Mindmap: a 30 minute walk #coffeechugPLN

Mind Map

I am going through a MOOC created through Venture Lab of Standford after the fact as I did not make time during the allotted time, but now that summer is here I can piece my way through.

Task

Take a silent walk for 30 minutes and make note all that you notice. You can walk anywhere - in nature, a city, or a school. Capture your observations in a Mind Map that you will share with the class.

While you are observing, pay attention to the sounds, the smells, the textures under your feet, etc. Look at things that are close up and far away, and sit quietly for at least 10 minutes to notice all the things around you.

I tested out my Bambook Create so I apoligize for the terrible artwork. I went a different route and actually sat on my deck instead of walking and just watched my three children play in the sandbox without the need of a parent, fighting, or needs. It was a zen moment because we rarely get these times and during those 30 minutes I felt at ease with the world, blessed for great kids, and even more important was to remember how important it is to enjoy the small things in life like sand in a sandbox. Through watching my children they see the world in a different light and I think we adults need to remember this. Often times our vision is blurred through the lens of bills, schedules, to do lists, dinner, cleaning, etc. We lose touch with the power of holding hands, sitting in the sunshine, and just "being".

My creativity did not move during these 30 minutes, but it was creating the ignition to be inspired. We rarely turn off our minds anymore. We always feel the need to be distracted with our phones, iPads, TV, etc. Whatever happened to being bored and quiet to let things reset so we can ignite the next great idea. Watching my children take sand and build a world reminded me that I need to unplug and just "be" more and to remove the lens of adulthood and see the world for what it is.

Mozilla #teachtheweb Course and Coffeechug Journey

I am tackling another online class of sorts right now. This one looks to be a good one.

It is operated and ran by Mozilla which is my go to web browser and online tools company.

I just started the other day. I am currently working on my introductions using some new tools. I have no idea how to use them, but I will be documenting all my learning via this blog and the link list over in the sidebar. Please continue to check things out as they develop. I am a bit behind, but hope to get all caught up this weekend and will share my intro projects as well as week 2 work.

The reason I am documenting all my work is not because I think any of it will be good, but rather to document that I am a Model Learner.

I preach about teachers being model learners and how that is the most important identity that teachers can help to emulate in their classroom. I need to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.

So, here we go. As I venture down the paths of this course I will always be seeking feedback, advice, and tips.

Feel free to give any as needed.

Check the sidebar and let me continue my journey to learning.

MOOC's - Did you add to resume and applications? What is your experience with MOOC's

I have begun to explore MOOC's more and more this year. I am currently taking two classes right now and despite being a bit behind in both, I love the opportunities that MOOC's have provided.

I recently read an interesting article about MOOC's titled "Putting a MOOC on the Resume"

This article have given me a chance to pause and reflect on what I do. I don't have a resume as I am pretty happy with my teaching positions within my school district and really hope to never have to worry about finding a new job(unless it is something that improves my mission in life and finances). However, I have filled out at least 12 different applications for summer programs, internships, sanctioned events, etc. I am currently been working on building a resume on LinkedIN just to track all the things that I do each year.

I have never once mentioned a MOOC on any of these applications.

The question I need to pose to myself is WHY?

The answer is I DON'T KNOW?

I guess I never viewed them as official and perhaps I should. My view has always been that these are like an extended webinar. BUT........I have put more time into some of these than any college credit course I have attended. Why would I not include them on my list of things I have accomplished?

MOOC's are coming from all over as the article gives names to three, but I have taken on from MIT and and taking two right now from Mozilla and Venture Labs out of Standford. These are big. They are not fluff and really do engage the learner.

I don't typically right a blog post about one article, but I undergo these two classes right now and reading this article I wanted to start a conversation about this topic.

What MOOC's have you taken? 
What was your experience?
Do you think they are worthy to be added to a resume?

I think I am going to go back and add them to my resume. I just started to create an official one via LinkedIN and these courses should be added. I love it when an article changes the way we think. I don't think adding them will hurt anything and if nothing more prove that I live by my words of being a model learner.

Taking a MOOC is completely self driven. There is not compensation, no movement up the pay ladder in education, and it is up to you to see it through.

I have my first AHA moment of the week.

I love it when that happens.

What about you?