Monday, June 30, 2008

Week 3 Thing 5

http://www.flickr.com/photos/92937885@N00/2335174813/in/photostream/

HMMMM.... Mama says "What did you learn at school today?" Leslie responds, "That while I AM I'm a voyeur, I am the farthest thing from an exhibitionist". I learned this by feeling my own skin crawl during a couple of hours of clicking around in Flickr. Obviously that whole "sharing" thing in kindegarten winged right by me. Mid way through my exploration I witnessed the creations of someone who refers to herself as "Officially A Mom" in her photo stream (photo link posted above) . I don't understand when she might be serving time as a mom as she seems to be continually loading photos for people to comment on. I enjoyed her photos but came away with an understanding of how fond she is of her legs, as they were so often the focus of her efforts (see above). At times I kept thinking, these supposed kids have got to be at grandma's a lot or she'd constantly be saying "Don't try what mama does". She appears to constantly be jumping off, leaning off or dangling from things after having set a timer to capture well framed pictures - of her legs. And yes, they are quite lovely legs as so many people confirm. Not surprisingly, they are followed up by more legs! SO not me.

As an individual, I don't ever see myself loading photos that could be viewed and commented on by the general public as I have never given a rip snort for the public opinion on my life or activities. I understand clearly that my validation comes from my self or someone near and dear, not some stranger, regardless of how fine a photog or objective viewer they may be. I would never return to learn whether anyone had commented or not. Obviously the selfish hermits of the world (me) benefit from the gregarious exhibitionists of the world by allowing me access to their photos when necessary.
I won't spend time exploring other people's photo libraries unless I'm actually in need of something for a project and as an elementary librarian, I certainly wouldn't send a student directly to flickr (too risky). However, the flickrstorm videos through teacher tube were helpful in determining a use in my work place. It is similar to preparing a list or link to appropriate websites for my students.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Week 2, Thing? Learning Habits

Clearly, for me, the most difficult of the Learning Habits is the goal itself! As a person and professional I have COMMITMENT ISSUES! :) I quake at the thought of no turning back, am wrought with paralysis at choosing a direction. It isn't that I don't get there eventually but it isn't always pretty. To clarify, the goal itself is always the most time and energy consuming piece. Once decided, working backward to achieve the goal is a cinch. I occasionally get bogged down in the "what ifs" and have become "stuck" again but most of the time I work through those to continue forward movement to the declared goal.
The easier of the Learning Habits is Accepting Responsibility for my own learning. I feel compelled to at least explore and expose myself to information and experiences. Whether I put these in to practice is a whole other matter! Several times this year alone, I ventured out to different meetings and group sessions in my own school to determine if the topics were something I was interested in, could put to use, or my support might have value for my teachers. Later, I learned my attendance alone entitled me to addenda of which I was utterly unaware!! Accepting Responsibility for my own development paid of handsomely this year in more ways than one!! I was monetarily compensated, I learned of valuable lesson opportunities that could be put to use in the library and my teachers appreciated my presence, input and willingness to attend something they were "required" to participated in.