Week 3/ Response to Alf

Vivianne No comment yet

Week 3/ Response to Alf

Alfs Post:  
One of the biggest takeaways from reading this particular book is that I have never seen myself so enthusiastic about diving in. Let me reiterate that the “Art of Possibility” by Benjamin and Rosamund Zander is one of those books that you cannot put down; it is a brilliantly refreshing account of the lessons and stories about enjoying life to the fullest. I really like the format of the writing so far because when I read I don’t see words, rather I see an ocean of pictures before me–every chapter is filled with paintings of concepts that I truly understand and appreciate, because the lessons are so applicable in my own life.
Allow me to give a brief summary of each chapter (5-8). Chapter 5 is about stepping down and letting others lead. I have heard it said a lot from teachers that it a humbling and genuine experience when the students teach the teachers. Chapter 6 teaches us to lighten up using Rule Number 6 (hilarious. Chapter 7 is about being present to the way things are so that we can have clarity on the next step we should take. Chapter 8 is about giving way to passion, that is to let go of restraint and participate fully. Benjamin Zander, in one of his anecdotes, referred to this as going “Beyond the F*ck It”. I also learned from these chapters the difference between the calculating vs. central self. I am now striving to be more in contact with the latter because I can see how much good it does for me and for everyone else around me.

My response to Alf's post: 

Alf, I share your same enthusiasm towards the book “Art of Possibility”. This book is much more uplifting and inspirational compared to the other books we’ve had throughout our courses. Not to say that I didn’t learn anything from my other readings, but they were more focused on the subject at hand. So, I as well was not too excited about another book in regards to the technicality of our craft. To the contrary, it was a refreshing read and a guidebook to my place of serenity. This book is helping me understand and cope with all the things that are currently surrounding my life.  I related most to Chapter 5 because it helped me once again to put things in perspective. It felt as if Benjamin, Rosamund, Zander and Mr. Bustillos knew what I was currently going through and said, "take a look at this." As you mentioned this book showcases the “lessons and stories about enjoying life to the fullest” and I am learning how to take those steps regardless of what life throws in my direction, with every chapter I read.

Wk3 Reading: Art of Possibility

Vivianne 2 comments

Wk3 Reading: Art of Possibility

It’s a bit scary how much this book is speaking to me, it relates to the moments in my life that are occurring right now. The letter Georgina wrote to Zander in Chapter 5 stood out to me the most. She explains in her letter how her set back with her seating arrangements changed from a disappointment to a winning situation. I too can relate to Georgina. For the past 6 years I held the Program Chair position for my school. Changes in my workplace took place where I no longer was holding this position. As some of you may know, I was demoted to the lead instructor position and my ego was a bit wounded. My campus president at the time explained to me how there is good in change and that a setback in life is never a bad thing. As days went by I was sad and bitter but than I began to realize that titles didn’t make me, I can still continue to lead and I still had a voice which can be heard- program head or not. Just like Georgina and her position in the orchestra, I too came to the realization with the help of my campus president that I still mattered and made a difference.

“…A leader does not need a podium; she can be sitting quietly on the edge of any chair, listening passionately and with commitment, fully prepared to take up the baton.” -  Benjamin  Zander

Week 2 WIMBA Archive

Vivianne 1 comment

Week 2 WIMBA Archive

I wasn’t too happy that I missed Wimba last Wednesday but a lot of changes are occurring in my department that forced me to miss it. I am hoping this is not the case for the remainder of the WIMBA sessions.

Again the videos provided in regards to Copyright laws were insightful and helpful. This new knowledge has inspired me to create a presentation detailing copyright laws because my students who are training to be graphic designers must understand, respect, and apply this law towards their craft and yes, Creative Commons and its 11 different flavors will be a resource used in my classroom. Rhonda, I agree that education within this subject matter must take place early on in the education system due to the digital culture we live in.  After gaining such detailed knowledge of Copyright laws, it was shocking to see the lack of information presented and given to us for our students in the Graphic Design and Animation program.

Fair Use is a subject matter that I need to continue to gain knowledge in because I still get confused with the restrictions of it. However, it’s an important aspect of Copyrights to know, especially in the field of Graphic Design so that incidents like what happened with Shepard Fairey, who created the Obama poster, do not happen to my students.

Week 2 Leadership post: Where Do I Want To Share My Project:

Vivianne 1 comment

Week 2 Leadership post: Where Do I Want To Share My Project:

This has been a challenge for me because from the list provided majority of conferences have passed and no longer accepting applications. I would really have loved to present at a conference where digital media designer and educators meet but I have not had much success in finding one.  From the list Dr. Bedard has provided for us I have found three conferences that I will register to present my Action Research project.

Conference 1: Georgia Educational Technology Conference

This conference focuses on merging education and the latest technologies. I can relate to the efforts that this conference is trying to showcase. In my Action Research project my efforts include an interactive syllabus along with the use a learning management systems so students can be motivated and engaged with visuals through technology. Some of the topics within this conference encourage my Action Research such as “Emerging Tech for Education” and “Technology and the Common Core”.

Conference 2: Virginia Society for Technology in Education

This conference grabbed my attention because the topics that they are interested in for presentations suits what I want to present. Some topics that are relevant to my project are “21^st Century Teaching and Learning” and “Career and Technical Education”. The one concern that I have is that they are not accepting applications until August 15, 2012. It concerns me because I do not want to fall short with my deadlines for this course. 

Conference 3: Digital Media and Learning Conference

I would love the opportunity to present at this conference because there focus is to find and promote ways in which digital technology is changing the face of education. The ideas and concepts of this conference support what my Action Research entails. The only issue is that their conference has passed and they are not accepting applications at the moment. I am still including this conference as a choice because I would still like to apply for the opportunity to present in 2013.

Week 2/ Response to Mavy

Vivianne No comment yet

Week 2/ Response to Mavy

Mavy's post:

As I read this week’s chapter I was puzzled at early on as to how this book was going to be applied into our lives. I reread the chapter looking for the purpose of this book. This is what I got out of it.

I enjoyed reading Chapter 3 and 4 because it really touched home. As a child, I have always been taught to see the potential all human beings. I know everyone has the potential to achieve whatever they want. I am the type of teacher that when a student comes in, they are “A +” human being to me, with great potential, even if they are not showing it. Educators strive to guide them into believing they can achieve excellence.

The current educational system deviates greatly from the ideals many educators possess. Frankly, today’s learning environment strays away from encouraging learning; with that being said, it is funny (to which I mean sad) to see the system push students to compete with one another to the point where if don’t succeed, they are labeled a failure. For example, are students who cannot pass the FCAT in Florida to graduate failures? Considering grades, ability to handle high stakes testing, and overall character, the question deserves to be asked and scrutinized. Now the reading helped to better understand that when students go beyond the grade, and truly fulfill their true potential, they can amaze.

Another things I learned from chapter 4 was being a Contributor. I became a teacher not only  for what I can offer my students, but what I can gain as a learner as well. During my time teaching, I always strive to give my all for my students. I spent countless hours preparing and implementing my knowledge to my students; however, I have times when my students can contribute something new in thought or perspective about how they see art. I have afforded them freedom to contribute to the class and become an equal. I have learned that when we let students have a place where they can give more input then receive, they change their mindsets. I have revised lessons many times to improve the way I teach, as well as where students contribute, but one thing that does not change is that when I give my students the chance to feel like they are a contributor and share, all of them blossom. We work to improve each other and make a difference in lives are around us.

My response to Mavy's post:

Mavy, the reading was puzzling to me as well. As I continued to read further into the chapters I began to see somewhat of a clearer picture. You and I are seeing along the same line in regards to the book, ”Art of Possibility”. I love when you say, “Educators strive to guide them into believing they can achieve excellence.” In order for this statement to be valid, the educator must believe in himself or herself first before promoting this to their students. This may become difficult to achieve if we allow the measurements of life to dictate our vision.

This is what was exactly happening to me. The educational system at my school frustrated me very much to the point where I began to lose my vision on what my main goal was. For the past couple of days I was questioning myself; was I selling a dream to my students with all that has been happening at our school? Reading this book gave me some perspective of what is more important and a sneak peek of what the bigger picture is.  You said it best Mavy: we work to improve each other and make a difference in lives all around us.

Week 2/ Response to Steve

Vivianne No comment yet

Week 2/ Response to Steve

Steve's post:

Sunset - UCSB by Vinay Shivakumar

Who Defines Your Vision of Beauty?

As an undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Barbara, I decided to take a Botany course about the native plants of California.  My attraction to the course was that it included two extensive four-day road trips through the California Wilderness. On one of these trips, I was assigned to be part of our instructor's group.  Her name was Kelly, and she was a PhD post-doc doing botanical research at UCSB. 

During one of our long drives (each group drove in their own University owned utility vehicle) we started conversing about relationships. Professor Kelly asked one of our female group members if she had a boyfriend.  The girl said “No” and Kelly asked “Why not?”  The girl replied, “I guess I’m not pretty enough.”  At that point, Kelly slammed on the brakes and pulled over.  She turned around, looked the girl deeply into her eyes, and told her, “Never accept a definition of beauty that does not include your self.” These words have been stuck in my head for nearly 30 years now.

For me, this is exactly what “The Art of Possibility” by Roz and Ben Zander is all about.  In the first Chapter, the Zander’s write, “It’s all invented anyway, so we might as well invent a story or a framework of meaning that enhances our quality of life and the lives of those around us.” In other words, if reality is merely an invented construct of the mind, we are continuously defining our reality either sub-consciously and/or consciously. We are much better off if we acknowledge this fact and begin a conscious effort to re-invent our own story in a way that promotes our own well-being, and thereby, each other’s well-being as well.  Take control, become aware, invent your own story, and define your own vision of beauty.

My response to Steve's post:

Steve, while reading your post in regards to the book” Art of Possibilities”, I couldn’t help but feel as if you were reading pages of my life. I can relate to the young girl that felt she was not pretty enough to be in a relationship. As much as Alf yells at me about this, I tend to feel the same but I am working on changing this negative attitude. The statement Kelly made had an impact on me, and I will take it with me so it can help me with my journey.

I was beginning to lose my focus on my goals this past month due to all the issues occurring at work. I was really questioning if what we are doing here will even make a difference because of the politics that surround the world of education? But that way of thinking is beginning to change due to what I was exposed to with this book. YES! We do have to control and be aware of it.

Your explanation of Zander’s idea of “its all invented” was simple and straight forward which was a help for me in further understanding the concepts behind his words. At first I was a bit lost with the reading but then as I read more it began to make sense. People will see what they want to see regardless of your message. So why not define it to your liking, even if it does not follow the measurements of life; hence defining your own vision?

Week 2/ Art of Possibility

Vivianne 1 comment

Week 2/ Art of Possibility

The message in this book could not have crossed my path at a better time then, right NOW. I have been dealing and coping with some drastic changes at my place of work and not for the better. The politics of education has been affecting me, giving me a heavy heart. I was beginning to question my place in the world of education and if my passion has any worth where change can actually take place.

“Art of Possibility” reminded me that I am the director of this movie called, my life, and I have to believe that regardless how much the measurements of life challenge me, I must carry on and “enlarge the box, or create another frame around the date, and problems will vanish, while new opportunities appear.” Thinking, living, and being outside the box is what I took away from Chapter 1. I have to take my issues and refocus on how to go around it and not let the box get smaller with my problems, stress, and worries.

I related most with Chapter 3 because it described what I am going through as an educator. I have to chip away the “Michelangelo” stone in order to reveal my true self and begin to express “Vivianne” again. I must start with me so I can give my students the opportunity to do the same. In Giselle Hillyer letter to Mr. Zander, she wrote, “…trying and achieving are the same thing when you are your own master – and I am.” This statement was strong and powerful to me;  it reminded me of who I was once and who I need to be today. My thought process of dealing with life has been enlightened and my efforts will change. A positive mind can do it all.

  “Art of Possibility” is my self-help book to being a free soul again within education. I look forward to reading more.