Week 4: Publishing Leadership Project

I have witnessed in my working environment that English as a foreign language learners lack a lot of fluency, especially in speaking.  Part of that is do to the lack of opportunities they have to practice real conversation English outside the classroom and the limited hours they practice inside the classroom too.  Therefore, EFL learners are aware of their lack of fluency and are not confident in speaking English inside the classroom.  What I want to achieve with this action research is to increase my EL learners’ confidence and fluency.  After 2 Cycles, I've realized that it's necessary to do a Cycle 3 to help my students feel more confident in their English literacy skills in their EFL class at school.

Links to Think out loud blog:

http://nereydavalleemd.blogspot.com/2011/03/week-4-publishing-leadership_27.html
http://nereydavalleemd.blogspot.com/2011/03/week-4-publishing-leadership.html


Link to Leadership Project:

files.me.com/nereydavalle/7ec30t

Week 4: Publishing Leadership Project_part 1

At first I did not want to present my project in a conference because I felt that there is still a lot of work to do to get my APR just right.  However, I know that the research I did for the project would help many EFL  teachers in increasing their students English literacy skills and confidence in speaking.  I've talked to several of my colleagues about my project and they all said that they would be interested in hearing about the project.  I had one teacher propose that I could give the presentation there at the high school and another teacher proposed to give it in the Centro de Profesores y Recursos.  I really received a lot of support from my colleagues and this support has truly gave me more confidence in the research I did (that I still have to work on).  I know that I can really help my colleagues and other teachers in integrating technology into the classroom locally to start.    

Week 4: Comment to Dena

Dena's post:

I enjoyed Zander’s remarks about lighting a fire in others.  I feel like I was born with the ability to do this and see it as a big responsibility to my students as well as my family and friends. The way he described enrollment as the ability to give yourself as a possibility to others and to be ready to catch their spark really hit home with me. He has so many inspiring lines in this book that I want to remember. I felt a strong reaction to his discussion of taking “no” less personally and myself less seriously and in doing that being able to see the opportunity for enrollment.

I also really felt a connection with Zander’s idea of being the board in your life, not reacting to the other players, but taking control in your life and transforming your entire circumstance. Making room for all the moves, as Zander puts it. What a revelation for most of us to stop seeing life as a blame game. When you look back, it’s so interesting to see how measurement in it’s many forms completely rules our existence. We have been trained to think that way.

Reading the steps in chapter 11 about vision and being a leader of possibility inspired me to write them down and carry them with me. Lately I feel as though I am always trying to overcome the downward spiral so it’s going to be a key part of my outlook to get into the practice of focusing on what is possible. Whether it’s because of a certain student or faculty member that I’m having an issue with or if I’m just plain tired that particular day, the goal is to stay focused on realigning myself. If I keep the concept of the framework in my mind, hopefully it will more easily allow me to bounce back when I get pulled down.

As I begin to head back to school this coming week after spring break, I feel that I have a renewed sense of purpose in what I do. Part of it, yes, is simply taking some time off, but the other part is finishing the last few chapters of this book.  For me, the WE story truly communicates why I work at a community college and sets the framework for me as a teacher and as the interim coordinator for the center for teaching and learning. I have learned many valuable lessons and want to plaster some of Zander’s quotes on the walls of the school. It also makes me think about my role as a mom and wife and how I can set the framework for all the relationships in my life.


Comment to Dena:
I'm also a fan of Mr. Zander and his practices!  You are an amazing person and am sure you will definitely light the fire in others where ever you go.  I also agree with you that measuring things completely rules our existence.  This way of thinking traps us into a down spiral thinking and acting, so I wish you all the power and strength to fight against this and create infinite possibilities.  

Week 4: Art of Possibilities

Reading Mr. Zander’s insights on lighting the fire and enrolling people to new possibilities was truly inspiring.  It’s a difficult not to be caught in the downward spiral, but that’s the challenge we have to fight against.  I love how Mr. Zander speaks in plural; WE have to work hard to keep our spark alive and ignite others on the way.  WE have to find the possibilities for all the “no’s” we are given to continue to grow and learn.  To take control of the situations we are found in and make the best out of every situation. 

There has been many lessons learned throughout my journey as a Full Sail student, and thanks to all the people that have lit the way for us we can now see the light to a new journey.  I wish all my fellow classmates the best of luck in their new journey.

Week 4: Comment to Tamika

Tamika's Post:

My comment:
Great analogy!  We are the future that has to work hard to maintain that fire burning and unite with others to make our fire bigger.  That's the challenge we have, and we can definitely make extraordinary things happen as we spread our light.  I too wish you the best in being the change you want to see in the world!

Week 4: Publishing Leadership Project_part 2

Centro de Profesores y Recursos (CPR) is a place for teachers and resources.  CPR is a place that’s specifically designed for teachers to give or take workshops, classes, and conferences.  This center is local and is always willing to hear what you have to offer to local educators.  I think this is a great place to present my APR.  When local teachers present at the CPR and receive a lot of good feedback from the audience, they can be invited to present in other local places or schools.  Anyway, I'm really excited about having the opportunity to do it in the CPR.  Further, I've also taught at this local center and have often heard teachers talk about integrating technology into their classrooms.   Therefore, I think my project will definitely interest many teachers.

Week 4: Free Choice

I've shared this video with many of my ESL students and has always been a success.  It has a powerful message and as we are now coming to the last course of our Full Sail journey I want to share this video.  It's a truly inspirational video and as Steve Job's said, "Stay hungry, stay foolish."  I wish this for all my online classmates!

Week 3: Wimba

The Wimba session really cleared up some doubts and questions I had about publishing and leadership project.  As far as the book we are reading, I love it!  You have definitely picked out the perfect book for this month.  The book has really helped me reflect on a lot of things, especially myself.  One of the favorite chapters was the first chapter because it sets the stage for the rest of the chapters.  I think it’s very important to be able to see outside the nine dots in order to move ahead.  I personally have taken away many things from the reading like seeing everything an opportunity, giving my students and I an A, and follow the number 6 rule.  Moreover, I will try to be a coach and push my students for more, and help them discover all the things they are capable of doing.  

Week 3: Comment to Dena #3

Week 3: Comment to Tracy #2

Image from Tracy's blog post.

Tracy's Post:

“Have the Best Sex Ever”

This story has hit too close to my life for comfort. I could be June, although, I would never go back to my narcissistic ex-husband to play that game. However, after almost four years of divorce, I do feel it is time to ask myself “What of my calculating self would have to change for me to be completely fulfilled?" All of the memories of the anger and resentment of the past sneak up on me whenever I am forced to be in the near vicinity of my kid’s father for their sakes. He still finds ways to disappoint and hurt my oldest by the things he says and does; and, at times, the things he doesn’t say and do. I wonder if I will ever be able to be in the same room with him without the flooding of the horrific emotional memories overwhelming me every time. Reading this story helped me to see how I could possibly turn it around and take ownership of the reaction I allowed his presence to have over me. I could never change him no matter how hard I tried, and my kids and I are much better off now for walking away. If I am able to recognize my calculating self in this situation, I might be able to free myself from the emotional embattlement I subject myself to. It will make me a happier and more fulfilled parent of my three great kids.

My comment to Tracy:

I’m glad that you have made this realization. I also related to June and having the courage to change your mentality and accept someone else for who they are, is difficult. Like Luz said, change has to come from the interior and it takes a lot of effort, but when you are able to free yourself from that embattlement, you’ll be a more fulfilled person. I always try to remind myself that being angry with others or myself is a waste of time. Further, our time here is limited and we have to make the best of it while we’re here. Thank you for sharing your story and I wish you the best!

Week 3: Have the Best Sex Ever #1

In Cappadocia, Turkey.

Live, laugh, and love!  

I think we would definitely be a better people if we lived by these three words.  The story of June, Have the Best Sex Ever, reminded me of when I took myself so seriously.  Before I moved to Spain I had been in an eight yearlong relationship and had been unsatisfied with the relationship for the longest time.  I felt that I was always giving too much in the relationship and was receiving little from his part; which left me unfulfilled.  While in Spain, I was also the one who would call him and I would be angry with him for not calling me.  However, I was reading a book at that time that really helped me reflect on myself and my relationship called ‘Money and the Laws of Attraction’ by Ester and Jerry Hicks.  I realized that I was taking myself too seriously and was always being the judger of the relationship.  So I decided to accept him for who he was and found that we were going different directions.  That’s when I decided that it was best for each of us to go our own direction.  This was a difficult decision to make because I was going to hurt his feelings, but when it was all set and done I told him that I wished him the best and that hopefully in the future we could become good friends.  Fortunately, after three years neither of us holds resentments or anger and are now good friends.  Now I'm enjoying life with a wonderful man who will soon be my husband!

Week 2: Wimba

It was good to review the Copyright issue videos we watched last week.  I also took the Copyright quiz and found that I answered most of the questions correctly =).  I did watch the complete documentary of Good Copy/Bad Copy and was fascinated by the new remix culture’s creativeness.  I was surprised by how the Brazilian’ Cumbia Braga producers market and make their money.  This new way of business isn’t worried about Copyright laws, all they seem to worry about is spreading their music through big ‘Cumbia Braga’ parties and selling their music there.  If they would have asked the record companies for permission to use their songs, I’m sure they wouldn’t have afforded to use their music.  Therefore, I agree with the Sincere Manager Peter Jenner in Good Copy/Bad Copy that music and movie industries need to change their old business modals.

I liked the comment that professor Joe made; which was that the nature process of becoming an artist is to copy the masters.   But sadly we have criminalized that process.  Now it’s interesting to find out, but not surprising that it’s always a few people who hold the biggest piece of the pie and don’t what to change or share with the rest.  Greed as always is one of the biggest problems in society.  

Week 2: Comment to Dien #3

Dien's original post: 
In Chapter 1, I like how the author used the example of "map" throughout the chapter to show his point of "It's all invented". It's how we perceive what we see and the assumptions we make on what we see. The assumptions we are making that we are not aware of what we're making is what do we expect to see based on what we perceived from our assumptions. We should try to think out of the box by looking at different alternatives. The example of the 9 dots in the book gave a great example on this. When we receive our instruction on the 9 dots example, we probably think what dots we should start with instead of thinking if we can go outside the boundaries.

Chapter 2, it talks about universe of possibility. It emphasizes on the abundance concept. It's like when you put yourself out there to interact with people, environment, and surroundings, you gain more in return as you look into different possibilities that measurements derive from those aspects. My thoughts and actions are a reflections of measurement world due to how I act based on my thoughts. I remember seeing the first footage of Japan's earthquake and the Tsunami wiping out part of the city with cars floating on the water, it gave me a survival thinking that how could the victims rebuild their place fast enough to make back to normal, which it might be back to normal like before.

Chapter 3, giving myself an A, I like the idea of bringing Michelangelo' s sample to show what is really mean giving yourself an A in the book (page 26). The example briefly mentioned if we removed the materials outside of the stone, we could see the beauty inside it. This made me thinking that it applied to everyone too. We don't judge people by the way they look but how their inner is. So, when I give myself an A, I make sure the A doesn't transform me but the relationship with myself to the A.

Chapter 4 talks contribution. I always love to help others learn programming because I love programming. Programming is hard, and this is why we have a network for programmers to share tips and tricks to make our program faster or our code more robust. So, the way I can contribute is to write tutorials and make videos on what I want to share for the code.


Comment to Dien: 

Make 4 Square with 7 sticks (pens)!

I also loved the example of the 9 dots in the book.  I tried it myself and found out that I wasn’t thinking outside the box.  This simple exercise made me realize that I have to ask myself the right questions to start thinking outside the box.  The 9 dots example reminded me of a similar challenge my 3 Spanish friends and I were given by a Moroccan vendor.  We were in Morocco and this vendor invited us to drink tea in his shop; which is a persuasive way to trap you into buying something (however this was the assumption we were making that we weren’t aware of) and after awhile we finally accepted. 

It turned out that the vendor wanted us to read some letters he had received from some American and Spanish friends.  After we read the letters to him we found out that he arranges trips to visit the Sahara Desert, and the letters were all thank you letters.  While we were there enjoying our visit with the vendor and drinking tea he takes out his first challenge (similar to the 9 dots one) and puts 7 sticks on the table and tells us “make 4 squares”.  My friends and I literally took 10 minutes trying to figure out how to make 4 squares with 7 sticks, until I saw it in a new perspective and figured it out.  My friends were surprised and so was I, and it felt good!  I must say that we had a great time with the local vendor because we took pictures, saw pictures of the Sahara desert, and heard stories of the desert.  In the end, we ended up staying there with the vendor for more than an hour. 

So Dien, I challenge you to make 4 squares with 7 sticks and when you figure it out, let me know.  Have fun!

Week 2: Comment to Luz #2

Luz's Post:

Reflection

Chapters 1 It is all invented

and

Chapter 2 Stepping into a Universe of Possibility

I personally think that our world is all about social conventionalisms, in other words, everything is socially invented and established for example language, culture, and processes. Humans need to invent and create the rules and paths that can make them able to communicate, share, collaborate, and interact with others. Gifts such as intellect and common sense help human beings to create and re-create their world.  

We live in a world where everything is measured. And I think that people’s interaction is most of the time based on each other’s expectations. People live their entire life with a huge weight on their shoulders; they live labeled by the expectations that their parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, spouses, employers, and in general society has. This is how we really live.

I think that it is impossible to completely eradicate measurements because we live in society and people need rules to interact. So the perfect mix could be to live freedom with responsibility. Living with inner freedom can make us aware and responsible of our actions and also have a better positive attitude toward our daily lives at home, school, work, etc. There are two ways to perceive and face things in life. For example, when we see a glass filled to the middle there are two ways of perceiving it as a glass half empty, and that perception demonstrates a passive and negative attitude and the other way to perceive it is half full when our attitude and thoughts are positive, constructive, and proactive. Seeing the glass half full will lead us to live in a universe of possibilities.

It is important that we give ourselves the chance and the time to re order ideas, as well as rethink situations from different perspectives so we can know our playing field and in that way we could be able to solve or change things. Further, sometimes we also loose the entire view and what we need to do is try to see the whole forest not only the tree and in that way we will analyze circumstances in a better way.

Reflection

Chapter 3 Giving an A and

Chapter 4 Being a contribution

For me, giving an A was a perfect example of how people starting from the same circumstances and feeling part of a community use their freedom and express themselves in a better way. This is a great example of how we, as educators should create a sense of belonging in students and give them the chance to show themselves through their acts and thoughts.

Each person is unique and because of that its contribution is necessary and can make a difference. Life is about choices and we need to open our minds to the universe of possibilities. We just need to start seeing the glass half full. Positive thoughts and positive attitude attract positive outcomes, even though things don’t work as we planned them we learn from mistakes and we gain experience and that is the only way to evolve.

Comment to Luz:

The glass of water analogy you used was a great example of how people perceive life.  I agree with you that we need to give ourselves the chance and time to see our life in new perspectives.  It’s interesting how this simple concept of looking at the glass half full can be difficult for many people to practice.  I think this is something we have to practice daily so we don’t fall into a world where everything is measured. 

Imagine what the world would be like if we were all given an A in life!  It would definitely create a better world, a world of possibilities.  Imagine the things we could learn from each other, the things that would be created, and the respect we would have for one another.  If we practice giving an A and being contribution, we would definitely live a better life.

Week 2: Reading #1

I really enjoyed reading the first four chapters of “The Art of Possibility”. It was something I’ve needed to hear without knowing it, and has come to me just in time.  I usually read books like these to help me break through the barriers of the 9 dotted box mentioned in chapter one, but I haven’t lately due to school, work, and other life things.   Reading these first chapters has reminded me that I need to envision my life and those around me, as I want it to be.  Following this mentality and the practice of giving yourself an A is a way of living; therefore, it needs to be practiced daily to have a world of possibilities always available to you.  If not, it can be forgotten.

I found the giving your students an A idea fascinating.  I actually tried this with my students my first year of teaching.  I remember seeing their surprised and happy faces.  Further, I remember their willingness to maintain their A, and having the majority pass the class.  I learned that this practice definitely motivates students to maintain their grade and to a world of new possibilities.  Finally, I also believe it’s an important practice to follow in education.

Week 1: Wimba#4

When I first looked at the course layout and assignments for this month I felt overwhelmed with all the stuff that has to be done.  However, I took a couple of deep breaths and went to work.  The first Wimba session was very informative about the course layout and the AR project.   Joe Bustillos really put everything into perspective and emphasized the importance of turning work ahead of time.  Weeks are flying by and yet graduation seems so far with all the work that needs to be done. My take away from this Wimba was “I definitely feel the pressure!"

Week 1: Comment to Tracy

Tracy's post:

Wk1_Blog#1_Copyright_Issues

Tribute to Bob Marley compliments

of www.vectorportal.com

Mixing music, is it lawful? You are creating something using existing produced media. Maybe that is why they call it “mixing” because you are not entirely creating something new. The basis of understanding here is that you need to get permission.

The original artist should be protected. Some of the media created through mixing is unbelievable; however, it is unlawful none-the-less. Requiring permission is not unrealistic. Everyone is respected and protected this way. I am bothered by the myth that states if you don’t charge for it, it’s not a violation. Not everything is about money; but what is important here is the “right” to the media.

Comment to Tracy:

I love the Bob Marly tribute picture you used, I'm also a fan of his! I think it's amazing to see what people can do with existing media. This has caused people to develop new styles of music, dancing, and arts. I agree with you, it'a all about asking for permission and giving the original owner credit for using their material. However, it's sometimes more complicated than it seems if the original owner doesn't allow you to use a beat from their music or a clip from their video for free or charges you a ridiculous amount of money to use it. I think this is where most of the problems come in; which is what causes people to pirate films and music.

Week 1: Comment to Noelia

Noelia's post:
While I was watching the first 2 videos about copyright and listened to the writer “Nathan” I thought he really made copyright like a simple thing to understand and follow, but when I got to the documentary “Good Copy Bad Copy” it goes way further than what people may think.  All these terms about copyright and intellectual property can be very confusing because if copyright laws are too limiting then what will happen to all the wonderful creations that musicians or, as we watch in the video, Dj mixers or any other type of creator make? All this issues can limit the distribution of a creation that could be shared for wonderful and even educational purposes.  Imagine students in a music class turning a classical piece into another masterpiece by changing it’s rhythm, tempo, etc, and let’s say a famous dancer creates a breathtaking dance routine following that new piece, how could we judge that from being bad or good?  With all the technological advances being one of the main responsible reasons for copyright laws to take extreme measure,s we also have to accept that it is also a way of building culture, sharing creativity and collaborate.  How can we trace the line between something that it's building new horizons and something that in a negative perspective can affect thousands of industries.  It is definitely an extensive subject that has it’s positive and negative perspective and that it would take a long battle.


My comment to Noelia:
Noelia, I agree with you as well. Copyright seems like a simple law to understand, but it's more complicated than it seems. I also think media and technology inspire new artist and creates new forms of art or remix culture. This kind of reminds me of American immigration laws, where immigrants have to follow strict rules and regulations in order to enter to the USA; which are still very complicated and unfair. However, when you mix cultures together just like music you develop new rich cultures, customs, arts, languages, etc. And I'm a product of this remixing of cultures and I think it's a beautiful thing to have. I wish there could be a balanced law for people on both sides of the issue, but I also think it's going to be long battle.

Week 1: Reading "Copyright Issues"

"10 big myths about copyrights explained," gave me clearer picture about copyrights.  I'm guilty for believing some of those big myths mentioned.  One thing is crystal clear for me and that is, "ask for permission!" 

After watching 'Good Copy Bad Copy' I was struck by creativeness of the evolving remix culture of copyrighted material.  First of all, I definitely agree with Girl Talk in that we are bombarded with media on the Internet, and this has caused us to create a new art form, the remix culture.  I personally believe that people have the right to protect their art, but I also believe that it's important to share and reinvent new forms of art.  We constantly see this in the fashion industry, fashion designers recycle styles and create new styles.  The human race and technology are evolving and so are new art forms.  It's important for laws and companies to evolve as well to be able to provide fair uses of copyrighted material like music and movies to society.  I can see why Africa, Europe, and other countries are pirating music and films.  Their too expensive, and especially for developing countries.  I would like to share that practically everyone in Spain buys pirated movies and music, which mainly come from Africa.  It was interesting to hear one Spaniard tell me that he likes watching the pirate movie first before watching it in the cinema.  Further, it's difficult to say what really determines remix art to be a 'good copy or bad copy' if it is continually being used to create something new.

The copyright law cartoon video is the perfect example of the remix culture art.  I thought it was a genius way to explain the copyright and fair use law; even though, the laws are still not very fair for the users. Further, who really owns what seems to really be the question.  The person who first copyrights something or the person who first came up with the idea? I think it's difficult to find a balance, especially if one side only cares about the money.  

Finally, I don't think it's fair to take away something historical from society such as "The Eyes on the Prize" video.  It saddens me to know that their are a lot more historical films like this that have been stored away from society due to licensing fees, money.  However, I think 'fair use' creators are doing their best in trying to develop a code of best practices in using copyrighted material.