Week 4: Wimba

I received the following feedback from my friends/critical friends after sharing my Leadership project. Ayana McDowell shared the following, “Very informative and educational. This presentation informs parents and readers how vital digital storytelling is not only reaching our students through advanced technology in which the environment they now live. It also helps us to appreciate and acknowledge that digital storytelling is amusing and attractive to our children and helps them to enjoy reading on another level of education and technology. In which, this will expand their reading skills, as well as, knowledge of the world that surrounds them.

Antoinette Huff, stated the following, “Great presentation. Digital storytelling is a way for children to have a better understanding of what is being taught to them visually and verbally. In which, this is embedded in their minds and preparing them for their future.” careers.

Finally, Denise Jones stated that the presentation was good over all. She suggested that in my final presentation that I have fewer bullet points on some slides. She also suggested that some of the content be condensed and more concise. In addition, she suggested that during the presentation, I provide a handout to participants that including the Seven Elements of Digital Storytelling. Participants would then use the handout to identify the various elements in sample digital stories.

Week 4: Leadership

My goal for my Leadership Project is to conduct a presentation on my Action Research project on digital storytelling for early learning. I plan to apply to either an early childhood education conference like the National Association for the Education of Young People (NAEYC)
www.naeyc.org or the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) http://www.southernearlychildhood.org/.  I've selected the NAEYC because presenting at the organizations conference will allow me to share my work with Early Childhood Education professionals on a national level. I've chosen to apply to present to SECA because as a Georgia resident it's a great opportunity to share my digital storytelling research with Georgia and other southern neighboring states. This would be a great opportunity for participants at the conference to connect and collorobrate on a regional level.

Week 1: Leadership Post
http://kwasidamonth11.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-1-leadership.html


Week 2: Leadership Post
http://kwasidamonth11.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-2-leadership.html

Week 3: Leadership Post
http://kwasidamonth11.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-3-leadership.html

Week 4: Leadership Post
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MfzdlHA8S2RiWOfqQAgjiyioIXAhoq8hgcxmwd0UTcE/edit

Week 4: Comments Entry

Comment on Amanda's Castaneda's post:

Amanda, there are so many take aways from the Zander's book, The Art of Possibilities. "I am the framework for everything that happens in my life" is one of the most profound messages in the book. I AM! ME! ________(fill your name) is totally responsible for my life. The blank canvas that we're all given allows us to paint our own world. I think that this this blank canvas can be exciting and remind us that there is a world of possibility. When we fear the vast possbilities sometimes we limit ourselves from what the Universe has provided. We are all blessed beyond measure!


Amanda's Castaneda post:

For this week’s reading there were a few statements the authors made that stood out to me. One being that “Certain things in life are better done in person.” This is such a true statement and reminded me of a young lady at Starbucks, had once told me that she hated working the drive thru, people are so rude and forget that there is a real person actually taking their order. I happened to be her first customer that did not do this. I was kind of surprised she had reveled something so personal to me. But she had been fed up with how people could find it ok to act like this because they were speaking into a small box, why is it that many people tend to think this type of attitude is acceptable in a non face-to-face meeting. I am sure many of her “rude” customers would never acted in such a way if they had gotten down instead. Its funny that people tend to put on a different persona when it comes to communicating in a non face-to-face meeting? I think the same is true for asking a favor or for some service you would like to person to do. Even when it comes to borrowing money this would apply largely because seeing someone in person than through email or the phone it is more personable and you are more likely to get the response you wanted in doing so.

Another quote I found to be quite powerful is “ I am the framework for everything that happens in my life” This quote reminds us that we can own the risks we take by standing in front of them and not casting blame elsewhere. We are responsible for what happens to us from the path we choose to take. We are built from our successes, failures, partnerships, and ideologies.

In the very last chapter “Coda” the book talks a little bit about why someone may have come across this book and hoped after reading it, you are able to view things in life a little differently with a new perspective. I think this quote sums it up what The Art of Possibility intended to do. 

“From a person who meets the challenges life serves up, to one who designs the stage on which her life plays out; from a single not to a long line, from partial to full expression, from the I to the WE.”



Comments on Sahpreem's Aaron King's Post:
Sahpreem, so we're waiting for your next book! Your interpretation of the book is a like a mini self help book. I appreciate the statement, "As a people, when we abandon possibility and accept despair as the norm, we have lost the war on hope." I've abandoned some possibilities in my life while trying to figure it all out. Reflecting on my life, many of the answers have always been in front of me. This also relates to another take away from your post, "In life you either take the drivers seat or sit back as a passenger and enjoy the ride." In some areas of my life, I've taken the driver seat and in other areas I didn't even realize I could "drive". 


You also mentioned in another post something that also been on my mind. We talk to our children about being their best, but I'm not sure if I always do my best! I reminded that being my best and being open to the endless possibilities is the best gift I can give myself, family and community.


Sahpreem Aaron King's post:

In response to this chapter I would like to start off the blog posts with this rap I composed:

“Light the spark that ignites the dark,

I remember when use to spit rhymes at park,

Every rapper took a turn on the invisible Mic,

And words held weight beyond game and mere hype,

Doors were opened when seeds were sowed,

Now we reap the harvest of the life that grows,

Turned haters and non-believers,

Into supporters and bros,

See the fire in the sky as the mind lights glow

Sometimes my tactics are rougher than cactus,

Cause it takes practice to separate the truth from actors”

10. Being the Board

In the Game of Life there are Winners and Losers

Life is a challenge and can be compared to a game of mystery, discovery, and limitless possibilities. Moreover, responsibility or accountability for the occurrences within our lives or realms of reality is not of our direct influence. If you believe in preordained fate, then you must subscribe to the premise that all of your life’s work has already been written and is for not, if you fail to find your purpose for being alive. Yes, many will argue that we have no purpose, but even a snail serves a purpose as part of the universe’s grand design of life. Being the board is about being responsible beyond the limits of our control and appointed responsibilities. How many times have you been to convenience store and the coffee pots is empty and the folks behind the counter shrug their shoulders through their hands up and complain, “it’s not my job (to fill the coffee pot)”? Probably, more times than you can even count. Or do you recall calling the XYZ Company’s customer service line and being passed around from agent-to-agent like a game of hot potato? Being the board is not about accepting blame for the ills of society, but understanding that we all play a part in what goes on in the world and knowing that we all have a back-story or set of circumstances that led up this very moment. When we open our minds to having a 360-degree view, we open our hearts to love, empathy, and charity. When we point the finger, there are three pointing back at us. In the words of the immortal King of Pop, Michael Jackson (RIP) “I’m starting with the man in the mirror.”

11. Creating Frameworks for Possibility

As a people, when we abandon possibility and accept despair as the norm, we have lost the war on hope. Dream as big as you can and build a rainbow bridge that extends over the valleys and pits of hate and indifference. Understand that there is a bona fide difference between “game” and “truth”. Once we are able to wipe the mud from our glasses and see the infinite benefit of peace, harmony, and goodwill towards fellow man, then we can begin to explore the vast oasis of all that is good and right in the universe. As we design the framework of possibility, we become architects of our own fate. Collectively we decided how our blueprint should read, what is good or bad, right or wrong, and more Importantly the direction of our focus. When buy into the dream of humanity we accept the collective vision as our own, opening a realm of possibility that we must take responsibility for maintaining by participating in its evolution. In life you either take the drivers seat or sit back as a passenger and enjoy the ride. If you choose the latter over the former then you have no right to be a backseat driver.

12. Telling the We Story

The conflict between Us and Them has been an age-old battle since before man could read or write. In the grand scheme of the universe, no group has ever wielded more power and influence than the collective We. Togetherness can conquer what the separatist failed to overcome. In this statement, I say that every human being is capable of making a contribution to humanity because it takes two to dance the Tango. In this chapter, the authors depict a similar passion for the collective experience whereas each human’s survival is interdependent on the next. What is best for us is the underlying question here. In the alchemy of we, our community strengthens as our intentions are focused on standing together as one. Far too often this is forgotten amongst the people until cataclysmic forces the likes of the 911 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina temporarily bring us together. United we stand divided we fall. Perhaps we must agree that divided we don’t stand a chance as a human society.

Week 4: Reading - The Art of Possibility

The last couple of chapters of the Zander's the Art of Possibility were empowering. The following were my take- a ways from practices 9-12.

-It's important to not about forcing, tricking or quilt-tripping someone into doing things your way. Enrollment is about helping to generate a spark of possibility for others to share.

- "Rename yourself as the board on which the whole games are being played. You move the problematic aspect of any circumstance form the outside world inspire the boundaries of yourself. With this act you can transform the world."

-  "Invent and sustain frameworks that bring possibility. It is about restricting meanings. Creating visions, and establishing environments where possibility is spoken-where the buoyant force of possibility overcomes the pull of the downward spiral."

-"Tell the WE story-the story of the unseen threads that connects us all, the story of possibility."

Week 3: Comments Entry

Comments on Dana Scobie's Blog

Dana I totally agree that moving on past resistance is important especially since life will bring many challenges. It’s important to learn to be open to many possibilities. I also like the idea of allowing students to be leaders by teaching one another. With two sets of twins, my older set (boys) takes the lead in our household. They ensure that our younger set (girls) is well taken care of.

Dana Scobie's post


In the "Leadership From Any Chair" section, I love the story about the youth orchestra's trip to Cuba.  I think we can draw many parallels about leadership in this story and teaching.  It's important for those in leadership positions (teachers) to sometimes step down and empower students teach each other.
Rule #6 is so important to remember.  I think it is important to remember to not take ourselves too seriously.  We get so busy and worked up about things.  It's all invented anyway, right?
I also like the idea of "presence without resistance".  The book gives the example of going on a Florida vacation, only to have rain.  I think asking the question, "What do we want to do from here?" and being open to many other possibilities is a healthy way to look at life.  Surely we all have disappointments in life at times, but looking at new possibilities without dwelling on the negative is something everyone could try to do.

On a side note, after watching Zander's TED talks, I think the audio book (if he narrated it) would be fantastic!

Comment on Carl Shuprine' Blog

Carl one of my take- a- ways is also to be present with the way things are. I’m a planner, which is a great thing. However, sometimes I’m planning so far into the future, I get overwhelmed with the present. My mother always reminds me of the mind based cognitive therapy- mindfulness meditation. Mindfullness means, “paying attention on purpose to present experience, without judgment. By slowing down, being fully present, and examining the mind and emotions with acceptance, the mindfulness practitioner can find freedom from suffering.”

Carl Suptrine’s Blog

I took a number of take-a-ways from this weeks reading. I really resonated with Rosamund and Benjamin Zander’s discussion about childlike behaviorisms following people into adulthood. All to often you encounter people who exhibit questionable behavior due to insecurities. They posture and put up fronts of power, many times becoming extremely stubborn unwilling to relent that they have made a mistake or are wrong, simply because they fear that this admonition will diminish them from the perspective of others. Good leaders must learn humility, be willing to learn, and extend their trust to those that they depend on. This behavior tends to make hypocrites of people as well.

They will persist in a way of thinking even after changing circumstances force them to take actions that are completely contrary to their supposed beliefs.It reminds me of the term “flip-flopper” used so often as an insult in politics. I hate this term because a person, especially a policy maker, should be able change their mind as new information presents itself. This does not necessarily make someone untrustworthy or indecisive, it makes a person lucid.

The authors’ comment of leading from any chair tie right into the work my school has been doing to shift the focus of our classrooms from teacher-centered to student-centered. It is an amazing thing to witness a group of students learning from not just one teacher, but the 15-20 other teachers that are in the class with them. There is almost a palpable change of energy in the room when it takes place. You can sense a feeling of empowerment and mutual respect from all.

Unfortunately it does not always work for everyone. Benjamin Zander describes empowering all of his musicians by viewing them as “glorious lovers of music.” However this is an obvious truth. Why else would they have pursued this career? I have to say that high school students do not always have even a slight amount of passion as many times they feel forced to participate either by law or the pressures of parents or requirements to graduate. They did not make the choice to be in a particular class and as a result simply do not have an interest. For these students the first battle is helping them to make some sort of personal connection to the subject matter and igniting even a small spark of passion.

I absolutely love the Rule Number 6. If the super egos of the world could get out of the way I truly believe there would be greater understanding amongst all. Plain and simple.

The authors’ concepts of being present to the way things are shares many similarities to the philosophy of yoga. Yoga teaches you to be present in the moment. When things become difficult you it is important to focus on your breath and breath through it. As long as you are aware of your struggle, you are in control of your struggle, which enables you to persist through it. Once you make it through you will find yourself stronger and more flexible, ready to take on even greater challenges.

I also believe one of the keys to achieving this type of growth is, as the authors stated, eliminating denial, blame, or other escapes from your thinking. This could very well be favorite behavior of a typical high school student. If something goes wrong it is always someone else’s fault. It’s the classic, “the dog ate my homework.” Even students that have obviously misbehaved immediately try to shift blame by questioning other’s behavior rather than reflecting on their own. This may be one of the most frustrating aspects of working with high school students for me. They look like adults; they want to be treated like adults, yet most are still very much under the influence of the childlike behaviors of the calculating self.

As for chapter eight I have always giving way to passion. When I have committed to something I have always been fully committed. That said, this idea has been shed in a new light since I have become a teacher. My goal for every day is for every student I teach to exist in a state of passion while they are in my classroom. Alas, this is not the reality. However, this perspective has been one of the driving forces throughout the last year during my own educational journey. Many of my friends gave me hard time about the amount of work I put into this program. They would question whether I always had to do “A” work or if I couldn’t just do enough to get by. But that has never been a question for me. I am all in

Week 3: Reading - The Art of Possibility

Chapter 5-8 in the book the Art of Possibility by Zander further spells out how to really open ourselves to the possibilities. I like how the 5th rule shares that a leader doen't need a podium. It reminds me that we lead in all aspects of our lives; parents, educators, siblings, neighbor, friend etc... When we are courageous enough to take the.....then we truly lead from any chair.  My favorite rule is Rule number 6, "Don't take yourself so goddamn seriously." I've always taken my life with intense purpose sometimes causing great stress. I've definitely been on a vibe to lighten up. In the text, it mentioned when lightening up it may lighten up those around me. Lightening things up is important as a wife, mother and educator.

Week 3: Leadership

Doing a conference presentation is the most effective way to show early learning teachers great examples of digital stories. It’s also a great opportunity to generate a discussion on the best strategies to integrate digital stories/technology into the early learning environment.

One of the conferences I plan to apply to is the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) conference. The Southern Early Childhood Early Childhood education Association is an organization for teachers, administrators and caregivers of children from preschool to early childhood education. Their focus is on “improving the quality of care and education for young children and their families through advocacy and professional development. The association and annual conference includes early childhood education associations from Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Presenting at the conference would be an excellent opportunity to share with southern state educators my knowledge, expertise and experience with early learning digital storytelling. The other organization where I’ll submit an application to present will be the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Presenting at this conference is an excellent opportunity to share my digital storytelling knowledge on a national scale.