The past few weeks I have felt mounting frustration at my inability to participate in collaborative learning going on across the PLN-o-sphere. I had the best of intentions when I joined a group of writing teachers working to better approach the topic for today's learners. I have not, however, been able to read the required text nor complete the weekly "assignments." A second group, focused on global learning, seemed like it would be an easy way to further my connections across cultures and systems. Alas, the only way I can proceed with either group is if I eliminate one or more of the following:
I was quite frustrated last week at what I thought was an inability to meet a commitment. I'm not a quitter, but that's what I felt I was doing. Additionally, I was doing a pretty darn good job of beating myself up for not having been able to participate in Twitter chats lately. Gosh, if my students would just quit doing the work I ask of them, I wouldn't have to review it! Maybe if my elderly father would just reverse his aging process I would have more time!
Reality check, please.
The truth is, we all want to grab on to the multitude of learning opportunities available to us. For educators, the vast majority of whom are warm, caring, sharing colleagues, the PLN has created an environment that presents more possibilities than one could every possibly hope to utilize. There is definitely a sense of urgency about online connection that seems fabricated yet true. It is happening NOW! The Twitter stream just keeps rolling along, but at 100X the speed of Old Man River. I just can't do it all, no matter how efficient I am. I am a person who is not willing to do something halfway. If I'm in, you've got me 100% or more. But I cannot keep up the pace and be a healthy, balanced being.
Ahhh...sweet revelation!
How grateful I am that I took a moment to stop whining and think about the positives of the supposed overload of information. Fortunately, the G+ world makes it simple for me to dip my toe in the learning stream whenever I am ready. If I want to participate next month, I can, and likely will, even if the "Learning Cycle" is over. For now, I can still lurk and see what others are doing. I can scan and let the participants' responses percolate for later. Somehow, the ideas that are worthwhile for my situation and student body will bubble up to the top of my consciousness and will make their way into my plans. Most importantly, I can let go of the need to do so much. Picking and choosing from the vast menu of possible choices means that there is a lifetime of potential learning available to me whenever I choose to grab it. I choose my own deadline and priorities. Number one on my list right now? Rest for body, mind and spirit.
- my family
- my students
- sleep
I was quite frustrated last week at what I thought was an inability to meet a commitment. I'm not a quitter, but that's what I felt I was doing. Additionally, I was doing a pretty darn good job of beating myself up for not having been able to participate in Twitter chats lately. Gosh, if my students would just quit doing the work I ask of them, I wouldn't have to review it! Maybe if my elderly father would just reverse his aging process I would have more time!
Reality check, please.
The truth is, we all want to grab on to the multitude of learning opportunities available to us. For educators, the vast majority of whom are warm, caring, sharing colleagues, the PLN has created an environment that presents more possibilities than one could every possibly hope to utilize. There is definitely a sense of urgency about online connection that seems fabricated yet true. It is happening NOW! The Twitter stream just keeps rolling along, but at 100X the speed of Old Man River. I just can't do it all, no matter how efficient I am. I am a person who is not willing to do something halfway. If I'm in, you've got me 100% or more. But I cannot keep up the pace and be a healthy, balanced being.
Ahhh...sweet revelation!
How grateful I am that I took a moment to stop whining and think about the positives of the supposed overload of information. Fortunately, the G+ world makes it simple for me to dip my toe in the learning stream whenever I am ready. If I want to participate next month, I can, and likely will, even if the "Learning Cycle" is over. For now, I can still lurk and see what others are doing. I can scan and let the participants' responses percolate for later. Somehow, the ideas that are worthwhile for my situation and student body will bubble up to the top of my consciousness and will make their way into my plans. Most importantly, I can let go of the need to do so much. Picking and choosing from the vast menu of possible choices means that there is a lifetime of potential learning available to me whenever I choose to grab it. I choose my own deadline and priorities. Number one on my list right now? Rest for body, mind and spirit.