Week 8 Progress

I think I worked out through the Progress Chart that even with some snags I have found in my schedule in the past that I am still about a week ahead in points thanks to my dedication to doing extra credit assignments. Even with some missed opportunities to make even more points, I think that it has helped that I pushed myself in former weeks to stay ahead even when I was behind, if that makes sense. I actually thoroughly enjoy the extra credit assignments, particularly those to do with HEART or Growth Mindset if it isn’t already apparent by how full those tags are. My weekly routine is pretty lax on the core assignments, so I think it’s lucky that I don’t find the extra credit assignments a chore when making up points for passed deadlines.

I would like to look into doing different kinds of extra credit assignments in the coming weeks and might try to incorporate Tech Tip or Wikipedia Trails to bring some variation to my extra credit options since I often choose between a regular two or three. So long as I keep up with my makeup assignments if I happen to not complete some main assignments on the schedule, I think I will thank myself in the long run. I want to avoid falling behind, so I would feel pretty defeated if I fell below a good 10 points ahead at any given time. I am really grateful for this week for reflecting and planning, it’s a good rest before pushing myself to the end of the semester!

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Week 8 Comments and Feedback

The comments that I have received on my stories so far have been very constructive. They are not overly critical but still do well to give suggestions for correction. I think it helps that the Feedback Gallery and the assignments that incentivize interaction with one another’s blogs has helped us to know how to give the most useful comments on people’s pages. I can speak personally that both these resources and learning from the students reading and responding have all contributed to my own commenting skills. I still tend to steer away from negativity but for the most part have challenged myself to give sincere critiques when the situation calls for it. For the most part, though, I think I have some very creative and talented classmates and have enjoyed taking inspiration from them.

Having the opportunity to be a virtual wallflower since our blogs are public has been a unique experience since so much of school is independent. I have learned more about students who I recognize from former and current classes as well as gotten to know some strangers at least at surface level. Somehow it seems easier to connect online behind a screen where you can let go of inhibitions that prevent genuine interaction when offline. I have edited my Introduction a couple of times since it first went up and am pleased with the changes I have made. I think with the customizations I have made to my blog it is a space that people can see who I am, both aesthetically through the visuals and navigation, but also through my blog posts, stories, and comments.

(Infographic I chose because it reflects my thoughts on offering candid praise and criticism; Image Source: Kim Scott, Twitter)

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Week 8 Reading and Writing

Overall, I feel satisfied with my sites at this point of the semester. As far as my blog goes, I became comfortable quickly and am quite happy with the formatting choices I made as far as the layout is concerned. After some googling, I found this customizable template that I downloaded for free from Georgia Lou Studios and finagled with which is why it might seem visually different than some which used the ones that came pre-installed on the platform. My project on my Google site has a way to go, but it’s still early so I anticipate making some changes here and there with font and photos when I start writing stories.

I have thoroughly enjoyed both epics that we have read in this class. The Mahabharata seems a little more mystical and metaphorical than the Ramayana which I like since each episode is a like a clue to the moral message, but the Ramayana is story of romance and unrequited love and betrayal that is so classic. One regret is not writing many stories and opting to make up the points by doing the extra credit assignments. Since I am pushing myself to do poetry instead of prose, the Thursday due date has been a time struggle since this takes more time and effort. My anxious, perfectionist soul has continuously prevented me from producing a weekly post since I can’t bring myself to publish anything if it isn’t the best writing possible. I suppose the extra credit assignments that I have tended toward (Growth Mindset/ HEART) are helping me to work on abandoning these self-imposed expectations. Though I haven’t written many, it is still my poem from week 4 that I am most proud of. The reading notes post strategies have been useful for me since they are short and sweet and remind me of the parts that I found most important and can return to when I go skim them for inspiration later.

In looking forward, I realize I need to get the show on the road with my Storybook now that we have finished both myths. When I go to write, I want to try to not put too many restrictions on myself as far as planning goes because in the past, I have realized that this is a sure way to pigeonhole myself into having writers block. Trying to fit some perception of what I want from my writing doesn’t necessarily produce such writing. Also, I have been proactive with accumulating extra points which has prevented me from beating myself up for not keeping pace with the assignment due dates. I intend to continue to take it day by day and do as much as I can when I have the time. I am also very grateful for the grace period. So far, no suggestions!

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos) 

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Growth Mindset: The Cycle of Brain Chemistry and Learning

“Learning with Passion and Enthusiasm” by Unknown

This video talks about the connection between brain chemistry and learning. According to studies, the chemicals in the brain that produce feelings of passion and enthusiasm (endorphins, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters) are related to the process of learning. While dopamine and endorphins are commonly associated with delight and interest, the other neurotransmitters relay information to areas of the brain responsible for memory. Scientists who have studied these in people interacting with various stimulants (cocaine, looking at expensive versus cheap cars, shopping) have noted that there is a parallel between the speed of information processing and levels of dopamine. What they have found, unfortunately, that different kinds of “fun” produce varying effects on these chemicals. “When we are planning a trip with our friends, or when we have an unexpected inspiring conversation with a stranger, our brain releases neurotransmitters in abundance and we start recording with all of our senses in high definition… to make it a creative and memorable experience.”

Thus, to have learning experiences that extend beyond the short-term gratification of our general outlets for entertainment (shopping, interacting with others, daydreaming) one must examine whether it generates excitement and how much. This video drives home for me the nuances between the levels of enjoyment and how it affects retention rate. It makes sense that the most lasting learning is in the period from infancy through childhood when one has no shortage of curiosity and enthusiasm. Looking back at my own life, this video answers some questions for me about what must be behind my senioritis this semester. I suspect the novelty of college has worn away after a couple years. I suppose this is also why long-term couples who leave the “honeymoon” stage have such a tough time recapturing their former spark. In the same what that happiness and learning promote one another, it seems that the sluggishness of the one must discourage the other. 

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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