Monday, February 8, 2010

Wiki ish

Ack! I feel like I'm so behind in my life (which I am). Stress is rolling from me in waves. It's palpable. (I just wanted a reason to use that word.) Anywho, about wikis... I learned that Wikis are a useful for group collaboration. I don't know that I have ever had the need for something like a Wiki. However, I am excited to implement Wikis in a library program. I think that it might take me a while to get used to the interface. I'm looking forward to learning more.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Life long learning

Learning has always been one of my most favorite things. I love to learn about almost everything. (I've never really liked science.) The 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Life Long Learners (from Lori Reed) are things that I hadn't heard of until last week's assignment. It was interesting to think about learning as a set of habits. Doing so has given me insight into how to improve my learning process.
The 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Life Long Learners are as follows: 1)Begin with the end in mind. 2)Accept responsibility for your own learning. 3)View problems as challenges. 4)Have confidence in yourself as a competent effective learner. 5)Create your own learning toolbox. 6)Use technology to your advantage. 7)Teach/mentor others. 7 1/2) Play!
Of these habits, only one really comes naturally to me. Habit 7, teach/mentor others, is something I have been doing for most of my life. I am the eldest of 6 children and have been the official english homework helper in my house for years. Teaching other people how to do things is the easiest way for me internalize the things I've learned.
The habit I have the hardest time with is habit 4, have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner. I have problems feeling like I can learn things I don't already know. I don't know how I can improve in this habit.
Habit 3, view problems as challenges, is a habit that I would like cultivate. I think that it would aid me in my everyday life, as well as improving my learning abilities.