It seems like forever since I last posted which it has been. I have found that blogging is much like working out. You start out with great intentions, are consistent, but you begin to miss a day or two here and there. The next thing you know you haven’t been to the gym or for your run in over a couple of weeks. So it is here in black and white that I pledge to the cyberworld (and Alec, my very generous course instructor) that I will blog on a more consistent basis. I almost feel like it is New Years all over again and I have just made my resolution. Hopefully this does not go the way of many past resolutions.
I want to take a couple of moments to comment on Sharon Peters, our last guest lecturer. As I listened to her presentation I remember that I kept thinking “I have to blog about that. Should I write that down so that I remember? Nah, I’ll remember.”. Well I didn’t remember 75% of what I wanted to write about so I’ll have to go back and review the session. Its a good thing that it is recorded. What I do remember is the power of the international projects that Sharon described. In my opinion she was a true pioneer in this area. She had the vision to see the potential of tapping into the international community and the benefits for education not only in her classroom, but her school, school division, and province. I would like to applaud Sharon for being one of the pioneers in this area and blazing the trail for the rest of us. Her contribution to the development of the international learning community is huge. No longer do delegations have to fly from nation to nation to study educational communities. Educators can now sit in the comforts of their surroundings and explore the world, ask questions, and reap the rewards of this experience.
As for the rest of my ideas the presentation awaits. I will revisit it sometime in the near future and hopefully be able to publish my reflections in a timely fashion.
There are things that go on in our life Dean and for me trying to balance it all is a constant struggle. I recently had a few days where I couldn’t blog or check other classmates blogs regularly or even participate in the online session. As you said, lucky they are recorded. I was overwhelmed that week.
That brings me to another thought. The learning in this course is different. Not only is keeping up with reading blogs and writing and replying to blogs a huge commitment, but for me reflection is a big part of my learning. I love this but as I work with my students, I have still got a handful that haven’t bought into what we are doing. I feel bad for them, but they are not willing to put forth any effort, even using technology (which seems to me to be more fun than just answering some math questions in a text book and writing a test).
Last week was way too busy for me! Coaching two hockey teams doesn’t help. I’m hoping I can manage all this work and finish the last 6 weeks and complete this masters degree already. One more assignment to go! Hang in there Dean – I can see the finish line. Remember Dean we are going to be celebrating in April.
It is definitely a juggling act and the way I juggle, not a very pretty one
I agree that there is not enough time in the day to keep up with all this, but it sure is a wonderful learning experience when you do have the time. It sounds like you and I learn the same way – taking notes is a good thing, because my memory isn’t always as good as I think it is!
Thanks for the comments everyone. I agree Connie that when the chance presents itself this is a wonderful learning experience. Corey, looking forward to our celebration in April.
Good point about working out Dean, as I sit here on my butt instead of running (where’s that donut I was munching on – oh yeah – it’s gone already).
RSS helps to keep up with the information.
This type of learning is certainly different from what most of us are used to from other grad classes, but that’s a refreshing change.
I understand the blogging “workout”. I have come to the stage where I am beginning to feel the need to develop a personal blog. Necessary? I want to rant to the world what happened to me at the north portal (U.S border) trying to get to Minot, N.D.
Can you spell paranoia?
We will see.
Tonight is my homework night. I love reading what the people in my class are writing about their journey but I do tend to treat it as homework.
p.s. I do take notes during the sessions because I can’t imagine I would remember the important parts.