Week 2: What a let down

Sad, but true. This first week was a complete let down- a huge disappointment really.

The reason behind this unproductive week: SNOW. Not a single day was spent in the library because not a single day was spent at school! That makes it a little difficult to report and reflect on my learning for the past five days.

However, being off work did allow me time to truly immerse myself in the portfolio planning process. Talk about overwhelming! Thank goodness for instructors that are “with it” and patient. Not to mention, the discussion boards were quick to fill with the questions, and the whole class stepped up in a sense of community effort to find answers! Already, I saw one of the CEBS Dispositions displayed:

Values collaboration: 
Actively seeks out and incorporates ideas of others. Takes leadership in working with others to improve the overall environment. Regularly shares information and ideas. 

Truly, it seems that we all have already learned to rely greatly on one another and are willing to come together to find the solutions. I have a feeling that I will see much more of this type of collaboration throughout the rest of the semester.

Between the two of them- instructor and classmate guidance- I managed to figure out enough to begin planning. First, I went through all of my critical performance submissions and assigned them an indicator. Next, I began to go through all of my files saved throughout grad school to match up ones that I felt suited each indicator. My last step was to begin brainstorming activities I could use as artifacts to fulfill the rest of the remaining indicators. To keep everything more organized, I created a “Portfolio” folder with subfolders for each substandard and placed all of my existing artifacts into their corresponding subfolder so that when I began to actually create my Portfolio, I would have everything where I needed it.


Also this week, I decided to check out the Library of Congress’ online teacher professional development series. To be honest, I was not sure what to expect. Just in case, I grabbed a cup of coffee and began. Much to my surprise, they were actually pretty entertaining! I also did manage to learn some new information as well as review over old info that I could definitely use a review on- such as copyright laws. After completing the professional development, I found that I also fulfilled one of the CEBS Dispositions:

Values Professionalism:
Professional Development and involvement. References and makes use of professional organizations or publications. Willingly participates in professional activities or events that promote professional development. 


Fingers crossed that next week this magical winter season will take a bit of a break so I can actually have something worth posting about! In the meantime, here's at least one thing to enjoy.


The view from my back door. Dreamy, isn't it? 

Okay, and coffee. Coffee is always another thing to enjoy- especially when it looks like this.



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