tHING #1

I agree that "attitude" has everything to do with how successful one will be. Life long learners take on the world with an open mind which allows them to change their current perspective on life or amend it based on new information and/or experiences that they may encounter. Not only do they learn in the classroom, but they learn from everyday life experiences. Life is ever changing, and the life long learner recognizes and embraces this fact with open arms and a positive attitude!


For some reason, most of the 7 1/2 habits come relatively easy for me, which probably explains how I've been able to spend the last 10 years of my adulthood in school via classroom and distance learning. Anyway, If I had to pick which habit came the easiest for me, I would probably have to say habit #2. Habit #2 states: accept responsibility for your own learning. I agree with this statement 110%! I whole heartedly believe that you only get out as much as you put in. In other words, grades are a good indicator for how much effort a student puts in. For example, if I make a B, I know I only did "B" work. Years ago, I took an Earth Science class. It was rare that any student got an A on the tests. I, myself usually got B's. As a result, my classmates would complain of how hard the tests were and how impossible it was to get an A on any of them. I never could join in on the hype because I didn't agree. I felt like I deserved a B. I studied a fair amount, but I knew I could have studied more in-depth. I did however manage to make an A on one test...barely, but nonetheless, an A, which I felt was well deserved for I actually put in a little more effort in my studying. In summation, life long learners keep moving forward because they take responsibility for their own learning, as I do in my own learning. And that is why habit #2 comes the easiest for me!


The hardest habit of a life long learner for me to grasp is habit #7 1/2. Habit # 7 1/2 states: play. Sounds simple enough, but it's a lot harder for me I think than the average person. In fact, I may be have OCD (over compulsive disorder) when it comes to being organized. It's hard for me to relax and have fun if I know something needs to be done. In an effort to make myself grasp this habit a little better, I am trying not to allow myself to do any homework on Saturdays. Saturday is going to be my own little "play" time. This kind of makes me think back to a scene in the classic movie "The Shining" with Jack Nicholson. The particular scene shows Nicholson becoming crazed and typing over and over on his type writer, "all work and no play make Jack a dull boy." I know that's kind of an extreme and creepy example, but there is some truth in that statement. One shouldn't become so consumed with trying to succeed and reach their goals that they let the present day get away. Play is an important habit that life long learners have incorporated into their lives, and it is one that I will try to work on more. 


Finally, I hope to gain a real working knowledge of web 2.0 so that I can use it as a tool. Not only as a student and future teacher, but as a life long learner as well. So far, I have found that obtaining an account and setting up a blog is rather easy. It should all be down hill from here!!!