Thing 3 - Explore what it means to be a Lifelong Learner

7 1/2 Habits - Life Long Learning

Habit 1: Begin with the End in Mind
Habit 2: Accept Responsibility for Your Own Learning
Habit 3: View Problems as Challenges
Habit 4: Have Confidence in Yourself as a Competent Effective Learner
Habit 5: Create (Add) Your Own Learning Toolbox
Habit 6: Use Technology to Your Advantage
Habit 7: Teach/Mentor Others
Habit 7 1/2: Play

The habit that is the easiest for me is Habit #1: Begin with the End in Mind. With my current job, I am responsible for taking new initiatives and making them a reality. Habit #1 allows me to begin with the end in mind and plan backwards to ensure successful and sustainable implementation of the initiative. Focusing on Habit #1 also allows me to naturally embed in other habits. When implementing something new, the planning and implementation processes require a great deal of research and planning, so it is critical that I accept responsibility for my own learning and build my own confidence as a competent effective learner and facilitator. As I roll out any new initiative I try to add more technology tools to my toolbox that I can use and model as a part of the training. I think that through a balanced approach of modeling the new technology tools while rolling out a new initiative it makes the new initiative less overwhelming for the participants and find an added value of technology tools that they can use back in their classroom. Sometimes I get too excited and I have to remind myself to "Go Slow to Go Fast", especially when sharing technology tips and tools. This ties everything back to Habit #1: Begin with the End in Mind. By focusing on the end in mind, I can effectively plan set goals, stay focused, and use technology effectively. If technology is implemented successfully, it will support the idea that technology can be viewed as a place where learning network can assist educators in creating, connecting, and sharing their ideas and learning with others.
The hardest habit for me is number 7 1/2. I am always so focused on planning and preparing, I don't take the time to just explore and have fun with new technologies available to me.