Re: Tria's comments-Wk 4

(graur razvan ionut)

On 6/23/11 Tria Wrote:
Chapter 9. Lighting a Spark. Lighting a spark seems like an easy enough task but I've been in a relationship for over 15 years and can not light a spark underneath my love even if it was a camp fire. In my professional life, I have lit tons on sparks. I have given words of encouragement to many coworkers. Talking to my students in ways that bring them to think, say and do things they could never have imagined. What was truly poignant in the chapter was the idea of enrollment. The story of Ben's influence and spark on the children of Eastlea Community School was very powerful. If you give people a chance to connect to be the person they can be without your judgments then maybe you can light a fire under them to see a world beyond their imaginations. Change comes from being changed…….

On 6/25/11, John Wrote,
Tria,

I am compelled to write on this post as I am finding myself in a very similar situation in one of my “lives”

I find personally, that I address how I react to the situation is that I spend a lot of time working on myself and the things that make me a better person/professional. In “many” cases, I find that I’m preoccupied enough by what it takes to make me a better me that I am less and less connected to what is wrong with the other people in my personal/professional circle. Its not a unconcerned attitude of what happens on the outside…it is more that some things I do as a person/professional because I choose to, because it makes me feel accomplished…because my desire to be the best at my undertakings won’t allow me to snuff my cinder or have it snuffed by personal or professional stimulus simply because that is not how they do things.

At the end of the day if I fall short…I don’t want it to be because I am reactionary to my personal professional circle. I want to do everything life exactly the way that my spark in me motivated me to do…. regardless of who does not operate that way.

Just a thought…
JCIII

RE: Ishia Granger's Wk4 Reading Post

On 9/24/11, Ishia Wrote:
The Zanders have a very common sense approach to life that obviously isn’t common among us. The anecdotes and connections to music are particularly insightful as I embark on new and uncharted choices in my life and career. As I have mentioned in previous posts, the practices discussed in the The Art of Possibility are biblical and it makes sense, as the author’s father was a student of the Bible and history.

The idea of enrolling others in our dreams is eye opening. Often when we make requests, we operate on the presumption of being turned down. I have heard myself say on many occasions, “The worst he/she can say is no.” I did this to make myself feel better, but did I really? Of course not.

In “being the board” I saw similarities between this new idea of responsibility and blame and being in God’s Will. Like being the board, being in God’s Will makes it possible to accept the circumstances of life knowing that those circumstances will yield positive results in the end. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28.

What I enjoyed about the frameworks chapter was the whole idea of creating a vision and not division. In all honesty, mission statements do create a competitive spirit and while they may be designed to inspire, it typically is ignored. Now a vision is something that can be seen even if it does not exist at the present. To me, the vision resembles a five-letter word: F-A-I-T-H.

The Zander's story of their father's passionate recount of the Arab and Jewish peoples’ history and arrival in Palestine was interesting. Even more moving was the student’s response, “What a wonderful opportunity! What a privilege for both those peoples to share that land and that history!” What is that saying? Out of the mouth of babes come words of wisdom? Well, that young person definitely has it [wisdom]. What is ironic about division is that the multiple parties are often so similar. The “We” story recognizes the sameness that so often divides.

 

On 6/25/11 John Wrote:

Ishia,

I honestly found myself a little confused on the Being the board concept initially. You put a spin on this that I had not thought of before. Ironically, I should have, as I have spend more than my share of time in the word and church over the years.....

I think on occasion In my quest to take the academic aspect of my work here for the last year serious and professional I read to much into the readings from that standpoint and don't always take time to dissect it and tell myself what it means in the context of my existence; I did it for my 9-12 chapter reading, and as I saw where my thought took my reading, I actually started mentally telling myself my words were wrong...that because it wasn't speaking from a certain context that it wasn't of worth! That is indeed a shame. …But the joy in this is that I could recognize the error; and my further saving grace is that I have these e-books for my library and I can go back and try again.
JCIII

Wk4- Ch. 9-12Reading

"......a man could light a fire with ease wherever he went because he always carried the spark- "

Zander, The art of Possibility

I have always been a lover of strong witticisms, sayings or nuggets of truth. I guess the rationale behind that is that when you can't remember the whole story it is sometimes easy to get some strong yet fundamental truth from the nugget to help you along on your way.

With each chapter of this book, I always have found some specific nugget like that. It could be at the front, the middle toward the end; but whatever else is said, that one piece stays with me. It is usually those things that I share with others. Case in point the last part of the story about the Middle ages gentlemen who always carried a cinder with him so he can start a fire with a little bit of kindling.

Not necessarily an earth shattering epiphany I admit, but I do sometimes think that many of us serve as the cinder to the fire of these students. Moreover, our ability to see things on a more creative, visionary or grander scale sets us apart from many.

As Artists, educators administrators and mentors our spark creates the inevitable ability to stick out because of this trait. A responsibility of enrollment as it relates to others results from this. When I speak of this, my interpretation from the context of this post is that we are charged and in some cases overwhelmed by the desire to invite others to either become part of the energy that we have about what we do, or allow them to catch their own spark from their proximity to us. This, I think is how we continue to contribute to and inspire others to bigger thing well after we have left.

I also think that EMDT has been the Cinder to my projects kindling, which has restarted a fire for me. The fire was there, but as life got in the way...the cinder went out. I am starting to think again about other dreams that had been snuffed...and dreaming others...I think I smell smoke again!

Okay, I think I have beaten this metaphor to death enough!

Wk4 Publishing_Leadership Project

The irony of this project, and many of the challenges that Full Sail University has offered me, is that for many years my technology Professional development growth has been stunted for lack of access to resources. Now I find myself many times overwhelmed with the wealth of resources available to me to the point that it paralyzes (albeit temporarily) movement on said resources. That being said, I am still on the fence with the type of places I would like to present my information to.

The only places I wanted to submit to without question were Edutopia

Florida Educational Technology Conference (FETC), ISTE 2010, E-LEARN 2010 – World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare & Higher Education. TechTrends – Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning - Submission Guidelines

Outside of organizations who seemed to zero in specifically to what the scope of my research is and actual academic organizations interested in integration of technology in education, my thought process was to submit information locally and/or regionally and access the response accordingly before branching out to submit further. The exception to this approach was is Edutopia whose work has gained massive attention by me since my enrollment in EMDT.

Thinking out Loud Links

•  Pubishing Leadership Website
  
• Publishing/Leadership Thinking Outloud Blog #1
• Publishing/Leadership Thinking Outloud Blog #2  

• Presentation Link

Publishing Leadership Project: Thinking out loud II

The irony of this project, and many of the challenges that Full Sail University has offered me, is that for many years my technology Professional development growth has been stunted for lack of access to resources. Now I find myself many times overwhelmed with the wealth of resources available to me to the point that it paralyzes (albeit temporarily) movement on said resources. That being said, I am still on the fence with the type of places I would like to present my information to.

The only places I wanted to submit to without question were Edutopia

Florida Educational Technology Conference (FETC), ISTE 2010, E-LEARN 2010 – World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare & Higher Education. TechTrends – Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning - Submission Guidelines

Outside of organizations who seemed to zero in specifically to what the scope of my research is and actual academic organizations interested in integration of technology in education, my thought process was to submit information locally and/or regionally and access the response accordingly before branching out to submit further. The exception to this approach was is Edutopia whose work has gained massive attention by me since my enrollment in EMDT.

Wk4-1 DB Quickies: my dream teaching/presentation environment

Topic #1: Briefly share what your dream teaching or presentation environment would be like, be specific about what such a place would include (beyond just the tech toys).

I think based on where I am today, my dream teaching or presentation environment would be like, what I thought my last Job would be.

The students in the curriculum would be based in a curriculum that is immersed enough in technology that the student has at least half of his/her day within on it. I would be able to lend my technology skills within the classroom and as supplementary resources to the teachers with regards to their technology training.

As a creative staffer and a teacher with certification in art, I would like to take some time in my workload to teach art studies, but my contribution would be a hybrid of the technology and the creative studies that I have picked up over the last 20 years.

I would also like to be an integral part of the art and humanities department to ensure that there is a advocate for their continued presence in the curriculum and that they all can accent one another in a form of collaborative relationship as so that the students get more from their “multiple intelligences”

Wk4-2 DB Quickies: my dream teaching/presentation environment

Topic #2: What stands in between you and your dream job?
I could throw out many different excuses as to why, but I honestly don’t know. Perhaps I am thinking too small; maybe my net isn’t cast wide enough as I look,  part of it could be that failed attempts have me very Gun-shy about confidently standing in front of the gatekeeper to my dream job and saying “I’m you man, can I start tomorrow?”. In my heart I hope that the time spent getting to my dream job would be preparation time and not just an indication that I am nor prepared.

Why do you deserve to work in a dream job environment?

I deserve to be in the dream Job environment because I have proven time and time again, whether it is a small project solely under my care, or a large project that I am on a team to accomplish, that I not only am committed to the best work and results, but I genuinely love the work enough to continue to put forth the same effort each time.

What do you bring to the table? Be specific. 

I have true committed to the work, the job and a love for it. I utilize my skills as a part of my service to my ministry at church. I have incorporate some form of creative contribution to every position I have worked in the last 10 years; I have committed to constant improvement and knowledge of my craft by either seeking out employment opportunities to use it of in my the case of my Higher education…. continuing to commit to more knowledge of my craft in a changing field. It is time to move forward!

Wk3 (Gibson’s Rule #6) Ch. 5-8

I have found myself switching from nugget to nugget of wisdom as I continue to read this book, but the one that stands out for me that I had to reflect back on was Rule#6. The interesting thing about this is that I heard a very similar quote used by a mentor of mine 1996 when I was working with Americorps National Service at a shelter for runaways.

The agency’s director, Mr. Gibson, used to always say to me: “Life is Hard, but not all that serious”. I did not know them that it would become such a quotable by me, or that it would even have so much shelf life after the first time he stated it.

The similarities between this and Zander’s Rule #6 were so obvious to me that when I read this, actually found myself laughing out loud. The irony is that he (Mr. Gibson) showed by example kindness, professionalism congeniality, and diligent, dedicated hard work on a level that I hadn’t seen before and only have seen a handful of times since in a supervisor; unusually enough, he had a demeanor that mirrored this quote every time I saw him. (Perhaps that is why I remember it so well) I remember thinking briefly "how could you have so much going on, put so much into it and utter such a phrase"?

As I think back on the times we have talked about it and what I know about his time in the agency I can reasonably surmise that this mantra was cultivated over a long period of time (all the "salt and pepper effects" in his hair is a solid indicator as well) It became a well known joke through the agency that if Mr. Gibson got mad, that you REALLY messed up, because I personally can’t seem to remember it happening (though I have heard that it has)

I remember him laughing and seemingly taking a lighthearted approach to most things, even when came in to "fix it all". It all seem to run a certain way when he was around, and usually when any "hell broke loose" you could bet that he wasn't there, or if he was, the Hell wouldn't last long. What I internalized was that in the grand scheme of things many aspects of life are 90% about how you handle the other 10. In his way of taking the big stuff and being hands off with basic operations, we felt empowered, but it was obvious he still ran the show. Even though his ultimatums may have been just that, they were never phrased as such...which I think in some small way he granted us greatness by letting go of our hands and by not leading from the podium.... but from an extremely comfy leather chair with wheels on the other side of the agency. (Yes, we all sit in it when he's gone!)

Life is truly hard, but not that serious.... so I need to try a little each day to not take myself as such...
Thanks for the life lesson Mr. Gibson. I don't think I will ever forget it!

WK3: Think out loud Blog Post 1

I am looking at the Publishing Leadership Project, and as I reflect on the fallacy I have labored under for 2 weeks that this was an optional project, I think to myself where the H311 Did I get this information from!! It reminds me of the value of good information, the disaster of operating under faulty information, and the blessing God has given me to have this degree the level of seriousness for this program thus far. It is truly been a ride and a few years ago, it would have eaten me alive!

But I digress…

After chatting with "Instructor B". over the parameters of the project, I am able to shake my procedural bout of “pre-project” butterflies about this thing and get into it with the same zeal I have been doing everything non-Lit Review the last year.

As I reflect on my path in the CBR, I thought very much about the twists and turns I have taken in my CBR and I would very much like to spend a little more time going into a potential course of action for a Phase Three based on the challenges that I have observed based in my research. It would be a perfect way to add some form of personal commentary in a type of research that does not allow for any. I thought about speaking to some of that here but did a 180, as it would negate the need for me to do the Project and I would still have to do it anyway.

...Irony at it’s finest.
JCIII 

Wk3 Re:Lauren Schneck's Bravo Bucket

Posted by Lauren Schneck at 6:55 AM
I must say the notion that "the eyes never lie" really is true. There is a lot I can learn from my co-workers, my bosses, and the teachers I am helping, by really looking at their eyes when I speak to them. Looking in their eyes can tell me wether or not they are really into what I am saying and wether or not I am connecting with them. I can remember being half way through a seminar on technology and making eye contact with some teachers and instantly realizing I never had their attention. I need to remember that concept as I go on with my work.

Rule number 6 is something I feel I am grasping. I really don't take myself too seriously, and I don't think I am in danger of doing so any time soon. I do know though that people in my department do take themselves way too seriously, and I can see that it hinders a lot of things in their work life and becomes a stumbling block to success. I know that personally I have a hard time respecting leaders that are unnecessarily serious about themselves. I know it's not right to disrespect leaders and I would never do anything outright against them, but internally I loose a little bit of admiration when I see a leader being very serious about themselves all the time.

The concept of leading from your chair so to speak is something that I don't give enough credit. I know that there is truth to the concept that if you do the best with the position and resources you are given you will be successful. Sometimes it is hard to believe that when you don't feel that things could possibly get better. I know that I have to remind myself of that concept often even though I feel that what I have right now doesn't add up to very much.

John said on  June 15, 2011 11:13 AM
Since I have not finished my read on 5-8, I have been hesitant to comment on most other peer’s post except where it speaks to something that caught my eye that may not give away the “fun” of the reading (It really is good stuff)

Regarding must say the notion that "the eyes never lie”… I have noticed the fact over a long period of time that I have never as a habit looked most people in the eye when I speak to them (at least not by habit, anyway). If I am interested enough to talk to them at all, typically I am focused in on the words and their meaning, but I learned the importance of this in practice much later in life than many young men and still find myself (ironically enough) trying to explain the concept to a teen with special needs to looking others in their eyes when speaking to them.

Don’t get me wrong, this is a great practice to follow; but Sometimes, (emphasis on “sometimes”) you can have their attention and not see their eyeballs
JCIII

Wk3_RE: Alli W_(Free Choice-Interactive Tech History: OLPC: Following in the Heritage of Logo & the MIT Media Lab)

Posted by Ali Weinreb at 6:24 PM

I love this idea of inexpensive laptops to reach all students. But I’m a little disturbed that we are focusing here on other countries and “underprivileged students.” I know so many teachers here in America, where our own children and students do not have access to computers. Let’s focus on our children and students first, before we can save the world. Don’t our kids deserve it too?

June 15, 2011 10:44 AM John Said:
I know that on occasion my "Liberal Label" slips out of my pocket and on the ground when I think that way, but I feel like many time the fact that resources are so available her in the states has people under the misconception that those resources are evenly distributed, or that those who don't have access just chose to forgo access out of free will.

I would be more agreeable to initiatives such as this if the people who spearheaded them were allocating the same resources for a designated area of the populace here. It is still very true statement that you need to take care of home first.

JCIII

Wk3 Discussion Deeper: Video Use in Education

You will post one (or more) list of four or more video podcasts/streaming video/live video that you believe can help you or your students.

Graphic Design/ Photography Podcast - No. 1 by visuallyinteresting

Watch the full episode. See more Digital Media - New Learners Of The 21st Century.<

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcg0dw_graphic-design-photography-podcast_creation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es848GfNYCI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1f-_FXgJZM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1japIhKU9I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1japIhKU9I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt9F7tKcZcU

http://video.pbs.org/video/1797357384/

http://www.itsartmag.com/

http://www.incredibleart.org/

WebAxe (Podcast Alley)

http://www.podcastalley.com/podcast_details.php?pod_id=10427

TypeRadio

http://www.typeradio.org/loudblog/index.php?page=0

Layers magazine
http://layersmagazine.com/category/illustrator

http://layersmagazine.com/category/indesign

http://layersmagazine.com/category/photoshop

http://css-tricks.com/video-screencasts/

Wk3-2 DB Quickies: Difficulties starting new programs/breaking the norm

Topic #2: Why do you think educators are so resistant to change, especially when it comes to technology? How do other institutions, such as business, deal with technological change?

Personally, from my experiences, I think that many educators resist the change for numerous reasons, many of which are associated by fear:

Fear that learning the new way of doing your job would challenge your competency, or would force you to relearn your job altogether; an overall anxiety with technology and change altogether or just unwilling to expand on skills or step out of your comfort zone.

My CBR observations have shown me in many instances that the desire is sometimes there but the time to learn and implement is not, which is also a significant factor.

I would theorize based on this, that many other institutions would accept change with a “minimalist” approach; They would change or implement what goes on in their operations just enough to achieve the intended result and no more.  The other side of the coin would be to just stay in the old way of operation and gravitate only toward clients, business partners and relationships, which allow them to continue business as usual. It is apparent that this is the demise of an organization over time, but failure to accept, embrace or even acknowledge the need to change usually is.

Wk3-1 DB Quickies: Difficulties starting new programs/breaking the norm

Topic #1: Briefly share any experiences you’ve had when you’ve had a part in introducing a new program or a new way to do things at your job site. Please share any triumphs or frustrations you’ve had trying to improve the system or when you’ve pioneered or piloted some outside the norm.

When I was still working for the school I spent a lot of time attempting to “Brand” the school program I worked within, since it was an alternative high school program contracted by the school board. It was a way for me to use my Graphic Design skills and allowed me to assist them in their promotions in the local area and showcase the program to new students and their parents.

Initially I started with a School logo (Mascot), which was “commissioned” by the then Director of the program. The initial problem was that their wasn’t much use of it program wide (15 school sites) Since It was sanctioned by the leadership but wasn’t being effectively utilized, I could still use it to brand my site.  I then made all printed correspondence from my site utilized the school logo. Over time the majority of the program was using the logo because they saw how I was using it to create an identity for my school site and students.

There was a similar situation that occurred with other marketing materials I created for my site, but saturation of much of the creative design I created was assisted by the fact that I, like many of my staff, were periodically moved around to different school sites. I would then start again with branding that particular site under the school logo, but approaching it uniquely for that site.

There was some level of effectiveness for the branding, albeit a limited one, as the leadership was permissive, but not fully engaged in the initiative.  Even with the local website, which was designed under the Director of special services, which was to be a promotional tool to showcase our staff, students and activities, went only so far because the leadership would allow the effort, but not actively support of become engaged in it.

Wk2 Discussion Deeper: Podcasts in Education

You will post one (or more) response(s) listing four or more podcasts that you feel can help you or your students. The podcasts do not need to be strictly “educational.” And most importantly, feel free to comment on each others’ lists.

Multiple intelligences Podcast:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m5DPtykP_g
I do plan to use the podcast I created here in EMDTMS as it is both an example of what a student can do creatively with a subject matter, but also how to integrate detailed subject matter in a digestible way.

Educational podcast Network: http://epnweb.org/

Media Artist Secrets with Franklin McMahon

http://epnweb.org/index.php?request_id=120&openpod=13#anchor13

NerdTV

http://epnweb.org/index.php?request_id=238&openpod=2#anchor2

Instructional Technology Podcasts

http://epnweb.org/index.php?request_id=251&openpod=2#anchor2

Photoshop for Painters

http://epnweb.org/index.php?request_id=3300&openpod=13#anchor13

Wk2-2 DB Quickies: CD Ownership, Music Sharing or Spontaneous Listening

 Topic #2: Pick one topic to respond to:

a. Do you remember the first song/artist that touched you on an emotional level, not just a catchy tune, but something that sank in under the skin?

b. Do you remember when audio CDs were introduced? Do you remember how the record companies said that the $15 – $19 price for audio CDs would drop when CDs became more popular (LP prices being around $10 at the time)? Are you tired of buying the same songs more than once? Please discuss…

 

It’s very difficult to find the first song, or even a specific one that connected emotionally, as all the music that stays with me has done that. Historically many songs that have become mainstays in my collection are their usually because they have marked a time in my life or I connect to a specific person because it is what I remember during a pivotal moment in my relationship with that person.

I guess one that is most poignant to me is the Earth Wind and Fire song September. I always think of my wife because we met at my fraternity’s Fall semester Icebreaker on the 21st night of September; which is part of the opening line of the song.

Wk2-1 DB Quickies: CD Ownership, Music Sharing or Spontaneous Listening

Briefly share how you use music in your personal life: are you a CD collector, someone who gets their music off the Internet through friends or Peer-to-Peer networks or do you have a music subscription where you can listen to whatever music you feel like listening to at the moment? Or are you some combination of the above?

I started collecting music as a teen when CD’s were coming of age and as a result much of my best stuff is still in Cassette form. My music loves stretched across so many genres that most family get-togethers were Dee Jay’d with my music for many years.

One of my private projects of late is converting them all over to MP3 so that I can keep all the music I have collected over the years. As an artist, I have always been very interested in the album art and imagery connected with the artist; which is part of the reason I still prefer buying the CD so I can have the album art.

I download (legally) when I have to find old music that I can’t find on CD anymore. I honestly found out about P2P networks about the time of the fall of Napster, when the industry was trying to crack down on them. As a result I was freaked out to the degree that I actually felt like I would be the one caught and made and example of. Judging by the size of my music collection its heyday, that wouldn’t have seemed far-fetched to me.

Wk2-RE: Alli's Post

Alli Said:

Week 2-Free Choice-Important Media History: Obama Hope Poster For Sale

I am very familiar with this poster as I’m sure everyone is. I don’t think was Shepard Fairey did anything wrong at all. Painters do it all the time. They take an image as reference or inspiration and create a painting. I think he used an image and created something graphically different and beautiful. It’s his original work, his paint, his idea his color choices etc. I used to get projects like this all the time in illustration classes. We were to find an image and recreate it graphically using Illustrator and Photoshop or whatever we preferred. Could he have asked for permission…yes. Would he saved himself a lot of trouble…yes. Now my question is if this poster didn’t become as huge and public as it did would there be any issue? I feel a lot of times no one has a problem with anything until someone else gets noticed.

Alli,

I Said:
(I know I know, I am waffling on issues)

I spoke of the copyright infringement of the  musicians in “good Copy Bad Copy” because they used parts of the original artist’s piece in a new composition…..so why do I disagree in this case: (drum roll, please)

I think there is a difference in the two issue, minor, but present. The music has a present actually existing element from the original recording. In the poster the Pose, the look, the feel of the moment in time was there, but unless there were actual pieces of the original photo there, there are no parts to the original image.

Only a Graphic Designer knows the work involved in recreating and image graphically and though I think the similarities are enough to cause the hoopla, the image is no longer a photograph anymore, or even created with the same media.

Yes he could have asked for permission and saved a lot of trouble and I do feel like the fame and notoriety of the poster made the inspiration source an issue.

I think that the difference in my views between the sampling of music vs. the graphic poster recreation is the fact there is still a actual tangible element of the original in it’s original format on the music whereas the only part of the photo present in Fairley’s piece is the pose…

To quote, my instructor: “Ah, yeah, it's complicated.”*  

* Blog Post: on June 8, 2011 9:10 PM
http://aliweinreb.blogspot.com/2011/06/week-2-free-choice-important-media.html#comments

Wk 2-RE:"The Art of Possibility" (Sharon Clay)

Sharon Said:

Week 2: "The Art of Possibility"

Chapter 1 – “It’s All Invented”

            Thinking outside the box we live in requires changing our experiences. Our experiences determine our perceptions therefore we can become bound by our limitations if we do not seek opportunities to expand those boundaries.  According to Zander & Zander “The frames of our minds create define-and confine-what we perceive to be possible”  (p. 15). We also create subconscious assumptions, which makes “…every dilemma, every dead end we find our selves facing in life, [appear] unsolvable” (Zander & Zander, p. 14). In order to change this perception we must create positive assumptions built around what appears to be impossible.  Simply put it does not matter if the glass is half empty or if it’s half full. It’s your attitude after you drink the water.  Your outlook determines what you invent. Inventing new experiences and possibilities will bring new choices and opportunities.

Chapter 2 – “Stepping into a Universe of Possibility”

My thoughts and actions are a result of the numerous measurements imposed on my life.  Making decisions about where to work and live are just two examples of decisions I have made based on these measurements.  I do believe however that measurements have helped me achieve a sense of security, stability, and maturatity.  Deciding where to live was based on the type of lifestyle I was accustomed to as a child.  Believing that I had to provide a certain type of home for my family, in a particular neighborhood was a result of measurements as well. While I am a northern girl to the core – I currently reside in the Southeast because this is where I “measure up” to those standards.  Accomplishing all goals are a result of one’s recognition of measurements. Within those measurements are indicators of success and I have used each one to make decisions and take advantage of all the possibilities available to me. However, according to Zander & Zander

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

After ten years of teaching the “Giving Yourself an A” theory is something I have practiced numerous times but did not know what is was until I read this book.  Teaching requires that you develop and maintain the ability to see possibilities in all situations, even when it seems that all means have been exhausted. This is especially true when you have so many other factors like, unsupportive administrators, dissatisfied parents, and of course No Child Left Behind, to contend with; all different forms of measurements.  I teach my students to help each other.  My classroom is a community and it extends beyond room 210.  Each year I encourage my students to develop selfless attitudes and to help their peers do the same.  I think “Giving Yourself an A” is very similar to “paying it forward”.  You have to look beyond your limitations to make someone else’s day.  Once the ball gets rolling the possibilities are endless. Students extend genuine courtesies to peers from an intrinsic force, which is recycled time after time. 

Chapter 4. “Being a Contribution”

I will continue to maintain a positive attitude even when I struggle to see the possibilities.  Helping others reach a point where they too can see the possibilities is my focus.   Being a contribution is not about personal gain instead it’s about effecting change.  Each smile, kind word, and helping hand is a contribution. These small selfless gestures change attitudes and evoke possibilities.

Zander, R. S., & Zander, B. (2000). The art of possibility. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.

John said:
“Sharon,

I feel kind of silly in hindsight......

for whatever reason it never crossed my mind to break up my observations for each chapter in separate sections so give a more coherent synopsis of what i got from the reading.

There really was so much insightful material going on in the book that even though I submitted some nuggets, I don't think I did it justice.

The "giving yourself and "A" concept was very interesting in their context. I have seen variations on it before, but I never heard it broken down in this way; and I honestly was thinking about the natural consequence of giving an “A” from the start even before it was discussed in the chapter.  I do not remember if it was spoken of in this context, but was I read, I actually thought of it as establishing (what my Pastor says) the operation in the spirit of excellence. I also like the fact that it does not allow for glossing over failure to live up to the “A” or diminishing the moments when this occurs. I like that they were explaining  “ahead of time” why they earned the “A” so that they take a personal ownership of the expectations set forth. That way, if there is a failure to live up to them or a reminder that they have fell short, it is based on their own standards and not any one else’s.”

Wk2: iCloud(y) with a chance of confusion

With all the correspondence as of late about the end of MobileMe for all new subscribers and the introduction of iCloud in the fall, I thought I spend l time looking at what the information gatekeepers at technology's favorite fruit store would tell me about iCloud.

According to my favorite, yet disturbingly gaunt looking tech guru, Steve Jobs, the MobileMe platform is on life support until June 30 of next year, when the plug will be pulled.

The good news is that the these features (Mail, Contacts and Calendar) will be free instead of 99$. (which is always a cool price for me) the "bad" news is I don't know what that means for iWeb, or more importantly iChat.

I like the convenience of the calendar and contacts on my Macbook, but despite my infatuation with all things Apple, I don't own any other mac products except my laptop, so (despite its excellent usability) I  am not worried as much about losing iWeb, or even the aforementioned tools. I honestly never took the time to integrate my access to all email accounts and contacts information stored elsewhere through those features; and with that, it became another account to look after and confuse an already confused soul.

I honestly wonder about the future of iChat, which is by far the best and most used feature to me; and the one I would miss the most should it go "dinosaur". In addition, I truthfully don't know enough about Cloud technology for me to not be concerned about my information.

I guess I will figure it out as the time of funeral of MobileMe approaches and the iCloud settles over the information superhighway.

JCIII

Wk2: Blog Entry 1: The Art of Possibility

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Possibility-Transforming-Professional-Personal/dp/0142001104#reader_0142001104

I had a little trouble with the reading this week. Not because it was dry mind you, quite the contrary, it was one of the more insightful and captivating readings I have read recently. I found it very difficult to not “highlight ” the majority of the book, which is usually the telltale signs of engaging reading for me!

I screen shot many sections that spoke to personal situations, observations and truths, but found myself connected the most to the first quote I highlighted

It spoke of 2 marketing scouts in Africa researching expansion of the business and where one complains of no shoes being worn, the other celebrates this as a untapped market for selling shoes.

The 4 chapters of this book I read produced so many more nuggets, but this one stayed with me because it constantly rang in my head as other stories and examples were showcased through out the book. 

The point I received from this, and subsequent examples is that the viewpoint that you bring, adopt, or cultivate in or despite of the environment, people or circumstances that naturally come about will have great bearing on the reactions to them and how you internalize.

For example, when the Monks at the monastery all thought that the Messiah was among them, they started treating themselves and each other with higher esteem on the off chance that they might be in daily interaction with him.

The concept I got from this is when already operating under the assumption of the best-case scenario, people will be great and we should create an atmosphere and opportunity for them to step into that role.  Even in the less than 100% probability of success, like the case of the woman on the beach throwing starfish back in the sea that have been beached: saving a few doesn’t seem to make a difference in looking at the grand scheme, but it does to the ones that you do save

RE: Ali's Good Copy Bad Copy

Ali said:
Good Copy Bad Copy wasn't what I was expected at all. I thought it was going to be a boring documentary about how wrong it is to use other people's work. Instead I was pleasantly surprised with the cultural movement the internet had with the making of music. I hear all he time how people are losing jobs in the music industry and the internet is ruining music. I disagree actually, and agree with the man who stated that the business has to embrace it and change. The power of the internet cannot be controlled nor should it, which was pointed out with the 'pirate bay' people. That would be violated our rights as people. I also found it very interesting that they were correct with they don't have the same laws we have here in America, so who are we to say it's wrong and interfere. I loved what Brazil was doing wit the music how awesome it was to come end the documentary with it coming back to the producer in America. These people don't want money they want to just create, they should be able to do just that.

I said:
we are disagreeing sharply on this Ali, (in friendly discourse, of course)

I spoke on this a couple of Blog entries ago (LOL- I posted a lot today)
I agree that the internet should not be controlled and I am pro creative expression, but as a creative myself, I do have pause with someone anywhere using my work without my permission, even if it is just to party. If they ask, I may be cool with it (though I doubt that they are partying without making ANY money)

also; I stated in my post on Good Copy Bad Copy
“I don’t think that because you like what I do, you are automatically entitled to it without my permission because you are a consumer.  Using that rationale, it won’t be around long because it is no longer profitable for the source of the work to bother producing it. “

These producers weren’t just using music for the sake of music, they were using an actual well-known artist’s piece who is hot right now and tweaked it to a style for their needs. If it was just music for music sake, why didn’t they just make their own? I am quite doubtful that they did not know that was Gnarls Barkley. It is used because it’s  “hot” right now.

I think there may be some form of middle ground, but this may not be the right one.

Just my thoughts,
JCIII

Wk 1: Creative Commons

I haven't used Creative Commons as much as I should but I love the concept as it eliminates any unintentional infringement on the web.

This may be somewhat of a "no-brainer" however; I will however off up for consideration, the theory that CC it is only a benefit for the aforementioned group and may not seriously deter any infringement by  anyone who had no intention of using proper channels to acquire media.....

what do you think?

RE: Important Media History: Obama Hope Poster For Sale

Location of Article
January 14, 2011 5:27 pm


on February 21, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Admin said:
Yeah, and Fairey could have just asked either Garcia or AP for permission before using the photo and it would have all gone away. Part of APs problem is they are still living in the world where they have photographers covering stories and then posting the photos so that they can be “published” via AP and they’re still treating it all like in the days when we could only get our news and news photos via the daily deliveries of a dead-tree-edition on ones doorstep every morning or evening. Sad. The world has changed.

I said:
Honestly, This is very insightful, as I was not aware that a graphic rendition of the image was a copyright infringement, though as I think about it it makes sense (maybe I just did not think about it) This is very interesting. I have done graphic representation of people (and myself) before for personal logo and personal designs, but they were the clients.

I guess the best thing I get from this is a cautionary tale.
JCIII

Wk1: Good Copy Bad Copy

Though it was longer than I expected when I sat down to look at it, Good Copy Bad Copy was an interesting documentary. I t truly generated the most passionate responses I have had to date regarding Copyright; even from the standpoint of a creative professional.

I can’t help but wonder throughout the piece if the responses from those who infringe would be the same if it was their work. Honestly I kept thinking that the reason most were so cavalier about their efforts was because it was someone else’s.

I thought a lot of the Copyright myth #6 that says that an original work created from someone else's work belongs to me.  When I watched the segments on GirlTalk and Tecno Brega, each seem to show some form of creative expression, but when I found myself trying to see things from their standpoint they point out the holes in that theory by, instead of pointing out the original recordings created and hanging their hat on that rationale; choosing to either point out others that have done it and not been penalizing (Tecno Brega/DangerMouse’s Gray Album) or saying that they aren’t hurting anyone and current laws are “inhibiting the flow of culture and Music”  (GirlTalk)

On another note, as I watched the rest of the video I noticed that that most of the violators did not care much either because it wasn’t a crime in their country or because it wasn’t work from their country For example, The Nigerian Piracy trade did not care about pirating "foreign" movies because, unlike Nigerian producers, the foreign producers didn't come in to their shops so the were less likely to get arrested.  In Sweden, the piracy, according to Pirate Bay, wasn’t illegal, though the work they shared wasn’t Swedish work.

Being a creative, I straddle the fence on creative freedom, but I don’t think that because you like what I do, you are automatically entitled to it without my permission because you are a consumer.  Using that rationale, it won’t be around long because it is no longer profitable for the source of the work to bother producing it.

RE: Why is Copyright so Hard????

Marsona J’s Blog:

Post: MAC Week 1 Post - Why is Copyright so Hard????

Since we are reading and discussing copyright, I thought this was the perfect time to get feedback on an ongoing problem with students today. I teach 8th grade Computer Literacy and I think I really have some really great students. I teach a three week unit on Copyright where we discuss what is copyright, what can and cannot be copy-written, and fair use guidelines. Our students have a lot expected of them and are required to complete Science and History Fair projects where they must do research. The problem is when doing their research, they tend to just copy just what they see instead of rephrasing and/or siting their sources.

This really becomes a problem when they attempt to compete in district and state fairs and are often disqualified because of copyright issues. Some say they are too young to really understand that using someone else's material and claiming it as their own is not really a big problem. But they tend to understand everything else.

Please feel free to comment on this issue your thoughts and or solutions.
Thanks

June 2, 2011 12:17 PM John Carter said...

Perhaps for the purpose of getting them in the habit of asking for permission, make the letter of request for usage part of the assignment guidelines. (make it part of the grade points)

Even if they are using something with "fair use" make them write it out anyway. They need not know what is and is not fair use all the time because it is more important for them to get in the habit of legally requesting use of others work. (especially if they are seriously considering a creating vocation)
JC111

Wk1: Copyright: Interesting Paradox

All,
Since we are talking copyright, I think of this situation.

Consider this....

My Aunt, just Passed. she has only one child who is "unavailable", but upon her passing her legal matters were in the hands of her niece.

these links to records she sang on were found on YouTube. Who owns the rights? The record company. My Cousin, Her son, (You Tube?)

Interesting, is it not?
JCIII

Wk 1: Copyright Issues Part 1: Intro to Copyright

I find the most interesting Myth is the one that Mr. B mentioned as the one where all the battling over copyright is going on (#6 if I make up my own stories but based them on another work, then my work belongs to me)

Initially it seems like that would be cut and dry violation, but my concern with that is the fact that most creative expression does not come about in a vacuum. The fact that their is a lot of constant give and take, and inspiration collaboration, variation and imitation between all creative professionals means that this may always be a ongoing debate expect in blatant ripoffs of people's work.

perhaps that is why their is so much legal rambling in the courts about it.

Wk 1 Wimba: (EMDTMS-MAC-June 2011)

Wow, The home stretch!

Strangely enough, having had my Lit Review approved last month does not make me relaxed about all the Blogging required in this month, even though the writing styling of my Blog is much less strict. I think my concern with that is the one I ususally have with any of my classes with a large amount of things due- finishing everything dues and doing so on time.

I find it odd that I am somewhat facinated at the Publishing Leadership Project and the possibility of having my work published, though I can't fully embrace it yet, knowing full well the degree of difficulty that my lit Review has given me, still, EMDT has taught me the lesson of not letting experiences count for nothing, so.........

I considering.