Howard_Natalie_Publishing_Leadership_Project

To view this video on Viddler, please click the hyperlink above.

Week 4 Wimba session: PubLeadProj Sharing session

Unfortunately, I could not make this meeting as I was working tirelessly on recreating an entirley new website while the wimba session was taking place. The part of the archive I heard was of Larry Harris' project. It sounded as though he has a promising vision as to where he plans to publish his. Not sure why, but I was not able to view any visuals he might have displayed during the session; possibly because they were only viewable at the time of the session... However, his goal to be able to present at a major university not far from his home appears to be obtainable. I've seen some of his work and his creativity is stellar. The idea of presenting and submitting an article to a major university is an excellent goal and I hope he will get that chance.

His idea inspired me and gave me ideas for direction I could take; but I will need to present my own project first to confirm that I am on target and that way I will have the confidence to present it successfully.

Week 4 Leadership Project Sharing Session

Nyssa Arcos and I met via video chat on Thursday evening August 26, to discuss our progress on our Leadership projects. We were both sharing how the iWeb disaster has affected us and ways we've been working around it. As a result, we've both had to resort to creating entirely new websites from scratch! (I never dreamed of such a disaster--Welcome to the world of Technology!

Our discussion eluded to the use of Keynote presentations that we are in the process of producing to be prepared to show in the Saturday Wimba session. I explained to my colleague that I was not yet prepared for such a task because of the amount of time it has taken me to recover. We have agreed to stay in contact with one another for suggestions, encouragement, and support to make the best of a not-so-fun situation.

Week 4 Reading: Comments on Felicia Andorko's blog

Photo avaiable from Free digital photos: www.freedigitalphotos.net

The hyperlink above is access to my comments on Felicia's blog and are also posted below:


NATALIE HOWARD
Hi, Felicia.

Let me be the first to offer you and your family my condolences on the passing of your dear aunt. I had an aunt who passed away last year of cancer and I watched her 4 sisters (one being my mother, the eldest) uphold the responsibility as sisters to care for her and console her until she went on to be with the Lord... It was mostly difficult because my aunt lived in California and all 4 of her sisters made sacrifices to join her traveling all the way from the East coast. They also had to come together to maturely and calmly discuss funeral arrangements and each of their roles financially in the process... and this, after spending hundreds of dollars to get from coast to coast. But that however, was not their major concern.

It was such a tough time because they all knew she didn't have long to live and having that thought in the back of their minds was even more difficult at times to work through. On top of that, my aunt was in so much pain in the final stages of her illness and my 4 courageous aunts not only stuck together to strengthen themselves, but stayed right by her side until she took her last breath... It was happy and sad because some days they laughed together as they reminisced with her on her life, but after her life was gone, the reality of her demise set in.

On a happier note, it was nice to hear that your brother is now experiencing college life as a Freshman! He now has the responsibility of taking care of himself and applying all of the family's values he's learned over the last 18 years. I can identify with that as well because we just took our oldest son to experience his Freshman year in Alabama! It is my prayer as well, that our son uphold his responsibility of making good choices and carrying out his family's values that he's been taught as he pursues his education.

Thanks for sharing your experience with us and I pray for your family's continued strength during these times of "dynamic change".
Friday, August 27, 2010 - 10:57 PM

Week 4 Reading: Chpt 10 Being The Board

My audio response is a rewritten version of chapter 10 from the readers' personal perspective. You're invited to click the hyperlink above to hear the audio version, or you may read the written version below. The choice is yours! In either case, Enjoy!

Hello. My new name is "The Board"-- the board on which the whole game is being played... I'm that person who has renamed herself as a means of transforming herself and the world in lieu of accepting the way things are that offers no possibility. Like, the way I tend to be when things don't go my way? when I'm angry and others (like my spouse and children) are not seeing things or doing things "my way?" when no ones willing to cooperate or even see things "half my way?" when nothing or nobody's moving and I feel that all of my efforts are worthless and I therefore, have reached my wits end...?"

I therefore, have transformed from this mentality of fault and blame, of pointing blame on others (or myself) for my own self-satisfaction, to one who makes a difference, one who sees the entire picture as a whole, who instead, repairs breakdowns in relationships, presents no obstacles to others and names myself as the instrument that makes ALL relationships become partnerships... because in essence, I am the framework for everything that happens in my life AND I am responsible for everything that happens in my life. With my renewed and transformed mentality, my spirit is whole and leaves me free to choose again! Besides, apportioning blame only divides and is an effort to keep a level playingfield of fairness... But my renewed mental strength is focused on perpetual integration. I no longer care to break down relationships in my life because of my old "calculating self" who once lived predominantly in "fault and blame" (especially when its NOT my fault).

My graduated way of thinking reminds me of 2 very small, yet very powerful words that restore broken down relationships or ones in the process of breaking down: "I'm sorry." As The Board, apologizing now comes so easily for me, especially with Rule #6 also in perspective, I choose to rethink things without concentrating so much on myself. As The Board (even in a leadership role) I can swallow my pride and write a letter of apology to someone who's subordinate to me, that I know I openly offended instead of finding reasons to convince myself that what I did was right because I'm in charge and they'll eventually "come around..." As The Board, my apologies are now sincere, authentic, genuine, and non-manipulative. The Board allows me to come "face to face" with ways I may have indirectly hindered my spouse and yet willingly apologize so that we can build upon new distinctions that we formulate together because any stumbling blocks that are in my way, are also in his AND only I can remove them...

As The Board, I don't have to have the last word, I don't always have to be right, and everything doesn't always have to be done my way, because like Rule #6, "I'm not all that". Occasionally, things that are unjust and unfair will prevail in my life, but as The Board, I factor all things into the equation. In so doing, I will soar on my journey of transformation and development with others--a renewed, mature mentality that does not "manage" relationships just to avoid conflict... because the barriers that may be causing any conflict have to first be canceled within me; And then I can extend the courage and compassion that others may need... Thus, I am rewarding myself with "self-respect" and I'm making a difference so that others may count on me to clear the pathways for accomplishment.

(This chapter meant so much to me, that I chose to hear myself make these confessions as a part of my personal "transformation!")
All quotes and paraphrases were taken from The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional & Personal Life. Zander & Zander, 2000 pgs. 146-159

Week 3 Comments on Stacie's blog

My comments on Stacie's blog are viewable via the above hyperlink and posted below.

Natalie said...
Hi, Stacie. This is an awesome response to this week's reading! You said so many things that I made mention of in my audio podcast. (Were you peaking in when I was recording that...?) lol I like how you refer to the 4 principles' relevancy to the words of Jesus in God's word, the Bible. Wouldn't this world be a better place if we'd just follow through with what His word says? If I'm not mistaken, the Bible is still the number one best seller! The truth of reality, positivity, and humanity are all there.

I appreciate your straightforwardness about how sometimes the "downward spiral" effect can affect your attitude when it comes to teaching. And this is one of the places, unfortunately, where so much negativity resides. Teachers like you and I who care about children and their future is what will keep us focused on conversations of possibility rather than resorting to what's easy.

Your idea to have the phrase "Light a Spark" painted on your classroom wall is a great idea! As a result, I hope the sparks will eventually catch on fire and burn the entire school with a new attitude of positivity, motivation, and conversations for possibilities! That could be the beginning of a great and much needed change...
August 19, 2010 11:33 AM

Week 3 Comments on Amanda Wright's blog

My comments to Amanda's blog are below which are also accessible from the hyperlink above.

Natalie said...
Hi, Amanda. Wouldn't it be great if the expression on your son's face could be the way we respond to "the small stuff" that comes our way in life..? You're right when you say that life is serious and that it can be quite easy for us to become depressed about what's going on in the world or in our personal lives (which is quite relevant to our next reading in Zanders' chapters 7-9). Many times we can surmount our present circumstances if we had a good dose of laughter! It promotes a healthy heart and heals like medicine (Prov.17:22)
August 19, 2010 10:47 AM

Natalie said...
Amanda,
I used the photo of your son on my blog post. I couldn't resist! I hope you don't mind...He's adorable even when he makes faces! (How old is he now, by the way?)
August 19, 2010 10:56 AM

Week 3 Comments on Pedro Azcona's blog

You may click on the hyperlink to be catapulted to my comments which are also posted below.

Natalie Howard said...
Pedro, this video is cool and kid-friendly. I was engaged the entire time and I'm sure your students are too when they watch it. The music, the narrator's voice, his sense of humor, the colorful visuals and their timing in the video all make it good. It offers needful advice that all of us (children AND adults) can benefit from. I was perplexed by what he said about NY and CA...
"Leave NY before you get too hard, and leave CA before you get too soft!" LoL
What do you think that meant...? hmm...
August 19, 2010 1:15 PM

Week 3 Reading: The way things are AUDIO PODCAST

This audio podcast is the response in my own words about where I stand in the continuum of the way things are.
All quotations are from The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life (Zander, R. 2000)
Free music courtesy of Jamendo: City Lights Flicker. Locatable via: http://www.jamendo.com/en/
Art work created by Natalie Howard via Dabbleboard located at: http://www.dabbleboard.com/draw

Week 2 Free choice project: Spider drill

This is one of the demonstration videos I have posted on my basketball team's website that has been built in connection with my AR on improving instructional communication among athletic coaches and their players. I also post them to YouTube and Facebook. Some of my players are responding, but not as many as I desire. By the time our season starts in October, I will require that each player become a member on our site, watch, and post a response to one or more of the videos (similar to what we do here in class in FSO). That way, I know that my players are participants and not on-lookers. They are communicating with me and I reply to their posted comments, therefore communicating with them. This is just one of the ways our team will build cohesion and strengthen from the inside out.

This video demonstrates the Spider drill, an individual ball handling drill that will help you develop control of the basketball and quick hands. Great especially for Point and 2-guards. Take a look at more demonstration videos on our girls varsity basketball team website at: http://www.tpladybraves.webs.com

Week 2 TechTip--The "more" tag & hating long blog entries

So that's why my blogs in Blogger go on and on and on and on and (and on... and so forth?) This post was very helpful for me. As I am an extensive writer, I also realize from this new information on long blogs, that I could be boring my readers. I really love Blogger because its user friendly and easy to learn, but I don't love the fact that it doesn't offer a "see more" or "click here for more" feature. This wouldn't have ever dawned on me had I not read this post. My thought was that this is just the way blogging is--some are long and some are short... but at the same time, not knowing that I (as the user) have control over how much I care for my readers to see. Enlightening! I must have scared some of my readers away once they saw a mass mess of words on one page.

So as a result of my new found knowledge, I am now searching for a new blog tool that offers the "more" link. My greater hope is that Blogger will update their software to include this feature for their users so that they don't start looking for other fish in the sea (as I am...) Really though, I won't leave blogger for a new love completely, I will just use it occasionally for the blogs that I know will be "short and sweet!" Happy blogging!

Wk 2-Comments on Abbie Toy's blog:

Here is the LINK TO MY COMMENTS on Abbie's blog, but they are also copied below:

Natalie said...
Hi, Abbie. Your post reminds me a lot about what I wrote. I too found many spiritual connections in the readings, and made the biblical references to them. I was amazed about how they were so equivalent! I was also convicted, and saw deep inside of ME the things that I must change. What you included about Jesus is very similar to what I wrote about how the Bible says that we are not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, but to have an humble attitude that condescends. And most importantly (in terms of being a Contribution), it is more blessed to give than to receive! (Acts 20:35) Thanks for sharing your connection to the Lord Jesus in these chapters.
August 11, 2010 7:52 PM

Wk 2-Comments on Sarah Hodges blog:

Click this LINK TO MY COMMENTS on Sarah Hodge's blog


Natalie
Hi, Sarah. Your post includes lots of educational connections that are true of us as teachers. I still remember all of my elementary school teachers from my home state (NJ) because they were so influential to my life. I like where you add that what we do is about simply making a difference. You are so right. We operate behind the scenes as educators, but its always so special when one of your students returns years later just to say "thank you!" To this day, I still correspond with my 5th grade teacher who is retiring this year. She was one of those kind of teachers as you mention in your post, who puts a starfish back in the ocean to help them realize that they are needed. I'm so thankful for teachers who care!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 - 08:16 PM

Natalie Howard
By the way, Sarah... Your son is soooooo adorable. I have seen him in your videos and he is Hollywood material for sure!!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 - 08:25 PM

Week 2 Reading: Being a Contribution

Photo courtesy of Free digital photos located at: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

"There are stranded starfish as far as the eye can see for miles up the beach... What difference can saving a few of them possibly make...?" Smiling, she bends down and once more tosses a starfish out over the water saying serenly, "It certainly makes a difference to this one!"

Chapters 4-6 were captivating. I'm seeing more of myself as the chapters unfold! I tried to do a keynote on these chapters but had a difficult time trying to get my slides to cooperate. Unfortunately, I didn't succeed in solving the problem so I gave up. I was going to attach it anyway, but I changed my mind. and if anyone has any pointers on how to make this as awesome as I thought it would be, that would be great. Even after watching Lynda.com tutorials, to no avail... The opening story about the young lady and the starfish really blessed my heart. She's giving back to the ocean what belongs to it... Although she won't be able to save them all, every one that she does save will have another chance to live. What the man thought was futile, had heartfelt meaning to the young lady. I think that that's what life is all about: giving back, contributing by reaching out to others. When I think about it, that's what has happened all of my life and in ALL of our lives. Someone had to make sacrifices for us to be what we are and where we are today. Parents, teachers, coaches, Pastors, employers, and the list goes on. Education itself is so about being a contribution! Honestly, it's the best example. Can you imagine being an invalid? Not being able to read, write, walk or even speak because of neglect? Had it not been for the contributions of our parents and other loved ones, there's no telling what we'd be like... Giving is such a virtue and I believe it is what is keeping our world turning (as evil as it is). Contributors are people who care; people who care more about others than they do themselves.
In addition, here are the highlights from the chapters in my written version. These are phrases throughout the chapters that serve as "food for thought" and went a lot deeper than just the words on the page. Zander's choice of words is musical throughout the pages. I just wish my keynote worked so I could have expressed it the way I really felt it... maybe another time. My concentration is on being a contribution, but I listed additional phrases from other chapters that were so inspirational (Joe, I hope you don't mind...)

I found that many of the phrases expressed throughout the chapters really allows a man to see deep within himself. I can equate many of the thoughts to Bible scripture which is God's Word to man. I've attached scripture in parentheses for phrases that are applicable.
Chpt 4: Being a Contribution (It is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35)
Naming your activities as a game breaks their hold on you and puts YOU in charge.
The Dinner Table game: "What did you achieve today?" rather than "What did you do today!" (Prov. 13:19--a deed accomplished is sweet to the soul)
The drive to be successful and the fear of failure are like the head and tail of a coin, inseparably linked...
The Contribution game:
I am a Contribution, contributions are not arrived at by comparison, as it has no other side
In The Contribution game, YOU are a gift to others!
Inventing oneself as a Contribution (and others as well): is like 1+2=3
1) Declare yourself to be a contribution
2) accept that you are someone who makes a difference although you may not understand why...
3) Remarkable powers for transforming conflicts into rewarding experiences
When you declare yourself to be a Contribution, "it is never just a single individual who is transformed; You never know what they will be or from when they will come. (Be a living sacrifice Rom.12:2)
The eyes NEVER lie... (I've heard it said, that the eyes are the windows to the soul--not scriptural, but true!)

Chpt 5:Leading from any chair
The conductor is the distant figure on the podium who never makes a sound; He is leadership mystique of significant magnitude! His true power derives from his ability to make other people powerful. "Natalie? You come up here and conduct. I want to go to the back of the hall to hear how it sounds..."
As leaders in any organization, "how much greatness are we willing to grant people?" (its within our power)
The silent conductor listens for passion and commitment. He askes himself: "Who am I being that they are not shining?"
*Invite information and expression
*Speak to their passion
*Look for opportunities to hand them the baton.
A leader does not need a podium! She can be sitting quietly on any chair listening passionately and with commitment, fully prepared to take up the baton...
Chpt 6: Rule #6
Rule #6 "Don't take yourself so seriously!" Lighten up because it may "light up" those around you. (Don't think of yourself more highly than you ought to, but condescend to men of lower estate-Rom. 12:16)
Humor and laughter are perhaps the best way we can "get around ourselves" (Laughter doeth good like medicine! Prov. 17:22
Rule #6 originated from the measurement world; the world where we calculate ourselves
Rule #6 reminds us to lighten up and in so doing, we break its hold on us! (Pride is headed for destruction: Prov.16:18)
The Calculating Self:
1)A child--an exquisite attention-getting device (never heard it put that way before!) (A child is known by his doings (Prov.20:11); (When I was a child, I behaved as a child--1Cor.13:11)
2)A child is designed to sound an alarm when he/she feels left out or forgotten (Adults do this too--we're nothing but big children, really)
3)A child uses his character to achieve "winning ways" (and many parents let them win far too often)
4)Survival mechanisms for the child to allow him to learn to "know himself"
The Calculating self is like a ladder with a downward spiral: "What would have to change for me to be completely fulfilled?"
When June lightened up, it saved her marriage
When Jeffrey surrendered his pride, the camera man got a revelation about his life! (amazing what humility can do for us)
The Central Self is the rich, free, compasionate and expressive world arrived from the ongoing reconstruction of the Calculating Self and is: an expression that transcends the personality that got it out of childhood ALIVE (many of us are still in need of reconstruction)
Transformation for our Central selves is a description of the mode through which we move through life (2Corin.13:5 Let every man examine himself)
We all need to be transformed (Rom. 12:1-2) Be transformed by the renewing of your mind!
In the opening phrase under the image of the girl on the beach, this is the same way it is when you throw out the life line to people. God through Christ is consistently throwing out the life line to man. He does it by using other men (and women). Some will reach back, many won't. It will make a difference in the lives of those who reach back, but if it's never thrown out at all, then there's no hope... (II Cor. 5:19)

Week 1 Free Choice Project: AR Project update

Link to my Team website (work in progress...)

Comments on Joe Huber's blog

Here is the link to access my comments on Joe's blog:

Natalie said...
Joe, I like the idea of trying to get your students to eliminate the thought of being assessed by grades only so that they're better able to maximize their potential academically. Instead of competing against one another or even themselves, they are now free to strive to be the best they can be! In other words, they are free to produce better work because they are working "outside the box". I'm sure your students have made tremendous (strides) under your teaching.

August 6, 2010 12:13 AM
Natalie said...
The last line was to correctly read: I'm sure your students have made tremendous strides under your teaching. (Please excuse and accept as corrected).

Comments on Larry Harris' blog

Click on the link to view my comments on Larry's blog:


1 Comment:
NATALIE HOWARD
Larry, this was a wonderful media presentation on the summary of the three chapters of The Art of Possibility. Your video posed questions about the material that not only thoroughly summarized the content, but also probed the conscience. You invite the viewer to want to read the book! Very enjoyable!
Thursday, August 5, 2010 - 11:26 PM

Week 1 Reading: The Art of Possibility

The first three chapters of the Art of Possibility paint a picture of life in an optimistic perspective. It projects hope, opportunity, transformation and change (if I were to use a few descriptive words). The objective of the work is summed up for us under Launching the Journey where "the objective of the book is to provide the reader the means to lift off from that world of struggle and sail into a vast universe of possibility" (pg.1 par. 1). It's like looking at life "outside the box." I like how the writer makes the firm distinction that the book is not about "turning a new leaf" or self-improvement, but that the practices presented in the book are geared at viewing life from an altogether different perspective--one that causes "a total shift of posture, perceptions, beliefs, and thought processes. They are about transforming your entire world.!" (pg. 4) I believe that the author paves the way for all of us to be transformers depending upon the way we not only view the world, but also upon the way we view ourselves.

In chapter 1, I was inspired by how the Zander's defined what the term (catchphrase) "It's all invented" is about; how it points to a more fundamental notion that our minds "construct". (pg. 12) We have preconceived ideas (assumptions) about life, how we view the world, other people (as individuals and in groups), and ourselves based upon the box that we live in mentally. "It is through the evolved structures of the brain that we perceive the world." (pg. 12) The 9-dot puzzle was puzzling for me at first, but became quite clear about how the box represents a universal phenomenon of the human mind... we as human beings have the natural propensity to think inside of a box, one which limits us in so many ways. When we begin to think outside of the box, or as the author says "its all a story we tell", we can break through the barriers of any "box" that boxes us in (confines us) to the mundaneness of life...

In chapter 2, we are brought face to face with the questions "What are these borders?" and "What is this everyday reality?" (pg. 17). The authors imply that life is full of possibilities once we're thinking outside the box, while on the other hand, our everyday world "the world of measurement", is the world that limits us to assessments, scales, standards, grades, and comparisons. I saw myself rather vividly in this chapter as the world of measurement was further described as "A universe of possibility" where everyday we strive for success. Yet on the pathway there are obstacles which vary from scarcities of time, power, money, love, resources, and inner strength... Life is about survival and people are trying to survive in many different ways. For example, scarcity thinking assumes that life is a struggle and in the struggle we survive by getting ahead because the world is full of limited resources... (they're trying to get all they can, and can all they get!) because eventually there will be none left. I see this mentality as a selfish and greedy means of survival. Then there's survival thinking: looking out for Numero uno (me, myself, and I and nobody else). That's even worse than the first. In the measurement world: you set a goal and strive for it; but in the Universe of possibility, you set the context and let life unfold.

In chapter 3, Giving an A is an invention that creates possibility. In order to become a better YOU, you have to be considerate of others and approach people in such a way that it transforms you and them. It's seeing the best in someone before it ever manifests. The box thinking makes perceptions (judgment) about people from the beginning, but giving an A sees a positive outcome in all people from the beginning. Many lives can be changed just as the many student-musicians lives were. If we practice the practice of giving an A, we follow the new mental perspective of recognizing a universal desire in people to contribute to others regardless of any barriers. We learn to say "How fascinating" with uplifted hands when we make mistakes rather than overly criticize and become too competitive. Giving an A unleashes unlimited possibilities for students (or anyone) in contrast to giving grades which keeps students (and all people) in the box...

Reference:
Zander, B. & Zander, R. (2000). The art of possibility: Transforming professional and
personal life. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.

Week 1 Wimba Archive

After viewing this first session, it is evident that it's "crunch time" Like never before, its time to take the ball and run with it! As Joe has covered the issues that many students may be facing personally, although "life happens", we students must keep our hands on the wheel and drive this EMDTMS course home! From the overtone, I know that the course is requiring us to hunker down as we stand on the precipice of graduation. As the instructor, Joe is willing to work with us (which I am comforted in knowing), but as he discussed, at some point he has to draw the line. And that line is being drawn this month...!

Questions, concerns, and clarifications were addressed about how to interact in this course as compared to LMO. Although there are many similarities, the major focus in MAC is on preparing for month 12. The majority of the discussion was focused on the Literature Review and what is required. Utilizing the checklist, videos, and reviewing sample LR's that have been approved, will be to our advantage as we prepare to turn it in by Sunday. What was most helpful was the distinction provided about the difference between writing it as a research paper verses a synthesized version of what scholars' prior research found. Apparently, these details were provided because many students are writing the paper as though it were a research paper, instead of reporting previous research in the area of their topic "in their own words". Even more, the review is not a presupposition of what the writer's projected answer will be, but of what is "out there" in terms of previous research. It should not be opinionated or developed in such a way that it "proves" my point. Basically, the writing should be hypothetical in content until proven by our own personal action research in the end.

Personally, these details provided in this session have helped me tremendously because I have never written a review of any kind like this before. I'm glad to have developed aquaintance with how to produce such writing. And I'm done, by the way! "Praise the Lord!"