then they would qualify for grants from the state or federal govt. One thing web 2.0 could be used for is to raise awareness of the situation so the playing field could be leveled and morale/student achievement could be raised. Good luck!

Week 2 comment 2 Katherine Pine

Kathy---I have always had to view myself as a contributer and not measure myself by my success or failure. It’s all relative. At 30, one could say I am successful. I am getting my second masters and am a college professor with a healthy marriage and beautiful daughter. On the other hand, I am struggling to pay debts, find a stable job, and make life work. By looking at my life as a contributer, I focus on my individual roles in life and what I can do daily. I focus on being a mother and a wife first and an educator second. My family has always balanced me. When my past faculty chair asked me how I could handle everything and never need his help, I immediately answered that it’s not that serious. I am an overachiever and I take a great deal of responsibility on my shoulders, but I never lose site of what really matters so I never let the stress get the best of me. I accept that the roles I perform every day are my contribution and that the future will be and I will be fine.

Greg---Kathy, I am not surprised by your ability to do all that you do because (among other things) you possess a strong sense of humor. As you said the key is balance, and you have your priorities of family to keep you grounded. Your contributions are numerous and important, and with your attitude will be far reaching as those you touch second that emotion. Thanks for the inspiration. Greg

Response to Hardy Reeves

So I would like to dedicate this post concerning jobs after this program is complete. This is a battle I have been struggling with ever since I started this degree program nearly a year ago. Where do I go from here? I unexpectedly have lost my entire passion and drive to become a full fledge educator again while in this program. It has nothing to do with the program but


1 COMMENT
GREG STROM
Hello, I find it amazing that I stumbled upon (yes, a fellow full sailor) your post with many of the same questions in mind. While you have my sincere empathy for your current state regarding your prospects for future employment and ultimately happiness. I taught for 23 years at a private school and thought my life was complete when it all ended very suddenly due to a false allegation. I am in this program to find a way to start my teaching career over, and must admit I can't imagine what my next teaching job may entail. Like you I want to be near water in my home state of Maine (am in the middle of moving as I type) and though enjoy my career at Apple, know that I have a lot more to contribute somehow, somewhere. As a good friend reminded me after my untimely departure, we all find our way. I wish you the best on your journey and know you will as well.

Week 2 topic 1 Music in personal life

I have been a music lover for as long as I can remember, and have always been perplexed by people who seemed to have no musical preference whatsoever. I remember my first album was Tommy , the movie soundtrack which I loved (though at 10 I wasn't allowed to see movie) because I was the pinball wizard. I had always been part of church choir giving me an appreciation for hymns as well as music in 4 parts. I listen to each part carefully, though less the lyrics than the lead guitar, bass, or cool drum riff. As an extra added bonus I have been blessed with the ability to play every air instrument with amazing accuracy due to my memory of these parts (Devil Went Down to Georgia a speciality). While Dr. Repp was less than impressed with my rendition of Carry On Wayward Son, I certainly enjoyed showing that I could indeed move the music with more that a foot tap. I admit I am mired in the oldies, though while teaching always had the pop station playing and took suggestions from students I trusted...just don't care for anything repetitive, angry or degrading...or spoken...sorry rap, hip hop, and country. Of course the most important thing to remember (a lesson from our reading) is to not develop a sense of identity with the music to the point that someone not liking what you like is a personal affront. I learned to let that go a long time ago and while I still feel the Beatles are the greatest band ever, if someone really loves lady Gaga then who am I to say they shouldn't. Go Gaga!

Wk 2 Topic 2

This is a great question because as much as music has been a part of my life, I have never considered the first song. I am quite sure it was American Pie, by Don McLean. I was in 4th grade when it came out, and remember quite well my homeroom teacher commenting on what a lovely job her bus attendants myself and Billy (standing at window shouting out bus numbers) were doing singing it between arriving buses. I ended up doing a research paper on it in high school, sang it in a band in college (yes, every verse) and debating the lyrics on the bus with a future ex girlfriend. As an extra added bonus I heard Don McLean in concert (he lives in my hometown of Camden, ME) sing it live, and have a signed copy of the original cd (have the album but was too big to lug around!). While it is catchy, the lyrics point to loss of innocence and something very special that we can't get back...oh but what memories we have of that special time.

Week 2 REading all of the above

I have found the book The Art of Possibility to be a real joy to read with its' integration of heartfelt stories and opportunity to practice what has been presented. Chapter 4 encourages the reader to declare themselves a contribution to the world and to throw ourselves out there as such. I love the disclaimer that we may not know how or why this is so. I believe the contribution I can bring is to add to any encounter a measure of sincerity and kindness. There are very few encounters that cannot be improved with those contributions, so I am sticking to it regardless of where I think it may take me.

In the following chapter he shares a story about apologizing to the cowbell section for missing an entrance that didn't exist. Orchestra members shared that few conductors had ever admitted mistakes and found that refreshing. I have observed that it is people who can do this that will really have a trusting, open relationship with others because they simply wear no mask. Ego is checked at the door and they can enjoy being themselves, human...no titles, to image to uphold. What an amazing transformation that would be if we could let go of that and be our true selves. An excellent segue to the next chapter about lightening up. The sense of entitlement some people feel as they go about their day does so little to protect them, and so much to keep them from really experiencing the joys of life. Such a burden to carry about thinking s/he is out to get us unless we beat them to the punch. Maybe just smile and say hello and make their day a little lighter....consider it just one of yours contribution to the world.

The ability to give seems such a rewarding experience that you would imagine being done by everyone on a daily basis. After all, we all appreciate receiving, but of course that doesn't occur without giving on the other end. As enjoyable an experience as it can be, it is not something all of us do consistently. In chapter three of The Art of Possibility the authors reflect on this practice by suggesting that we give A's so people have the room to realize themselves. I must admit that to me the most valuable thing we have to give is our time, and I feel people generally appreciate this. I never placed much emphasis on giving grades for the theater and photography I taught because it is quite impossible to put a letter or number on artistic expression. What is measured is the caring, time, improvement, ability and finally presentation of final work. They shared their gift with me as I did them, and the anxiety of taking chances and competing with others was minimized. Another important part of education is giving students the ability to overcome fears and believe in themselves and their abilities. When I consider where these fears come from I come back to the fact that what people worry about is not measuring up,about making mistakes and ultimately, about being judged. One of the greatest compliments a student ever shared with me was her love of my class because it was the one time a day where she didn't feel judged. In sports, classes, lunch, at home and at work she felt like she always had to perform to measure up lest she fail. She admits to always being anxious because that wasn't really her, and in my class the mask came off and she was able to be herself. Eight years later she let me know how much that meant to her and how she will never forget how it felt. She gave me one of the reward of teaching we all hear about and hope for, and while can never spend are priceless.

Universe of Possibility

It is interesting to note that we indeed live in a world of measurements. I must say I tend to avoid, overlook or undervalue them as they have a tendency to cause anxiety in people that isn't necessary nor productive. I do not care how I measure up to others, if gas is 5 cents less expensive 4 miles away or if I could save a buck by buying things elsewhere. It just isn't that important to me as it tends to require constant monitoring and thought. At the end of the day I rather just have fun, not just by going for an adventure but by learning something new, helping make peoples lives more enjoyable/less stressful or creating a new space by building or landscaping. I just figure if you treat people well, take off your mask and be yourself regardless of who you are spending time with, then you have created a situation where all things are possible. Giving is a particularly difficult concept for some people if they see others as takers or opportunistic so learning to trust is a particularly important trait. While I enjoy sports, in life I am not much of a score keeper as I am really too distracted to keep track of something I don't feel is that important. I believe it all evens out eventually whether you call it fate or karma, and being positive, optimistic and hopeful will lead to good things.

Jen REBranded

It has been my good fortune to be acquainted with you as a team member from the start as I really do need to make the connection in order to understand a bit what motivates people. Not only are you quite a quick thinker but passionate and caring about what you believe and not just mailing it in. Thanks for that as we all could use a dose from time to time to remind us what we're here for! Look forward to future boosts and hope to send some your way if ever you need!

Thoughts while doing AR project

Considering the fact that I am now teaching adults who are often new to technology I became fascinated with the study and endeavored to learn what made the two groups so distinctly different, and more importantly how I could bridge the gap between them. I myself could have been left back in the old country had it not been for the schools need for someone to advise yearbook, and one very tech savvy (and eventually patient) student yearbook editor. The year was 1998 and as photography teacher I was just learning of digital imaging, though the technology was more cost prohibitive and of lower quality to be considered an improvement. At the same time we inherited an Apple 3G, some publishing software and the responsibility of creating the school yearbook. The teacher became the student (not an easy, but necessary and important transition) and spent the year playing catch up as years of computer knowledge was bestowed upon them in a trial by fire manner. While humbling at times, it was one of the most challenging and growth provoking periods in my career, and helped me immensely as the technology improved. It is interesting to note that the editor discovered through the process that he possessed the skills and desire to teach, thus changing his original career plans to become a doctor and entering the field of education. Just linked in with him and he is doing quite well. A well timed "thank you" to his first student reminded me what I love about teaching, and how the rewards are not always monetary or immediate!

The Art of Possibility Rosamund and Benjamin Zander 2000

I find it intriguing that the author references the use of art to bring a human face to institutions (business, govt, religious, education) and build interpersonal connections. So many in these realms look at art as something performed by different “special” people in its assigned place, whether it be a gallery, concert hall, stage or museum. I spent 25 years helping students discover the artist within them whether they expressed themselves with photography or on stage, knowing full well that their experience would be memorable and hopefully useful as they continued to learn and grow. Their world is changed by discovering this ability, and ideally it is shared with others on their journey.

I am currently on a different journey than I have ever embarked upon previously with no real maps or guides to follow. To quote songwriter Paul Simon “my mind’s distracted and diffused”, and I do believe this book is exactly the discovery I need to “transform my entire world”.

I appreciate Roz’s description of her trip down the Kennebec. Having taken that trip several times as a chaperone of students and once with my father for his 60th birthday present, I have found few experiences as simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating. While I was never thrown from the raft, I watched a student with much bravado get tossed in the class 5 rapids the author describes, visions of her very protective father not wanting to give her permission and me telling him how safe it was flashing through my head as the guide scooped her up and pulled her back in. Or my father not only remembering to keep his “toes to nose” upon getting dumped, but never letting go of his paddle in class 4 rapids lest the competing rafting crews get it for a souvenir. Obviously both of these adventures could have turned out terribly, as could the rest of our lives if we fail to take chances and live. And that is what you remember and grow from in the end, facing fears and the unknown to experience living. Must admit am feeling a bit out of the boat myself, but am not looking back or for excuses as to why this is, but forward to what is the next opportunity. How fitting to be reminded that it is all invented anyway, and to have the encouragement of this quote “we might as well invent a framework of meaning that enhances our quality of life and the life of those around us”. I appreciate the inclusion of those around us, especially now when technology can leave us so disconnected from human contact. Perhaps that is why web 2.0 has gained the popularity it enjoys as it gives us so many ways of somehow trying to stay connected.

As with all things will try to keep in perspective and simplify, trying my best to not make assumptions or judgements about what I experience. Invent possibility, not look around for them. This sounds harder than it sounds, if that makes any sense.