Nocking the Arrow

" Most Americans feel they are lifelong learners, whether that means gathering knowledge for “do it yourself” projects, reading up on a personal interest or improving their job skills. For the most part, these learning activities occur in traditional places – at home, work, conferences or community institutions such as government agencies or libraries. The internet is also an important tool for many adults in the process of lifelong learning." - PEW Research Center Shifts in economic and cultural expectations will make lifelong learning more than wishful thinking. For each of us, lifelong learning will become a way of life. Fortunately, research recently published by the PEW Research Group , indicates three-fourths of American adults view themselves as lifelong learners. To what degree do Americans value ongoing learning? How does technology support those who are willing to advance their personal and professional learning? John Horrigan's survey of almost three-...

Today was my birthday. After nearly 1/2 century, the celebration is a bit muted tonight. Not just because 49 is an insignificant, prime number, but because my birthday typically falls during the first week of school, which as you know, can be a rather wild whirlwind, two parts excitement mixed with one part stress. That said, today does offer me a chance to reflect on a conversation that I shared with my principal during our weekly meeting. We shared our beliefs about lifelong, passion-based learning, and it was an enthusiastic discussion that inspired this post. I believe that it's very difficult for educators to stay current and relevant without PLN connections.   Okay, I'm Connected, Now What - Tom Whitby I believe that the very nature of learning is becoming a combination of crowd sourcing and small personal learning teams. Two Roads to Innovation - George Couros I believe that the joy, and reward of learning is found in personal meaning and shared appreciation. The S...

I was sitting in Dr. Helen Barrett's ePortfolio workshop at ISTE-13 contemplating how I was going to introduce and support digital portfolios with my faculty and their students. We are in the midst of a 1:1 roll-out with iPads, and also integrating GoogleApps. Yes, I know - square pegs, round holes. Thus, the extra-contemplative look on my face. About the time that Dr. Barrett was going to start to ignore my rapid fire hand-raising, she unleashes the "one great thing" on me. You know, you hope to pull "one great thing" from the sessions that you attend at a conference. This "one great thing"- life-wide learning . "Hold on a second Dr. B.!  Please tell us more about this life-wide learning.", I said without trying to sound bossy. Since growth mindset and lifelong learning are at the core of my personal philosophy, it was fitting that the phrase " life-wide learning " caught my attention and prompted me to seek more inform...