Week 4 Reading: The value of Dreams

The Value of Dreams
Dreams allow us to escape the bonds of reality and create a world of our own. Dreams awaken the possibility of changing the world and creating something beyond the constraints of the past. Without the dream that we could fly we would not have planes, with out the fantasy of magic and all its problem solvers we won't have science. Today's dreams are the reality of our future.
As the book the Art of Possibility states the famous " I have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King does appeal to everyone of us. As dreams represent our inner wishes; they are a manifestation of our true self. The self that dreams of climbing mount everest in spite of the odds against that ever happening. They push us to want and achieve more.
I totally agree with the implication that to be a true leader one must have a dream, a vision/mission statement and objectives. How else can a leader influence and be an agent of change if they don't know where they wish to take us. It is the dreams of a leader and our desperate desire for something better that changes the world that we live in.
I want to an agent of change, source of inspiration for others particularly my son. This book the art of possibility has allowed me to reconnect with my inner five year old that believes that anything is possible.
I truly enjoyed this book and I am very glad that it is part of this Masters program! So I leave you the picture that began my journey to understanding the art of possibility; a picture of my son.....

Maritza,
You seem to have embraced the essence of the book! You appear to be totally understand the concept of the being the board. I enjoyed your insightful comment












Please find Maritzas blog post below:
When "the way things are" inhibits you from progress, motivation, or seemingly any accomplishment, you can tell yourself you are the board on which this game is being played. It is possible to transform the rules of your world into opportunities to take challenges and breakdowns and realize that you have made the choice of your own free will to allow these things to victimize you. I choose to allow the situation to ground me and clip my wings. Now I can choose to rethink and transform the design of the game to work in my favor. How did I get here? I have been telling myself I am the victim. I really can make a difference by designing my conversation and actions to effectively repair breakdowns. I am not to blame; I have just not removed the barriers in my thinking. I have made some incorrect assumptions, and that is the source of my difficulty. I myself am the tool and the means by which I control the relationships and actions within them. In this manner I begin to make a difference and change the persons and circumstances that I viewed as stifling into partnerships working toward the same goal in the larger picture. 

Response to Nathalie Hills week 4 reading post

Nahtalie,
Your absolutely right Mission statements are key to an organizations financial health but it is also key to the individual's overall well being. They help when making critical decisions as a mission statement guides us along our path.
















Please find Natalies post below:

As I read the chapter entitled, Creating Frameworks for Possibility, I didn’t really understand what it meant. As I continued to read I saw the term “mission statement” but, before reading what it was I thought about seeing that term on the wall of the church never really read it though. Now that I know the purpose of a mission statement I said I was actually going to read the mission statement of the church one-day. 

Not only did I find a mission statement important for the church to follow but also for my future. My mission statement is to continue to do well in school, after finishing school my goal is to continue to take every opportunity for granted and try to stop getting mad when I feel I should receive better money or recognition. If I stay focused on my mission the vision will come to pass. I have learned to write the vision and make it plain, we see and hear things but really don’t pay attention but as I sat back and thought about it I think I can give it a try. My vision is the start of articulating the possibility

Response to William Boswell: week 4 reading

William,
I really enjoyed reading your post, your perspective is refreshing! I think the reason why Children learn the blame game is because they learn quick the one who is at fault gets in trouble. Maybe if we refocus the consequences as something positive we may reduce the number of players in that "blame game".
















Please find William Boswell:

“Being the board” is a revelation in perspective for most people.  Instinctively, we are all interested in self-preservation.   This does not only apply to basic needs, but also applies to one’s self-esteem.   Children start the “blame game” at a very early age.   Being “right” bolsters belief in oneself; however, the “blame game” simply propagates an endless cycle.  Placing blame only provides a short-term solution to a problem that could very likely be encountered again.  Each new occurrence requires that fault be found with someone.  Where is one left if blame has nowhere to fall?  Accepting life for a series of events in which you are just a part creates an entirely new environment.  Things will go my way sometimes, and sometimes they will not.  One is not solely responsible for either outcome.  Sure, each decision one makes can produce a certain degree of certainty as to what may result, but never entirely.   Limiting risks in decision-making does not eliminate ALL risks, as the world is full of far too many variables.

 

Week 4 Leadership and Publishing Project

I would like to present at Society for Exploration Geologist 2011, The Society for Petroleum Engineers annual exhibition and conference and Schlumberger Forum. At all three events I would like to present in conjunction with more established the industry professional, Training in the oil and gas industry the road forward. This presentation will be focusing on a new type of course that combines scenario based learning, software training and domain knowledge. It is expected that this new type of course will provide industries profession with the skills necessary to operation successfully in the oil and gas industry. Please find click here to view a copy of my presentation.

Writing up my Astract

After writing up cycle 1 and cycle to I found it easy to write up the abstract. Particularly since the instructions given were so clear, once you followed the instructions it was easy to arrive at 130 words. All it required was a little word-smithing and voila 119 words!.
The key to a good abstract truly understanding the essence of your project once you have done that its pretty simple!

Response to Klauer's post

Elizabeth,
I agree with the book allows you to be you. They ask you to accept your feeling and a situations not to be unrealistically optimistic about the fact it is raining on your vacation. They simply ask you to look beyond it! I really enjoyed reading your post


















Please find Elizabeths blog post below:

The honesty of the authors is truly a breath of fresh air. We are merely human, and it is natural to feel emotions of anger, grief, disillusionment, frustration, etc. There are many philosophies that teach to one end of the spectrum to the other. We are to embrace suffering by realizing that we deserve it and must wallow in it and beat our bodies down to train them. Or we are to completely deny our feelings and transcend beyond that to another elevated state of peace or nirvana or whatever. The Zanders make it clear that we are to allow our feelings to run their course and come to a place where we can move forward. In life we have never reached an impasse. Our creativity and resilience are just challenged a bit... sometimes a lot. I love the rabbi story. There are always reasons to be thankful. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (Paul the Apostle, 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

“Give Way to Passion.” Must I ruin this chapter title by writing more? Yes. I think what might often happen, based on my observations, is that people end up married with children before they fully realize their dreams and passions and gifts. A job becomes necessary for providing the basic needs of the family. The job is just that-- a job, not a joy, or a delight, or a passion. However I suppose a passion for life and living can turn any job into a passion. If your family’s comfort and happiness are your passions, your job will be a joy because it is the means to provide that. I see many parallels between this chapter and the 4th, “Being a Contribution.” Of course the BTFI moment stands out to me the most! Love it! We make so many excuses for why we can’t pursue something. I usually hate this word so I apologize, but, fuck it! And go for the seemingly impossible!!! God gave us passions and gifts for a reason. So we need to let go of our pride and our half-empty glasses and invest in our passions to bless and be blessed by others. So, self-application... Within two years I will move out of state or preferably out of the country to pursue either foreign languages and/or film school and/or dance and/or soccer. I like the “and” better than the “or” so I say... all of the above! It sounds impossible.

The Eastlea School story - inspiring! I especially love Anthony’s 15-minutes of fame! I’m trying to get my students to have their moments of fame by recording their skits and rap songs that they create based on our current chapter in History. They love watching each other. And I love when they compliment each other, which unfortunately, is not that often. Working on that... Trying to help fan their sparks into flames and to be inspired by the sparks my students have.

My response to Natalie Hills blog

Natalie,
Good luck with the job hunt! Your blog reminds me of what my father always says that when your receive your first No, it natures way of determining who really wants to prize!
























Please find Natalie's blog post below:

 I gained two life long lessons from the reading this week. One was after calling someone for something you want and you don’t receive the response you like go face to face and talk to that person. Another lesson was when you are told “no” don’t take it as a failure but take it as a lesson.

I am now in search of a job and I have sent resumes after resumes but haven’t gotten any response from anyone. I now no that I am going to stop sending resumes but put on my suit and go to their office to talk to them face to face. Perhaps if they see the spark of interest that I have in wanting the job will persuade them to give me a chance and hire me. If I still get rejected that will only make me stronger. I am going to continue to keeping trying until I get the answer “yes”. In life we are easily to become discourage from things but it takes us being strong minded to continue to press on.

As I was working on this blog I heard the actress Raven Samone state that while she was trying to become successful she had been told “no” more than she was told “yes”. But look at her now, she is being presented awards for continuing to keep the spark of her dream and now one of the youngest producers, directors and actresses in today’s time. If she can do it I know that I can too, I just have to keep the spark and hope that it becomes contagious to others.

Sources: Book entitled The Art of Possibility

 

Response to William Boswell: week 3 reading

William,
I could not agree with you more! The author is asking us to always keep thinking to always try and solve the problem!




















Williams Post:

The reality of it all...

“Accepting things as they are” is not intended to be an exercise in complacency.  As presented, it is simply intended for one to focus on what is real, rather than ignoring the truth of a given situation.  Also, Zander does not intend for one to infer that the facts should dictate any particular course of action.  One should not feel defeated simply because of his circumstances, but one also should not create an “alternate reality” in which his actions contradict his situation to the point of insanity.  Choose the cliche you prefer:  “play the cards you’re dealt,” “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade,” “you can’t make chicken salad out of chicken s%@t.”  Our world is full of success stories that exist primarily because someone did not allow circumstances to prevent them from achieving their dreams.  Don’t live with your head in the clouds, but don’t stuff it in the sand and ignore the possibilities.

 

Week 3 Reading: I want to be a pig!

I don’t want to be Ferdinand the duck and I certainly don’t wan to be the cow! So what do I want to be?

When I was in high school I had to take a class called General paper.  In General Paper you were given topics and you are required to argue either for or against the topic.  You quickly learned how to structure your paragraphs IF, THEN, THEREFORE.

 IF x then y therefore one can conclude z. IF THEN THEREFORE is another take on being in the present without resistance. You have taken the problem or challenge and made it an equation or a puzzle, something to be solved or to be figured out. We have engaged the analytical and logical parts of our mind. Allowing us to discover options and possibilities that are not readily apparent. 

I want to be Babe! I want to be able to solve the problem.

Picture is courtesy of Microsoft Clip Art

Wimba 2

So I was able to get a babysitter on Tuesday night so that I could participate in the wimba session to find out that it was rescheduled! ah well such is life!
So this week the professor spent quite a bit of time discussing the leadership project. He suggested that we sign up for the either the Tuesday or Thursday session to present a run through of our project including our Action research website. Prof Bustillos also mentioned that we have submit proof that  we submitted our project to a conference. I am a bit nervous but I am going for gold with this leadership project.
The class then switched to the action research website and then finally the action research abstract.

Media Asset Leadership Project

After doing some research I have come up with three potential places where I could do my presentation. The first would be my companies internal conference every year, this is an international oil & gas industry conference. This conference is scheduled for May 2011. The other option is the SEG or the Society for Exploration Geologist in San Antonio in September 2011. My Final option is the SPE conference in Brazil on the big crew change.
I will be presenting on the result of my action research project which is the creation of a new training product for my company.  The great thing about this new training product is that it is currently being developed in conjunction with our biggest client. So in order to present I would have to get permission and possibly a partnership to discuss the success of this new product.  I have reached out to the client to see if we could write a paper and present at one or all three of these conferences. I hope to get some feedback soon.

Response to Sally Lanius

 I will have to disagree with you. I think that everyone is a gift by virtue of his or her existence.  The reality is that our existence is only temporary. It has a beginning and an end, so life however how long or fleeting, is a gift. I think that it is when people don't see themselves as a gift, or valuable by virtue of their own existence is when they stop valuing others.  

According the World Bank there are 6.69 billion people on this planet, it is easy to start think that it is only when you do something you become worth something.  This type of thinking is fundamentally dangerous because you no longer live in the present or enjoy the present you keep thinking about the next big thing you have to do. For most people this just leads to general unhappiness and worry but for others, their moral code or the difference between right and wrong can get blurred in the pursuit of their next success because, with out it they are worth nothing….

Just a thought!

Sarah Rudder-Chulhan



Please find Sally's post below:

While reading chapter 4 in the Zanders book I found myself becoming uncomfortable with the way the Zanders present some of their philosophies.  I understand that the Zanders intention is for the reader to begin inventing his or her own world with an optimistic viewpoint.  To do this, the reader pretends to play the game of contribution where he wakes up every morning and basks in the notion that he is a gift to others.  This philosophy seems a bit arrogant.  I do not believe a person can be a gift just by virtue of existing.  I believe that gifts are strengths or kindnesses that a person chooses to share with others.  I question how a person can grow and see the possibilities in his life if he already believes himself to be “a gift to the world?” I do however like the Zanders’ purpose for describing life as a game in order to shift thinking from one of survival to one of possibilities for growth.  Seeing each day as a fun challenge is a great way to be open to the possibilities headed your way. 

Image courtesy Sarah Chulhan

Respones to Katie Nemelka week 2 reading

Katie,
Reading your blog reminded me of Kung Fu Panda, where the Kung Fu Master Oogway says "Quit, don't quit? Noodles, don't noodles? You are too concerned about what was and what will be. There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.
What you were able to do with your class is amazing it is because you let go of the past and decided to live in the moment! I am sure your student are really appreciating this change as you are now better prepared to guide them to reach their potential.


Image courtesy Sarah Chulhan


Please find Katie's post below:

My thoughts about reading The Art of Possibility Chapters 4 - 6:
Wow! I am sure thousands of people can relate to the feeling of being a “success” or being a failure to ‘society’. I like how Ben changed the ‘being a success’ to “how will I be a contribution today?” I am a queen of figuring out if I am a success/failure. I LOAD myself up with a zillion things to do so that I can be a ‘success’ where in reality I am just setting myself up for failure due to lack of time. Everybody wants approval from others. If we could train our minds to just focus on what we do contribute on a day to day basis we would be so much happier. We all do need to remember we are leaders. Many of us who are teachers can be HUGE leaders in our students lives for motivating them into positive passions instead of negative things such as gangs and poor school performance.
I am in love with “rule number 6 – Don’t take yourself too seriously”. I have a perfect example in my own life about ‘don’t take yourself too seriously. This year my kindergarten class is a very ‘tricky’ class. Usually I have the ‘perfect’ classroom with a quiet working environment. This year I have a class with many different ADHD problems, challenged learners, and many broken homes. I was getting so frustrated with myself that I wasn’t making as much progress with MY students as I had in past years. And MY class wasn’t the perfect class to look at and watch. I took a step back and decided to ‘lighten up’ (even before I read this book) and decided to go with the flow. I am now FALLING in love with this group of kids. I kicked back and now I can focus on the STUDENTS instead of MY ‘perfect’ classroom. We have fun and I am now getting to them. We still have a lot of academic progress to make, but we are making progress!
I also enjoy the way this author writes this book with stories. It makes the book more personal and it touches me emotionally as I read them. It motivates me to want to change.

Response to William Boswell

William,
You are so right, we are so focused on our goals that we forget to live in the moment and enjoy the journey. Rarely do we appreciate the journey and it is only upon reflection we recognize the value of the lessons learned. It is the journey that makes us who we are rather than than the achievement.







Image courtesy Sarah Chulhan

Week 2 Reading: Your Central- Self

Just another random side thought, have you noticed, that when you look at babies and children, we tend to think that the whole world is open to them. They can be anything do any thing, there is a whole world of possibilities open to them. But as we grow older the world of possibility grows smaller, we start to think well if we have not done it by now then we probably ever will. In our minds possibilities and time seem to inextricably linked but what amount of time makes the difference? Seconds, minutes, days, years decades? Just something to think about.

This was my closing paragraph last week but now after reading the next three chapters in the Art of Possibility, I am forced to consider the role of our calculating self.  The calculating self that develops as a result of time and life experiences, particularly the negative experiences. It’s the self that keeps us from getting hurt it protects us and allows us to defend our turf.  The central self, is our true self, it is our spring of creativity and potential. I think this is what we see when we look at small children cause they have not developed their calculating self. They have not learned to be guarded or mistrustful, all they are is their central self. They are not afraid to put themselves out there, try new things and learn. Children learn fast that they need a calculating self, because they learn quick that they are constantly being compared and measured.

So many of us only live as our calculating self, that we stifle our creativity, that we sabotage our opportunities. So then how do we nurture our central self, how do we learn to harness its power and be free to let it shine through? I think all of the games and models used in the book (the art of possibility) are exercises that help use move beyond the self that protects and hinders us. Giving yourself an A, have the best _ ever are all devices to help the real us shine through.

Just some random thoughts

Week 1 Media project brainstorm

I would like to present the findings of my project to the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). The purpose of my initial study was to find out why training revenue was so low for my corporation. During my investigation it was discovered that we had to change our product offerings because the market demands had changed. We would have to develop our new product in conjunction with our clients and then present the results to the SPE (which is on going). The second step would be to taken on an established partner in writing the paper in order for it to be selected for a magazine or publishing.

Wimba Session 1

So this weeks Wimba session focused on how to sucessfully complete the programs.  The presentation focused on the literature Review and  Action Research website and how they are linked. The session also went into, the Action Research Abstract and the Leadership project. What was most significant is the thinking behind the creation of the media project. It is additional work but it is an awesome platform which will allow graduates to launch their ideas in to academia.

Week 1 response to Katie Lovette

Katie, in your discussion about the Tennessee Board of Regents you mentioned all of the rules ands protocols that you need to adhere to, it is similar to all the rules I face at my job. They are necessary because they can help you deal with 80% of students and situations but they are unable to deal with the 20%. The other 20% need out of the box thinking and out of the box ideas to help them get through.  And that is exactly what you are doing to help your son. Good Luck.

Katies Blog

Chapter 1. It’s All Invented: How can we think outside the box we live in? What assumptions are we making that we’re not aware that we are making? What might we invent that would give us other choices?

Thinking outside the box is my youngest son’s way of life. He was born unable to communicate as the rest of us. He didn’t talk until he was four and most times we had to keep rewording a concept until we found a way to state it that he would understand. The doctors and school psychologist decided to declare him special ed so he would be able to receive help that he needed. By declaring him special ed, many “professionals” immediately put him in a category of mental retardation. But he wasn’t. I remember speaking with a college professor at the time about my son, about how the “professionals” wanted us to find a way for him to work and learn inside the box with everyone else. My professor smiled and said “Katie, he doesn’t live outside the box, he lives in his own box.” Although I had worked with my son his whole life, teaching him how to survive, the colors, his personal information, the alphabet, animals, etc. I never looked at the situation in that way. When I did a whole new world opened up. Instead of how can I get my son to learn this concept in the way it is being taught, my attitude became how can I manipulate the teaching method so he can learn the concept. It’s not about what everyone else does, how everyone else learns or works, it’s about how we can connect, learn, achieve the concept. What avenue is right for us? It doesn’t matter how we get there. It just matters that we arrive. BTW my son, who was considered mentally retarded by those who consider themselves experts, is now a performer. He dances and acts with several professional theaters and is studying to be an audio engineer and works as an audio tech for many clients. 

Chapter 2. Stepping into a Universe of Possibility: We live in a world of measurements. The Zanders recommend that when we look at how different things appear we can see them as possibilities. How are your thoughts and actions a reflection of the measurement world?

As an instructor, I have rules, standards and protocol that I must follow according to the Tennessee Board of Regents. And Heaven forbid if I deviate from those. I agree with most but there are some that I am against. When having to comply with the ones I disagree with, I find that my thoughts and actions are mostly negative. For instance, when my multicam class is on-location and I’m dressed according to the rules I’m uncomfortable and have a tendency to have a don’t care attitude. I have to work to be enthusiastic about the assignment. For the most part I have found a way around this and dress for comfort. But in the beginning it was an issue.

I truly love my job. Yes, there are some things that I disagree with, but for the most part it is awesome. Because of this I find that I like going to work and my days tend to go by fast. Because of this my thoughts and actions outside of school reflect my enjoyment with my work environment. I realize that my home life is positive and there isn’t a dread of Monday morning or the next day. Most students are great to work with, yes, every so often one comes through who is difficult, but being a niche area, most students are there to learn and have a tremendous desire to be in the industry. Their enthusiasm is hard to miss and it rubs off. Together, the thoughts and actions of faculty and students, toward the classes and productions offer others a positive insight to our program and the local industry. 

Chapter 3. Giving an A: Giving Yourself an A.

I think this is one of the hardest things a teacher has to over come. Over the years, I have had students go through the curriculum, who have disabilities. One, in particular, has Ashberger’s and his world is all about him. He disturbed class and talked out of turn. No one wanted to work with him or have him involved in his or her production. Over the last four years, this student has matured. Although he still has the disease, he has found his niche in life. Most of the faculty in the department has had him in class and has had to find a way to keep him from disturbing the other students. In the beginning, there were so man complaints, but lately we have noticed there wasn’t as many. After speaking with the other instructors, we have learned that there are still issues but the student has calmed down. Example, when the student was in my multicam class I wasn’t sure what I could have him does while on-location. The client wouldn’t be happy with a PA talking out of turn or doing something totally out of context. What I finally discovered was to give the student a camera, tape, batteries, and a tripod and have him keep an eye out for anything happening off the set or stage that would benefit the production. To my amazement this worked. The student not only caught some amazing stuff on tape, but he was quiet and didn’t disturb the production. I gave this student an A, even though there have been complaints as to why we, the faculty, would even consider passing a student like this. For me, I had to disregard all the standards that I grade by and his disabilities and look at the student’s accomplishments. When I wrote down everything this is what I found. The student attended all classes and shoots. He produced the footage I required of him. He kept the logs immaculately and performed his duties on-location according to the required steps. This student might have disturbed others but he earned his A.  

 

Week 1 response to William

I will have to agree that the concepts presented in the first three chapters are nothing new and is very similar to many self help book out there. in my case the books discussion has been very similar to my many rants with my colleagues about corporate innovation, (to find out more read my blog). The truth is this book seems to be presenting a series of exercises to expand our way of thinking and develop critical thinking skills.

Good read and good luck.

William's Post

 I found this reading to be very akin to many other books I have read on the topics of positive thinking or result-minded thinking.  The primary difference present that truly struck a chord with my manner of analytical thinking was the simple question, “How?”  How is my approach to the problem in front of me affecting my finding the solution I need?  The practice steps at the end of the chapter provide suitable guidance for focusing the analysis of the situation; assess and reassess.  By slowing down and examining how I am approaching a problem, I have a much better chance to find a flaw in my thoughts that may be limiting results.

     The phrase “it’s all invented anyway” is a perfect companion to positive thinking titles I have read.  All the way back to Lincoln’s quotation about the man that thinks he can or thinks he can’t, is right either way.  Our attitude affects the world around us, for better or worse.  After all, the world is how we choose to perceive it, so, naturally, you should choose a perception that will benefit you better.

     Finally, my thoughts lingered on the rafting story and the phrase, “out of the boat.”  It’s not enough to know where you are and where you are going.  Once you find yourself “out of the boat” you need some guiding principal to fall back on.  Far different from finding yourself off course, “out of the boat” refers to being completely lost with little or no frame of reference.  In the river, “toes to nose” puts one in the proper position to let the natural flow of the water put you back in familiar territory.  Life, however, is not as straightforward as a flowing river.  You will find times when you cannot find your own way, and it is important to have the relationships and fundamental values to guide you back to where you belong.  I look forward to completing the rest of this book, and plan to search for more video presentations as well.

Week1 Response to Natalie Hill

Thinking outside of the box is not an easy thing to do, because we are all conditioned into how we perceive the world, from our parents, friends, even where we work has an influence on how we view a new situation and how we go about solving a problem. However view few people discuss another aspect of out of the box thinking, the feeling of being separate and apart, alienation that you touched on in your blog. Edwin Howard Armstrong inventor FM radio, faced years of litigation with RCA over patent disputes and was alienated from the scientific society. As a result he was depressed and committed suicide.  Other radical thinkers face varying degrees of alienation it is not an easy life and consequently it is easier to remain part of the herd. I am not suggesting that people not try to push their thinking to higher levels but I do think that one should be aware of the other side


Natalies blog

As I was reading through the chapters they all were very powerful topics, I was in awe about things that were being said. One particular chapter that really stuck with me was the one about “Possibilities.” The words that had been written really hit home for me. I am from Mississippi where people have been closed- minded for a long time and really don’t think outside the box. Well, I have not directly been that way in life but indirectly. The reason I say it in that way is because right now in life I would like to move from Mississippi but as I think about it each day I have a fear of being rejected toward goals that I would like to accomplish in life.

I am one that has been judged all my life by people wanting me to be like this person or that person. I have always wanted to just be me. A lot of family members were not pleased with various choices that I have made in life but now they have realized that I am going to do what I want to and they have accepted the fact. You have to go through many obstacles in life being an only child and the youngest in the family because the focus is all on you. I have gone against my family expectations for a while. First starting off with the University I attended, my family mainly went to Historical Black Colleges but I chose to go in a different direction. They weren’t pleased at first but as I have said I am one to think outside the box. If I had only inherited the traits and thoughts that were around me I would not be at the point of my life that I am in now. I truly understand the world of measurement. I believe that everyone is someone and you don’t have to be what everyone wants you to be but be true to yourself.

Week 1 reading: Burn the box

This post is a response to the Art of Possibility Chapter 1 -3


Thinking outside of the box! Innovation, game changer, paradigm shift.

These catch phrases have been used by corporations to get their employees to come up with the next big thing. As a result of the perpetual abuse of these words, I have developed a very strong eye rolling and sometimes gag reflex everytime I hear them. Why? Because large companies, with all their rules, processes, delude themselves into believing that they can innovate. I firmly believe that to think outside of the box you either have to burn the box, not know there is box or live in a different box. Start with a blank slate.

Just to clarify, large companies can innovate and come with new ideas and design but these ideas are more along the theory of phyletic gradualism. That is progressive change, baby steps. True innovation and out of the box ideas are thoes that truely changes how things are done or peoples lives. It was said by my teacher in high school (Mr. Paul) that no amount of development in transitors would have given us modern computing. Integrated circuits true innovation provided that leap.

Every year in my company we have an innovation fair, it is an opportunity for employees to share their ideas with management. Sounds like a good idea to foster innovation and the creation of the next best thing but is it? In the last 10 years of the fair there have been no game changers derived from this program. Lets examine the reasons for this. Why are some ideas chosen over the others? The first constraint is that we can't develop every idea so we can only choose a few (wall 1). Of course these ideas the cost of development has to fit with in the innovation budget (wall 2), then we have to choose something that fits with the current company vision or product line.( wall 3).Every employee are aware of these constraints so right off the bat we have started building our box, this box affects what the employees submit and what management chooses. These constraints and processes gets in the way of out of the box thinking, as a consequence large companies tend to get their next big idea by buying smaller companies.

Which brings me back to my statement above, to innovate, paradigm shift, change the game and think out side the box you must burn the box. That is get rid of all of the rules and assumptions you make about everything or at least one thing in particular.And then you can innovated and change the game. A study of history reveals this to be true, coca cola on of the world biggest icons and popular drinks, was not invented by the established soda industry? Coca cola came from a pharmacist, he did not set out to make a soda, i.e. he was not aware of the box. (information given at a tour of Coca Cola)

The art of possibilites is all about changing your thinking removing your assumptions and preconceptions i.e burn the box. Because of how our brains think it is difficult to burn the box so people have developed games or exercises to foster this time of thought. Once such example is is yourself an A.(This was taken from the book Art of Possibilities)
This concept is liberating as it removes the burden of achieving an A, it also removes the thinking that perfection is necessary to receiving an A. Thus moving an A from an improbability to a possibility. This positive blank slate gives the mind the room to create and become inventive, to see opportunities.

This then begs the question how does this idea work in education?

In the movie Freedom writers, the give the students an A concept is dramatized. Erin Gruwell offered her students a chance to start over their lives. The result was the transformation of students who were considered unteachable to college-bound seniors with a unique and valuable perspective. By removing all her student preconceptions, baggage and constraints she freed them to realize their true potential.

Just another random side thought, have you noticed, that when you look at babies and children, we tend to think that the whole world is open to them. They can be anything do anything, there is a whole world of possibilities open to them. But as we grow older the world of possibility grows smaller, we start to think well if we have not done it by now then we probably ever will. In our minds possibilities and time seem to inextricably linked but what amount of time makes the difference? Seconds, minutes, days, years decades? Just something to think about

The pictures above was taken by me of my son

Month 11: Media assets

From hence forth all of the posts in this blog will be posts for month 11 media assets

Stickam

My favicon

Wimba 3

This Wimba was held at Dr. Ludgates office. The other part of the session was an open Q&A session where people asked a number of questions with regards to the course. Specifically the final project using Udtu, there was a lot of discussion about formats. I was unable to find the archive for Dr. Ludgates session and hope one will be posted soon.

Comments on Joan Lourenco's post (Week3)

One would need an awfully large toolbox to keep all the tools available to develop, design, and assemble the desired and complete e-learning environment if these tools weren’t e-tools. Learning content development tools vary from authoring tools that help build courses in e-learning to the management tools that help track and manage the learning and training. There are also the element tools, webcasting tools, and virtual classroom tools.  The tools one will need, depends on the features the instructional designer decides to include. Will the course include graphics, video, and/or audio? Will the screen need to be customizable?

Joan,

Great overview but I think alot of the decisions that need to be made have been captured by ADDIE model for course development, LMS, LCMS, RPF just seem to extensions of this model. What are your thoughts?

Comments on Louria's Post

The decision of which LMS to use should be made by a team of stakeholders from different arenas of users. This team should consist of the It department which will oversee deployment, the instructors who will manage it and if possible an objective outsider. This team will decide on the strategic and operational processes to manage the learning. This process will follow the objectives that have already been determined. These objectives should be determined by the goals that are need to be accomplished by the learner. “In term of process decide on what do you want to do, who is going to do it, how is it going to work (Parkin, 2005).” Then create a list of requirements the system must satisfy and critical success factors. Other considerations would be can the system be customized or will it be used “out of the box” -as packaged. Decide whether the system will be hosted “in-house” on your infrastructure which will require more IT involvement or third-part hosting. Reports are another big part of the selection process. “Vendors impress you with all the features that house the architecture; however, one of the biggest problems is data out, i.e. reporting (eLearning Guild, 2006, p.5).” Will these reports supply your needs and are they easy to access and read?

You are absolutely correct, course development need to be driven by the audience, the stakeholders and managers. All their needs has to be considered before determining how to develop, delploy and deliver a course. There are several processes that can be used to determine this.

Virtual Classrooms: Why such resistance (week3 reading)

In my many talks with clients about developing a new type of course, I often ask about the possibility of using virtual classrooms, to solve the challenge of deploying effective training globally. Most of them sound interested but skeptical about the ability to use virtual classroom to facilitate true learning. Now there are several reasons for their skepticism,  The first articulated is that e-learning seems good for soft skills but not effective for extremely technical learning. Many companies have their own disaster stories about the adoption of e-learning in the 90’s and being extremely frustrated with results.

 It is really easy to use the failures of the past to inhibit the acceptance of new technology. I think  in order to evaluate the potential  of virtual classroom we have to understand what is learning, and where does it take place. I believe that learning is a life long process and can take place in any environment. I have argued in the past one of the basic function of learning is problem solving, and as a consequence learning can take place anywhere. On the surface many people will agree but when it comes too technical learning we are convinced the only place to learn is in the classroom. Never mind that gravity was discovered under an apple tree. In Herbert Thomas ‘s Paper learning spaces he has shed some light on what is behind the thinking that real learning takes place in the classroom.

Traditionally, at least according to popular wisdom, learning took place in venues that were custom-designed for the purpose. The purpose, given the evidence of the artefacts with which we are confronted, seems to have been the educational equivalent of the production line that so succinctly characterised the industrialisation of society. One consequence of this design logic, however, is that learning is defined as something that is married to a ‘place’. This paper will argue that the conceptual ‘slippage’ that characterises the disappearing differences between ‘learning spaces’ and ‘learning environments’, coupled with the further ‘displacement’ of the learner (turned avatar) in virtual spaces such as Facebook and Second Life, serves to ‘displace’ learning itself. The paper argues further that we have failed to recognise the primacy of ‘physical situ- atedness’ to our conceptions of learning itself.

The physical situ-atedness of learning is an interesting concept, a class does not define learning, it is our body and minds that defines learning. Virtual classrooms change the dynamic of learning from instructor being the primary source of knowledge and information and displacing it to the individuals with in the classroom. In order for Virtual classrooms to be accepted by the oil and gas community it would mean that as an industry will have to change the way in which we view learning. Perhaps the failures of e-learning in the past is result of our very limited understanding of learning.

Udutu Setup

1.            Rudder Chulhan, Sarah

2.            Course Title: Rock your Brain. 

               Description: this is a group project meant to encourage children to exercise by   learning how to exercise. This course was developed by group of students and they are  Louria Macon, Yesenia Martinez, Karen Smith, Katie Nemelka, Chukwidinma Nwokocha and Sarah Rudder Chulhan

3.           Emergent Technologies In A Collaborative Culture November 2009

4.          I used the basic course template for the first three parts of the course. In these initial parts the student is introduced to the course and asked to take an assessment. Based on the result of the assessment the student follows one of two programs. As I result I added a simple conditional scenario to allow the student work through the material relevant to him and his lifestyle. This course is primarily self directed learning with some collaborative aspects that will be accommodated by blogging.

5.           Please find an excerpt from our original project proposal below:

About the program

This new program will be self-directed and utilize experiential learning. The Experiential Approach to Instruction will provide students with experiences that will enhance a greater understanding of their body and brain foster better health practices. “Physical activity and the brain” seeks to address a gap in knowledge and skills amongst 4th and 5th graders between the ages of 10 and 12. Wii rock has inferred that the increase in the number of overweight children may be the result of a lack of knowledge about the benefits of exercise on the body and brain, as well as a lack of ability to incorporate exercise into children’s lives in and out of the classroom. The target age group represents the children at risk of becoming overweight and will benefit from the program. Wii Rock's assumption is confirmed in part by studies show that kids and teens between the ages of 8 and 18 years of age spend an average of 6 hours per day watching television, playing video games, or on the computer which disrupts other important activities such as physical activity which ultimately may lead to higher rates of obesity (Kid's Health, 2009). When faced with the evidence and research, one can conclude that Wii Rocks program; “Physical activity and the brain” may have a positive affect on a child's success in school.

Program goals

This program will facilitate student’s ages 10 to 12 to understand the value of taking care of their body through physical activities. Upon gaining a true understanding they will then implement changes in the daily routine that reflect the knowledge gained. At completion of this course, it is expected that all students will become more active.

6.  Please access my udtu course at http://publish.myudutu.com/published/launcheval/20324/Course36033/Launch.html.Please note that it is a work in progress and will be updated. The original course can be accessed at http://sites.google.com/site/rockyourbrainnow/

 

Week 2 response to Michael's blog

The Advanced Distributed Learning organization originated because of a need to standardize the components of that are used in various learning systems. “ADL was established in 1997 to standardize and modernize the delivery of training and education. The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (OUSD P&R) oversees the ADL Initiative. The vision of the ADL Initiative is to provide access to the highest-quality learning and performance aiding that can be tailored to individual needs and delivered cost-effectively, anytime and anywhere.” (ADL).

Micheal I agree that Standardization is important to the implementation of ADL, SCORM, LMS, and LCMS technologies. However I think that many companies prefer that course and modules from one LMS system can't be used in another company. The reason is that this compartmentalization can reduce corporate poaching. My company is know in the industry for its extensive training program which is proprietary, our training is considered a corporate advantage. standardization can lead to sharing and may diminish our advantage

Week 2: Response 1

SCORM and Cell Phones: What’s the Connection?

Do you have dozens of cell phone chargers lying around your house, tucked in drawers and closets? I do. When I began reading about SCORM, my mind began scanning for an analogy to take this term and make it applicable to every day life.


Vandy that is a brilliant analogy it really goes a long way into understand what SCORM. How would you implement a SCORM system into your classroom.

LCMS and LMS

My company is offering two new types of training services to clients. The first is Technology mastery; the idea behind this service is that we develop a training program for our clients on how to use our software. It combines, traditionally class room training, online training and on the job training. One means of tracking and ensuring the delivery of training would be to create an LMS for our clients. That way both my company and our client can review to participant’s progress through training and suggest tweaks to their program to ensure success. The other use for a LCMS would be as part of the spin off of my AR project which is the creation of challenge based courses. LCMS would be valuable during the course development process.

However I firmly believe that training needs to be a combination of  online and traditional training. LMS or LCMS systems that rely heavily on elearning are doomed fail. The lack of human interaction reduces learning because of the lack of a community. Also human being are quite adept at fooling systems and there are countless accounts poor failed implementation of these systems.

Wk1- wimba

This session aim was to go over the course content weekly assignments and projects for the class learning management systems and organization. The session last approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes because of the many question asked by students about the assignments.
There were some changes made to the teachers many specifications:
1.  For posting comments on other students blog posts it is necessary to post your comments as well as the first paragraph of the other students blog.
2.  It is not necessary so send the instructor the RSS feed
3. there was great discussion about the use of copyrighted materials