Strolling in the CCK08 woods
On The Daily, Stephen pointed us here. This post by Andreas Formiconi resonates with me. I think I am strolling though through those woods but oh the stops here and there have me thinking and exploring many side trips. I haven’t been able to complete a thing but I think that is OK for now and I am just enjoying the journey. I am working at trying to see if I can change some of the “old” thoughts of learning that I still carry around with me. Thoughts like completing all assignments, feeling that I have to “have something to say”, having a clear overall picture when I start, etc. I’m still trying to sift through and figure out how to make this work for me as a participant and a contributor. While I work at a university at heart I am an elementary teacher and as I learn I am always wondering how I can apply what I learn to be a better teacher and help students discover possibilities, too! I want the concepts of “connectivism” or whatever anyone chooses to name it to work in some way for younger students.
Here’s how I’ve proceeded so far….
First I read many of the introductions and thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of our group. It’s mind boggling. I plan to get through more of them. Then I had to take take a look at participants blogs….very interesting and helped me get a feel for the group. I’ve wandered through the Moodle forums. Then I have tried to read the materials and had to end up just scanning and noting where I wanted to return. The list grows. I was unable to get to the Elluminate sessions but did listen to the first one later. The Daily is most helpful and that led to some more side trips of learning.
It took awhile for me to download the CMap tools. I’ve only had time to take a brief look at it and plan to get back to it, hopefully soon.
Next, I’m going to try to carve out some time to comment on some blogs and other places.
Lastly, I have to say it is really strange to be feeling comfortable in a space that normally might be stressful for me. So either I am progressing or I’m totally out of it. Hmmmm.. maybe the lightbulb will come on later on that point but once again, I say thanks to George and Stephen for providing this opportunity.
Flickr Photo Credit: Mist Filled Morning from digitalART2’s photostream.
Tags: CCK08
September 13th, 2008 at 7:27 am
“Lastly, I have to say it is really a strange to be feeling comfortable in a space that normally might be stressful for me.” This made me laugh! I was thinking the same thing just last night - either I’ve become ok with the amorphous nature of this thing or I’m really not “connected” enough and feeling the pressure. Either way, I’m sort of enjoying this as a buffet of ideas - taking a bite here, a sample there, watching what others are finding compelling.. I think it’s ok to do that! Look forward to reading more of your thoughts as we move forward. =)
September 14th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I wholeheartedly share your sentiments here. I’m trying to cast off the notions of “getting through everything” because there’s no possible way to do that. With 2,000+ students, each of whom has their own insights and experiences into the subject, I think the best we can do is develop our own healthy network(s), spend the time to find our own place within them and the subject matter, and remain open to the conversations that take place.
I’m starting to see this not so much as a course with a 12-week duration, but the starting point from which a network of ideas and discussion will blossom over time and grow into something much larger than that.
Cheers,
Mike
September 15th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Hi Fleep,
I am glad this post made you laugh! Humor synthesizes learning and makes it so much more enjoyable. Humor has helped me out thoughout my teaching career. There’s a lot of joy in learning. I like your description of this course, a buffet of learning - I will have a little of this and a little of that and it will be delicious!
I enjoyed browsing through your interesting blog, “Fleep’s Deep Thoughts”. I shall return!
September 15th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Hi Mike,
I think you have hit the nail on the head - this course will be a starting point that will grow into something very worthwhile. I am open to head in directions I might not have traveled before.
I enjoyed reading through your blog, TechTicker. I really get sidetracked reading through participant blogs, but the learning is terrific. Thanks for stopping by - I will be sure to return to your blog!
Best,
Anne
September 18th, 2008 at 1:43 am
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