Thing #1

I enjoyed watching and listening to the tutorial on the 7 1/2 of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners. I find that the older I get, the more I appreciate the opportunity to learn new things and broaden my scope of knowledge. As I went through the tutorial, by far the easiest habit for me is #6, using technology to my advantage. I am always on board with learning and experimenting with a new technology if it allows me to do something better, faster or more effectively. In the classroom, I fully utilized the programs and equipment that the Career and Technology Department provided us (thank you Judy and Leta), and I made it a point to not only teach with technology but to also learn with it as well. In the library, I try to offer innovative and technology oriented lessons and ideas to the students and teachers. I often use technology to make my job easier and to share information with as many people as I can on campus and through our web page.

Of the other habits, the one that I would say is the most difficult for me is #3, viewing problems as challenges. One of my weaknesses is the high amount of stress that I experience when confronted with obstacles that disrupt my routine. A previous boss of mine helped me to view a problem as an "opportunity" to show how well I can adapt and generate creative solutions. Believe it or not, looking at it this way helped me because I then perceived the problem and my reaction to it as a chance to prove myself instead of just a roadblock. I often learn new things when I take the time to solve a problem or overcome a roadblock.

The habit that I think will be most important in this course is to have fun. I find that if I have fun with the technology and if I am excited about using it, I can more easily get others to participate and be a part of it. The things that I am passionate and excited about are so much easier to "sell" to the teachers and students. If I can promote the technology as not only a way to broaden our students marketable skill set, but also as a fun way to learn, then I am more likely to get the teachers to try lessons using the technology. Besides, it is summer and who wants to "work" in the summer!? I am looking at this course as my fun time on the computer.