What traits would a learning technology hero have?

Foresight: an ability to look into the future and not be constrained by the current standards within society.  Many people in society may not understand what it means to study Learning Technologies and be able to relate to the field. 
 
Heart & soul: The ability to not only think of oneself, but in the empowerment of others as well.  This drives the passion of the individual to keep persisting when many others do not understand their motives.

Creativity: An effective learning technologist would find a means to create and design things that are not in existence.  This could lie withing in different levels.  For example, I hope to lead the production process of educational media.  My passion for art, film/photo editing is my tool and drive to follow the career that I will achieve.


Could this person be me?

Absolutely .

Something I learned that surprised me...

How to program lego robots!...I never thought even thought of doing such a thing, and I did it :).  Technology has always come pretty easy to me, and I definitely am a creative person, but programming a car??...awesome!  I felt so proud of myself once I learned how to input codes into MacNQC and saw that what I had input on my laptop, the robot did. 

I don't think that I will be able to get my mind off of Legos tonight, since that's all we've been playing with these last couple of days.  Actually, I really wouldn't mind skipping dinner and just stay in to work on our task, but I know I have to eat and have fun with the rest of the cohort...I'm so happy to be here and I'm definitely having the time time of my life.  HARD FUN!

Relections and analysis of today's events

Today went by surprisingly fast...for spending about 12 hours in within the same space I don't feel as exhausted as I had expected (but I'm thinking the 10 cups of coffee I had today may have contributed to this feeling). 

My favorite part of today was working on our robot together as a group.  This challenge seemed almost impossible for me to accomplish when it was first presented, but now I feel 10x more confident in my own ability to create and collaborate with the others in my group.  It's definitely also provided to be a very nice bonding experience and I feel that I'm learning about others in my cadre. 

Although the legos were very fun to play with, and I enjoyed messing around with motors and different contraptions I really liked playing with Play-Doh.  I use this on an everyday basis for work (with autistic children) and think its really fun.  It was nice to act like a kid and experience learning in a different way and actually behave as a student rather than a behaviorist (Play-Doh is a great sensory activity for kids on the spectrum). 

Overall, I am excited to see what mystery unravels tomorrow and the days that follow because even though it's overwhelming to not know what is planned I love the feeling of adventure I have when I wake up...knowing that there is a surprise awaiting me within the classroom.


Process. Process. Process....that's what is still lingering on my mind right now. 

I'm a NERD...on a rope

I once was a single nerd.  Just like one that falls out of its candy box I am unique in my size, shape and level of tasty bitterness.  Now, I am a little nerd with the hopes of connecting with others that share my commonality...that extra zing that makes one's mouth tingle in a split second.  This is what connects me to my cadre mates, the "zing."

Now, what exactly is this "zing" that I speak of you ask?  It is that extra yearning to expand our knowledge each and every day.  The "zing" I speak of is that little voice inside all of our heads that not only wants to spearhead technological developments, but apply them in educational settings and use them to help others.  Not only is this a crucial ingredient within our internal makings, but it is extra special because it has hit each of us at a different level.  Some of us hope to expand the industry within K-12 environments while others work within an older environment...and others are still working on their definition.  Upon leaving Cadre Camp, I think that the substance that will hold us all together is this extra special ingredient.  Not many other phrases can describe this so succinctly, as it is necessary to realize the generalization of this idea.

I am starting grad school @ Pepperdine!

I never use this blog, but from now on this will be used to keep in touch with my cadre and post new projects.