At last Sunday and my microworlds exercercise/project is completed and will be posted to my website with the help of OneTrak, the computer support group, at school. Normally I do not make it a habit of being late with my assignments except when it has to do with computer technology. This assignment was late only because I initally attempted to use ToonTalk; but, was unable to put together a reasonable interactive exercise ie: simiarl to the tasks given my Marty the Martian in order to help repair his spaceship. I guess I needed to keep practicing the Tour section that was like a "self help" guide. Furthermore I had the impression that this was a group assignment where we were to divide up into teams to explore a totally new program, one we had never used before. Had I know we could continue with microworlds I probably could have been on time. Anyway playing with ToonTalk was again a staunch reminder of the VirtPet project...like being thrown from a moving boat and told "we're see you back at the shore." ToonTalk has its moments. It is interfaced with audio sound which really helps in being user friendly since its concept seems to be taken from the familiar lego characters and objects. Allow children to build games and programs using Legos but all computer based. Actual "flash" or trading cards come with the inital CD as acts as the trraining manual. Although Marty is availalbe for help his replies were not alfways easy to follow. I guess I just needed more practice which meant more time and unfortunately I didn't have. I realize being in the OMAET program means one has to be a fast learner. I would have felt more comfortable if I could have seen ToonTalk in action where a student (K-6) would be building an actual program. Going at it by myself was like trying to make a wedding cake and decorate it -all from scracth.

OK it's Saturday/Sunday morning and after another two hours of reviewing Prof Gary's Tips and Tricks I am much better acquainted with Microworlds]
and at least feel comfortable with the "turtles" and the basic functions but not quite at ease with the procedures. If given them fine; but if I have to
make them myself-no way will by turtles ever move.
Anyway after much discussion and having my older son play around with the program we have discovered that one turtle to ONE button for commands.
Unlike the VirtPet with what my younger son was very familiar with where we basically had 1 turtle (pet) with a multi function button. That is possible which
we have finally deducted and not too happily. Oh well. I am nonetheless pleased. However, had I had at my fingertips Gary's Tips and tricks I would have
fared much better the first semester and probably would not be afraid of any "new" programs to venture forth with like ToonTalk.

It's now 3AM I guess Saturday morning although I started at 1:30AM on my software assignment for Prof Gary's class. I hope he likes it?!?! I am really pleased with myself only because of my limited (very limited) tech skill level. Had first started out with ToonTalk and out of desperation and frustration had to finally give it up even though I had gotten one week extension from Prof Gary.To me it was truly a challenging programeven though I played the "games" and took the "tour" and studied the "cue" cards that came with the softward CD; but still my feeble brain could not put a program together...that Bammer mouse kept smashing all my pieces together! I certainly had no control over him. And that robot didn't care where he threw objects and so I guess that's why Bammer kept coming out with the blasted sledge hammer of his. Anyway enough said for now...can see my full review of ToonTalk at my site for class along with my latest MicroworldsPro project. Also will be doing my book review of SLACK on Amazon. I truly am excited and energized by having read the book. Like I said Part 4 is the guiding light to my ARP. That is why the OMAET program is so dynamic! It accommodates not only the educators/academias but also the corporate people. The curriculum is on the cutting edge of the "learning reform" for education and especially for Corporate America. Progressive companies are realizing it takes "people" to make it work and that new leadership which will encompass vision, core values, and a new viewpoint on learning (training). Learning certainly does not end with k-12 grades or even with college... to live is to learn and learn is to live!

Wednesday/March 12, 2003
Trying to move forward without much luck. Hit a dead end with the IT dept as possible IT Coordinator for the Business Center. Now
am trying to transfer to International Programs as their Student Liason person however, am told that it requires much skill in MS Access.
The question for the day is not what would I do if I could not fail but what can I do with no real viable tech skills? Baby Boomers are the
last of the non-tech species in the new millenium. Generation X & Y are just waiting for us to die out. Of course this is a set back to
my plans however, will have to give it the ol' college try and see what happens. I have been turned down enough times that I no longer take
it personal and each time I have gained a little more experience in learning what it will take for me to move-on. In the meantime will plug away with
my ARP and by BW design and my mentoring project that's going no where for now. Actually I am the one who needs a mentor now. I really need
some "new" positive thinking.

January 1, 2003
"What would I do if I knew I could no fail?"
The key to winning the game of life is how you treat others...ie: The "Golden Rule" (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you); "make people feel stronger
not weaker"; "There are two groups of people, those who work hard and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group. It is less competitve!" Remember the
key to winning is respect, job, client/friends, "success"

Always strive for balance in yourself, your diet/food, relationships, work, and money (finances) The 3c's of the 21st Century are: Computers, Cars, and Credit

12/24 Tuesday
Spent the day lighlty house cleaning with Andy's help. Attended Christmas Eve "candlelight" service with Andy. Had planned to see a movie afterwards with
Mort and Janice but this year the theatre closed early and Henry went to bed early since he came back from his Asia trip with a bad cold. Will see the movie
NY's eve.

12/25 Christmas Day
Christmas this year was spent very simple at home (as every year since). However, did not have Christmas brunch with my sister and her side of the family.
Oh well. what can I say, we were never really that close. They probably are all traveling this year as are our neighbors, Bob and Jeanne. I think when I am
through being a student, I would like to travel from the day after and return on NY's Eve provided that I can manage traveling during the holiday rush.
Today proved quite positive for me in the kitchen...made a coffee cake for brunch and our Christmas dinner was honey glazed spiral ham which Joshua really "pigged
out", and prime rib roast along with fresh aspargus, baked sweet potato and baked potato, rice, and of course a green salad with homemade apple pie. Needless to say
I was busy in the kitchen all day. However, I find baking rather therapeutic for me. I guess I need that urge to CREATE.

Not really into New Year's Resolutions...however, as part of my BP Learning/Sleep Deprivation ie: Behavior Modification which includes better time management; but I found an interesting and relevant article on "procrastination" which has become my biggest nemisis for some reason. My Top Priority for 2003 is to overcome procrastination-my worse habit! The article spelled out in Black and White exactly what is procrastination. I could not have defined it better! "Procrastination wastes valuable time and raises stress levels and keeps ME from attaining my goals and fullfilling my dreams." Procrastination is NOT a personality trait but a BAD HABIT that wastes time. My approach to overcoming procrastination will be from 3 perspectives: time management, organizational design, and behavior modification. Two resources given: "The Procrastinator's Handbook: Mastering the Art of Doing It Now" by Rita Emmett and "Do It Yourself Therapy (DIY) How to be your Own Therapist: A step by Ste[ Guide to Building a Competent, Confident Life" by Patricia Farnell.
So again I am on my way to another self journey of self discovery wherein I will approach this study in 5 steps: (1)Deterimine Procrastination Profile (2) Am I a Selective Perfectionist? (3) Find a Better Way (4) Double My Drive (5) Connect to the "Way" by building a better TO-Do List and Do I Procrastinate Out of Fear?

This is a great reflection:-) It shows that you are able to dialogue with
someone else about your learning process and that you have begun to act on
your learning to see if there are ways you might change these patterns.

Your NG participation and your TI participation is beginning to show greater
depth. I think with the kind of realization you show here you will be able
to continue to change and to participate more as an engaged, interactive
learner. I hope that occurs and I hope that you want that as well.

Sue

> ----------
> From: Georganne Shibata
> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2002 2:53 AM
> To: Talley, Sue
> Subject: self progress analysis
>
> Doc Sue:
> Looking over the class threads I realize how limited my input has been. I
> really only have about (3) offerings (How does learning Happen/9-4); (NG
> Question/Week of Sept 23/10-2)
> Lectures as Learning/10-2).
> In retrospect from all 3 of my classes I am now admitting just what type
> of "learner" I really am. Maybe my age has pretty well determined my
> learning preference for this OMAET program especially with all the
> technology required. I feel the "safest" as an observational learner as
> described in HPL /109, 146). Reflecting back on my childhood upbringing
> our home culture was more of an observation gallery where the motto:
> "children should be seen and not heard" was not only followed but extended
> to school and church. In the beginning this was logical to me since I was
> the youngest child as my only sister was 6 years older and did most of the
> talking for me. My mother was 37 when I was born and was working outside
> the home and was quite involved with various "community" organizations
> (PTA, Girl Scouts, Postal Auxillary, and Church). I seemed to be in a
> world of adults more than with my peers. Not knowing otherwise I a!
> ccepted this and now realize that this was quite the norm for my
> particular ethnic culture as explained in HPL/146-147. To this day i find
> I get most of my everyday knowledge through reading, listening to news and
> dialogue, and just observing. I guess I like watching people. Growing up
> I was quite shy as a child and so I had made myself a secret hiding place
> where only I could observe other people (adults and children) as they
> passed by busy with their daily schedules. It was like watching the "world
> go by." I still preferr to learn by just watching and listening. As we
> all have come to realize in this fast pace society; does anyone really
> hear us?
> Georganne Shibata
>
> _____
>
>
>

It is so nice to hear this from you, Georganne. Somehow I knew that you
would make the leap with some reflection and some "gentle nudging".

Sue

> ----------
> From: Georganne Shibata
> Sent: Tuesday, December 3, 2002 7:01 PM
> To: Talley, Sue
> Subject: ZPD It Clicks!
>
> Professor Talley...
>
> I have "revised" my ZPD (adding text-my text) and by re-thinking these
> past 2 weeks of where "everything" is coming ToGETHER; I suddely feel I
> know what learning FEELS like.
>
> Needless to say I have been very hesitant to express my viewpoints even in
> my assignments. I guess for fear of having the "wrong" answer; but like
> it was emphasised in VirtCamp there really is no "wrong" answer. There
> isn't. That's what makes this program dynamic because it lets the
> students explore beyond the theories and concepts (scaffolding) and
> formulate our own ideas to try out in the classroom or workplace. This is
> what allows diversity the richness within a COP/COL.
>
> Thank you for your "gentle" nudges and support.
>
> Georganne
>
>
>