Week 3 Thing 5: Photos and Images

There are SOOO many gorgeous photos. I've included one that resonates especially for me, particularly at this time of year.

I've "wasted" too much time on Flickr, Smugmug, Piccasa, etc. The photographs can be stunning. Absolutely fabulous, though. To date, I'm most comfortable using my computer and Iphoto, Imovie/Idvd to create projects that utilize the photos I take. However, now that I have seen the amazing opportunities for members of sites like Flickr, it's getting more attractive to join a community of like-minded individuals. Not only do you have the benefit of seeing great photographs, you also learn of the camera specifics of each photo, and can tap into the community by way of commenting on the photos, joining a special group, and getting advice from the flickr community.

I would like to figure out how best to use services like Flickr in my middle school environment.

Week 1, Thing #1, 7 1/2 Lifelong Learning Habits

While it may seem that the 7 1/2 Lifelong Learning Habits are pretty much givens, I believe that most people would say, upon hearing or reading them, "uh huh...I already know that." But, would they also incorporate them into their lives on a daily basis? Maybe, maybe not.

"Play" is rarely found in most adult's vocabulary, except when referring to the "work" of children; and, hardly ever as a word describing a method of learning. I know for myself that "work, work, work", is a mantra that rings in my head when what I really want to do is play. I believe the habit of play is probably one of the most difficult habits to achieve, and yet learning ought to be fun. Why is it so difficult to play?

On the other hand, the habit that I find the easiest to incorporate into my life is accepting responsibility for my own learning. I take learning very seriously, even if what is being learned is for pleasure or purely personal benefit. Maybe that's why playing to learn comes so hard for me.