Thing #2

I am an avid blog follower of numerous topics; mainly parenting, cooking, and educational blogs. Blogs are incredibly useful tools. Not only do blog forums allow a wide array of subject matter to be discussed but it allows for varied opinions from the concerned teacher or parent to experts in a particular content field to be explored.

Creating the blog was very simple; step-by-step instructions. Creating the avatar was entertaining; I found it to be an informal tool or way to introduce yourself. I gave my avatar my physical characteristics, dressed her in professional attire, and added a classroom setting and books to visually emphasize my passion for teaching and reading.

Thing #1

After viewing the tutorial my first thought was, "well, by simply living, aren't we all lifelong learners?" But, then I realized the key word in the title of the tutorial SUCCESSFUL, because what is the point in being a lifelong learner if whatever it is that you are learning isn't being put to good use? I agree with the tutorial that setting goals, taking responsibility, having confidence, creating a toolbox, teaching and mentoring others, and using technology to our advantage are important aspects of the learning process; however, the habit that makes the most sense to me is PLAY.  To play; to amuse oneself, dally; gamble, risk; execute, perform; action. You must play in order to determine what one is even interested in. You must take a risk and find something new or gamble and explore below the surface of a common, comfortable area. You must execute a plan of action and play around with different ways in which to learn in order to have a better grasp of the content matter. Once a new skill or new knowledge has been acquired you must extend your talent in the form of teaching or aiding those who wish to explore the same material. After extensive knowledge or a skill is mastered it is important to play with the information learned. Play to improve, play to transform, play to change.

As an educator it is important to explain to students that learning does not end once you finish high school, or college, or a technical college; it does not end. Anytime you do something for the first time you've gained knowledge and a skill. A SUCCESSFUL lifelong learner is open to change and the unfamiliar; willing to try something new and the possibility of failing each attempt to order to eventually gain the knowledge or skill they are trying to acquire.