Thing #1

I have always considered myself a lifelong learner without specifically knowing that such a title existed. I always approach the knowledge I seek with the first three Seven and a Half Habits. I can always visually see what end I have in mind. Without knowing this, how can someone achieve their successes? I also accept responsibility for my own learning by finding the means necessary to learning and I always view problems as a challenge instead of a road block.

However, I need to work on finding the confidence in myself to achieve these goals. Sometimes, I become discouraged, and I would never try something I "know" I can not do. I would never attempt to learn Calculus or become fluent in a foreign language. If I could tell myself that I could do these things if I applied the proper desire and assurance to do a task, I am sure I could, but finding that confidence is an essential key.

I also never considered building a "toolbox." Learning is a process and the tools required are imperative aides to getting to the end result. In order to achieve the goal, one must become properly equipped. I never considered this before, but this is a great strategy to getting started.

I have been fortunate to be young during this great age of technology and I have very vivid memories of learning about new computer and internet technologies as they have become available. I feel that people my age are almost predisposed to knowing how to use many of the technological tools from being exposed at such a young age. This habit is almost as easy for me as breathing.

Teaching and mentoring others would also be a challenge for me, however. I tend to like to do things at my own pace and by myself. I have never really run into a time when other would need my help, and I am sometimes shy to ask others. I would need to work on this, too.

With learning new tools automatically comes with play. One must play around with the new knowledge they have learned to become a master in that field.

Although I considered myself to be quite knowledgeable in technology, I am always learning. Through this process of the 23 Things I hope to learn about new features and functions for some tools I already know how to use, but did not know existed. I am also excited about learning these tools and to start preparing how I will use them in the classroom. While I do believe technology is important, I have always been under the assumption that there are few ways to use technology in an English classroom. I have already learned that isn't true, and I want to have all the tools necessary to use technology in my own classroom.