I have developed a reputation at my campus that when faced with a problem, Ashley has a plan with all the details identified and addressed, along with a back-up plan and a back-up to the back-up. Honestly, this is something I do because it is one way I cope with my anxiety. When I attempt to predict and plan for all scenarios, there's a comfort in the perception of control. The fight or flight response anxiety is less likely to happen because the "threats" have already been consciously addressed in a plan and either prevented through the plan or solved by preparing a response. We cannot control everything that happens around us, but we can control how we respond. Being intentional about a plan that focuses on not always having a plan or leaving things open-ended actually develops more creative thinking and innovation. This mindset has encouraged me to continue to try new things in my classroom and share what I am doing with others to get feedback. I am ready to learn and adapt along the way. I start with a vision and direction, but am aware that the path, direction, and even at times destination might change based on the real-time feedback from the "experiment" of trying something new. Education is very much like the trips I take, like I discussed in ePortfolios - GenuineLee Me Part 2, but I am learning that when I look outside my window and peer into other worlds, I expand my viewpoint and learn from other perspectives, taking inspiration to try a new path or visit a new destination. Here are some key ideas I have learned so far when exploring ePortfolios: Too many options overwhelm me. When choosing a platform for my ePortfolio, less was more. If you were to search "ePortfolios platforms", lists will appear and blog posts on particular platforms also address other platforms. A number of my peers are using Wix or WordPress but I have found Weebly to limit my choices in the overall structure of my ePortfolio in such a way that I don't shut down. It takes care of some of the choice for me so that I can make choices on things that matter. Our ePortfolio expressions vary, but they are all equally valid. The number of ePortfolios I have seen where graphics, animation, and color are used to enhance ideas is intimidating. I initially thought that my ideas expressed in black and white with an occasional picture or embedded video was too boring, too cold. There have been times when I could not continue to scroll through a ePortfolio because it did not resonate with me. Does that make those less valid than my perspective? No. Will others feel the same way about my ePortfolio? Yes. Our opinions and viewpoints vary, but they are all equally valuable and help to create a more comprehensive world. Voice and ownership are clear. Reading through other ePortfolios, it is painfully obvious who is articulating their voice and taking ownership of their ePortfolio and who is putting on a character for their audience. The character may be pieces of their true self but when the voice and ownership are authentic to the author, there is more impact for me to remain true to myself too. I have to branch out even more. Part of signing up for the master's program I am in was about me getting outside of my subject area and my campus to grow even more than I can currently imagine. Browsing ePortfolios expands the voices I did not realize were out there and they encourage me to think outside of the high school mathematics box into more connections with the world. What is your ePortfolio world? What other worlds have you explored? Take me to your world and let's go together and explore the worlds of others.
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My husband lovingly teases me when I reflect on my day with him and say "I learned something new today!" because he would be surprised if I didn't learn something new.
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