Wow! It’s mind-boggling how fast technology is multiplying. It’s the age not just of information but now of digital information. So many possibilities lie ahead for our students to read, to explore, to create, to learn, to connect via cyberspace.
To think many of our students don’t have computers at home, their parents are computer illiterate and don’t understand the demands of the 21st century learner, let alone how many teachers are behind in technology themselves. Digital paths open up the world to our students, broadens their scope vicariously, empowers them as writers, publishers, photographers, design artists---on and on stream the possibilities.
Another of thought from my pragmatic side is that immediately the need for keyboarding skill is incumbent upon today's students so their fingers can find their way quickly for the many activities they can perform on computers. Text messaging can be with only two thumbs or fingers, and that’s a large part of how young people communicate today electronically. But that is not adequate for the new WWW world of Whatever, Whenever, Wherever.

Reflection on "7-1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners"

7 - 1/2 Habits of Effective Lifelong - a Reflection

Most challenging for me are Habits 1: Begin with the end in mind and Habit 5: Create your own learning toolbox.
Habit 1: While I like to put things into perspective when I teach, and show how everything relates to the bigger picture, I often find it hard to see the big picture before tackling a project. I am not good at visualizing the end. My husband can see the vision in detail when we undertake an endeavor around the home, but I do not have that gift. I see only what lies before me as far as what I need to do right now, then I need to be told what to do next, step by step to reach the goal.
Habit 5: I am not sure I know how to create my own learning toolbox as applies to this "23 Things" online class. I have read through the items but cannot picture myself yet being successful in gathering all the items into my toolbox. It's that visualizing thing again. I am confident I an take on the challenges but don't have the view of using the tools--at least not effectively--yet.
Habit 2: Accept responsibility for your own learning and Habit 4: Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner are both the most resonant for me as a lifelong learner and most important for me as I work through this course. Also for the latter Habit 3: View problems as challenges will be extremely important as I work through this course, as I do anticipate snags along the technological trail.