Thing #1 Reflections on Lifelong Learning

As I reflect on myself as a lifelong learner, I think of all the new things I learned just this year. I accept that learning is an on-going process no matter what your age. After speaking to a former 23 things student, I'm really excited and encouraged to start this journey. I think I will learn more than I ever have in a PFK class. I will hopefully feel confident enough to coach my colleagues on the new technology I've discovered.
I know this learning curve will not come without it's challenges, however. Finding time to navigate through this course will be very challenging for me. I'm a little discouraged that I'm having a late start, but I'm going to keep truckin' anyway! I guess this means I need to focus on the #1 step: begin with the end in mind. My summer is very full with classwork for my masters program so I will need to stay well-planned and focused on the end result.
I expect the easiest habit for me will be using the technology to my advantage. When I find time to get to the computer, exploring comes naturally to me and I enjoy it. In the past when I've learned something new with technology, I've tried to use it immediately so I will not forget about the skills. Hopefully the same will occur in this course.
There are two of the 7 1/2 steps I find to be important. First is teaching and mentoring others. To me, that is what lifelong learning is all about-sharing. I'm sure that is why MISD is supporting and facilitating a course such as this. The district really encourages collaboration and mentoring, which I think is fantastic and helps us to stand out in the community. I don't know where I'd be after these 10 years of experience had my team not taken me under their wings. It is only right that I return the service to the new teachers on our campus.
The second habit which is very important to me is the aspect of play. What course allows you this much play online? I haven't found another and I'm thrilled to be a part of this one this summer. Play is completely conducive to learning because the excitement that comes from play better prepares the brain to accept new information. Knowing that play is part of my learning experience motivates me to accept the challenges that will come along.