Thing #1 - Lifelong Learning

The hardest Habits for me are 1, 4, 6, and 7.

Habit 1- begin with the end in mind - is difficult because I first have to determine a goal and make a plan to reach my goal. I want my goal to be very specific. I think having to broad of a goal leaves too much up in the air. I want to become a teacher and learn how to be a great teacher. First, I would have to figure out how to accomplish that. What defines a great teacher? Is this something I should create myself or are there already set standards? Perhaps it is a combination of what is already set and what time of teacher I want to be? In order for me to complete Habit 1 I have to write out all the the steps I need to take to become a teacher. All the correct courses, the proper amount of time for observing and student teaching, the Praxis Series and the scores I need to pass. Then I have to define or describe the characteristics of a great teacher. I want to know what I am doing and teaching. If I am teaching 2 books and a list of short poems than I want to be well versed on all of them. I want to be approachable to my students and to my colleagues. How do I do that? Is this achieved through body language, the tone of my voice, demeanour? I have decided that it is all of those things so I have to be particularly mindful of how I represent myself and my intentions. So although I have a specific goal in my the plan to get there will be a challenge and figuring out exactly what the proper steps are will also be difficult or at least overwhelming.

Habit 4- have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner - is extremely difficult for me because most times I feel overwhelmed by everything I have to accomplish to complete my goal. I need to successfully complete the MAT program and get my license. Most times I need to break down the tasks before I attempt to tackle them. I don't doubt that I can learn the information and effectively apply what I have learned, but all the information is hard to take in or I come across an obstacle that I find particularly difficult and am scared I won't be able to overcome. I need to keep reminding myself that I can do this.

Habit 6 - use technology to your advantage - seems simple enough, but I have never been very good at it. Just finding certain information on the Internet can be difficult. My biggest fear is that I won't understand something and then I'll be lost and fall behind.

Habit 7 - teach/mentor others - is a great thing to do, but I get very nervous. I used to tutor other students in the Academic Skills Center at my previous school and it did not work out so well. I understood the material, but I couldn't explain how to do it. On the other hand, I am good at teaching certain sports to other people. Which is one of the reasons I plan on being a coach while I am teacher.

The easiest Habits are 2, 3, 5 and 7 1/2.

Habit 2 - accept responsibility for your own learning - is especially easy for me because when I set out learn it is something I initiated. I want to do whatever it takes to master my task or skill. I want to be a teacher and learn how to be a great teacher. These are things I will actively learn and accomplish.

Habit 3- view problems as challenges - is a great habit to keep in mind and something I always try to do. Every problem or obstacle is a chance to learn. I think the best way to learn is by first hand experiences. It is an experience that will last with me the longest and most likely value more. It is easy to become frustrated, but it only takes a moment to step back from the situation and evaluate it and make a plan to attack it head on. Sometimes having to do something the hard way is the best way because you learn more.

Habit 5 - create your own learning toolbox- is a great resource to have. It is always good to know who I can go talk to if something arises, what books I can gain certain information from and for quick access having websites will be to my advantage. Having all of these tools at my finger tips will certainly help if I need to overcome a challenge.

Habit 7 1/2 - play - is by far the easiest habit for me because I think playing not only allows for brain development, but it is an essential outlet for me. I love the motto, "work hard, play hard" because it is the best way to phrase the balance that is needed in life. Everyone deserves down time, it is essential to not having an overload or breakdown. Yes, it is also very true that you can also learn while playing. When I was a child, playing was one of the biggest influences for how I live my life now: follow the rules, be ambitious, be adventurous, be determined, try your best and always have heart.

What do I want to learn by playing with Web 2.0 tools? It is very simple, I want to become more familiar with the purpose and setup. Until this class I was unaware of what Web 2.0 was so I want to become more educated on it. I also want to learn how I could use this in my future classes when I am a teacher.

I had a very difficult time setting up my blog. I am not familiar with this type of interactive setting. I have read blogs, but never participated in one. I was extremely frustrated in the beginning, but I do like writing and sharing my experiences with others so that part was enjoyable.