I need to make two major decisions next week and "the overload factors" in everyone's life overwhelmed me this morning before devotion.
Overload factors are:
1. overload of information
2. overload of tasks to be completed
3. overload of demands on time from multiple parties
4. overload of accountability pressures (if you are a teacher, assessment demands)
As I sipped my coffee at 5 am, I heard the inner voice, "Ebenezer". That shook me. When I was in high school, we moved to a new house in Sivakasi and I insisted that our house should have a name in front of the location address; I named our house "Ebenezer". This means "stone of help".
Hitherto in my life, I have been blessed and helped and there is no need for me to be perplexed about overload. When I sit down and write down my issues and strategies to make decision, things are clear.
Hitherto I have been helped.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Slaying the dragons in personal life
I had weird dream this morning around 4 am. I was having a sword and was slaying the dragons. May be because I was watching a Tamil movie where the hero and the villain were fighting all the time with all kinds of construction tools. I started thinking about the dragon slaying and I remembered Wendell Smith's Dragon Slayer conference at www.hop.org when David Talaiver was about 3 years old.
David has the dragon slayer T-shirt and Wendell lifted him up and said "here is one of the young dragon slayers" on the stage. I am unable to remember what Wendell shared but I started thinking about the dragons that may hinder my successful relationship with others at home and at work place.
This is my list and you may have others.
1. Pride
2. Silence (Instead of talking at appropriate times, I may keep quiet for selfish reasons)
3. Lack of patience (when tasks are not completed on time or when people do not pay attention to details and make mistakes)
4. Greed (not for money in my life, but greed to make my work place the best in the world; in striving for excellence, I always reflect "am I trying to reach this at the expense of others?)
I do not have fear about anything because my faith overcome fear. I call this F against F. Bur Fear is one of the dragons of teens today in many ways.
David has the dragon slayer T-shirt and Wendell lifted him up and said "here is one of the young dragon slayers" on the stage. I am unable to remember what Wendell shared but I started thinking about the dragons that may hinder my successful relationship with others at home and at work place.
This is my list and you may have others.
1. Pride
2. Silence (Instead of talking at appropriate times, I may keep quiet for selfish reasons)
3. Lack of patience (when tasks are not completed on time or when people do not pay attention to details and make mistakes)
4. Greed (not for money in my life, but greed to make my work place the best in the world; in striving for excellence, I always reflect "am I trying to reach this at the expense of others?)
I do not have fear about anything because my faith overcome fear. I call this F against F. Bur Fear is one of the dragons of teens today in many ways.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Collaborative Teamwork
My visit to RollsRoyce plant and my interaction with the executives was very rewarding. The company believes in Teamwork and it was written all over. All employees are working toward the goals of "learning, learning, and performing." Of course the meeting was about the need for workforce with various certifications including machinist, mechanical engineers and how we need to prepare K12 students with math and science skills necessary to enter STEM fields (universities and community colleges). As I was pondering over Teamwork, I was questioning this morning:
What are the personal factors (in the Christian sense, stronghold) that hinder success of collaborative team work? ( Please note that I use the word "collaborative" and not cooperative. )
1. I may look at outward appearance instead of team's goals.
2. I may know just my task and do not care about the team's overall mission and goal.
3. I may pay attention to my own emotions about completion of task and am not empathetic.
4. I may seek my own glory (I put myself first and others second; no horizontal relationship)
5. I may fingerpoint others for failures without realizing that three other fingers are pointing toward me.
6. I want to be in control of everything about the project and about my life. I may destroy my relationship with my team members when I lose control and show impatience.
7. I have a hidden agenda and selfish motive rather than focusing on a common goal.
You may be able to add other points. So, how am I going to work with teachers and students to develop a positive learning atmosphere so that all teamwork will lead to success? Many a times, when we ask participants to do collaborative work, do we pay attention to these personal factors?
What are the personal factors (in the Christian sense, stronghold) that hinder success of collaborative team work? ( Please note that I use the word "collaborative" and not cooperative. )
1. I may look at outward appearance instead of team's goals.
2. I may know just my task and do not care about the team's overall mission and goal.
3. I may pay attention to my own emotions about completion of task and am not empathetic.
4. I may seek my own glory (I put myself first and others second; no horizontal relationship)
5. I may fingerpoint others for failures without realizing that three other fingers are pointing toward me.
6. I want to be in control of everything about the project and about my life. I may destroy my relationship with my team members when I lose control and show impatience.
7. I have a hidden agenda and selfish motive rather than focusing on a common goal.
You may be able to add other points. So, how am I going to work with teachers and students to develop a positive learning atmosphere so that all teamwork will lead to success? Many a times, when we ask participants to do collaborative work, do we pay attention to these personal factors?
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Strategies for scuccess in projects
I was very happy last evening as I reflected back on all accomplished tasks for the day. I was glad to meet the author, Katie Cannon. http://www.amazon.com/Black-Womanist-Ethics-Katie-Cannon/dp/1597523739. She taught me where the word, "Womanist" came from. I look forward to working with her in the creation of "Womanist Institute" in VA project because some of the goals of the project are aligned with what we do at the ITTIP.
Today, I will join the Commonwealth of Virginia Senator Ruff in visiting the RollsRoyce facilty. The purpose is to challenge myself to examine what educational programs, PD, and activities we need to undertake in VA to increase the number of students entering STEM fields through STREAMD activities (R for reading, A for Art & arts, and D for design). STREAMD is ITTIP's take on STEM to include all content teachers to embrace STEM integration.
Evelyn Terry who introduced me to Katie reminded of the success of ITTIP's projects. So, I began to ponder on my success strategies:
1. First thing in the morning : I meditate and read His words; I hold on to what I read as the promise for the day.
2. I cling on to the words: "Whatever you do, do it with all your might."
3. When a thought for a new project is put in my mind, I reflect "what, why, how, when, and who".
What does the project or idea mean to students and teachers?
Why is this important to the future of the kids? Am I doing this to get a name and fame for myself? or Am I really committed to give my best to serve students across the globe?
How can I assure that I have all the resources we need?
When should I do it? Our committed team of ITTIP always walk an extra mile but that does not mean the we need to overload ourselves (Talking about overload, my pastor Steve Stells talked about overload and this is for a blog for another day). So, the "when question" is related to timing suited for ITTIP and other partners.
Who are the partners for a project? I strongly believe in global collaboration among teachers and students; however, I test our waters here in VA before I launch a project elsewhere. With partners and funding, I should say that the good Lord give me some intuition when, where and whom to approach. HP STEM catalyst project happened that way.
4. I take some risks with the project ideas and implement in small scale. All projects may not be successful. Unless you are willing to take risks, nothing will happen.
5. I stay positive in my daily walk.
6. I reflect at the end of the day of my activities and see what needs to be changed the next day.
I can write more but I need to prepare for academic life for today. Stay Tuned.
Today, I will join the Commonwealth of Virginia Senator Ruff in visiting the RollsRoyce facilty. The purpose is to challenge myself to examine what educational programs, PD, and activities we need to undertake in VA to increase the number of students entering STEM fields through STREAMD activities (R for reading, A for Art & arts, and D for design). STREAMD is ITTIP's take on STEM to include all content teachers to embrace STEM integration.
Evelyn Terry who introduced me to Katie reminded of the success of ITTIP's projects. So, I began to ponder on my success strategies:
1. First thing in the morning : I meditate and read His words; I hold on to what I read as the promise for the day.
2. I cling on to the words: "Whatever you do, do it with all your might."
3. When a thought for a new project is put in my mind, I reflect "what, why, how, when, and who".
What does the project or idea mean to students and teachers?
Why is this important to the future of the kids? Am I doing this to get a name and fame for myself? or Am I really committed to give my best to serve students across the globe?
How can I assure that I have all the resources we need?
When should I do it? Our committed team of ITTIP always walk an extra mile but that does not mean the we need to overload ourselves (Talking about overload, my pastor Steve Stells talked about overload and this is for a blog for another day). So, the "when question" is related to timing suited for ITTIP and other partners.
Who are the partners for a project? I strongly believe in global collaboration among teachers and students; however, I test our waters here in VA before I launch a project elsewhere. With partners and funding, I should say that the good Lord give me some intuition when, where and whom to approach. HP STEM catalyst project happened that way.
4. I take some risks with the project ideas and implement in small scale. All projects may not be successful. Unless you are willing to take risks, nothing will happen.
5. I stay positive in my daily walk.
6. I reflect at the end of the day of my activities and see what needs to be changed the next day.
I can write more but I need to prepare for academic life for today. Stay Tuned.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Learning from IOWA caucus
I was up until 3 am this morning, I was behaving as if I am one of the Presidential candidates watching results with excitement. It was interesting to watch the close race between Romney and Santorum. I switched between a Tamil movie and election results every five minutes to keep myself awake.
Manuel and I met Santorum years ago (1993? or 1994?) when we were invited by a couple to attend a banquet with them. I do not think we had digital cameras at that time. We do not have a picture of us with him. I never realized that he would be a Presidential candidate one day. Huh! Along with the media, I was excited to watch how he surged. How did he run this race? How was he able to obtain the second place?
1. Ran the good race not backing out from his goals and objectives.
2. Stayed positive and delivered positive message (even Gingrich said this!)
3. Endured and focused on what he had to accomplish
My reflection is more about the qualities that I need to have in order to run the race and obtain victory than about election.
Manuel and I met Santorum years ago (1993? or 1994?) when we were invited by a couple to attend a banquet with them. I do not think we had digital cameras at that time. We do not have a picture of us with him. I never realized that he would be a Presidential candidate one day. Huh! Along with the media, I was excited to watch how he surged. How did he run this race? How was he able to obtain the second place?
1. Ran the good race not backing out from his goals and objectives.
2. Stayed positive and delivered positive message (even Gingrich said this!)
3. Endured and focused on what he had to accomplish
My reflection is more about the qualities that I need to have in order to run the race and obtain victory than about election.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Who am I?
I heard somewhere this week:
Great people think about ideas.
Average people think about things.
Small people gossip about other people.
Who am I? Am I want to be included among the great people or average people? I know I do not want myself to be categorized among the small people.
Precious gift that no one can give me is time. If I lose this minute, I will not get this minute back again. So, I need to take advantage of every moment and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. I want to be among the great people to have new ideas when I see new opportunities.
No matter what faith one may come from we are taught to put God first in our lives. I have seen this in my childhood among my Hindu peers. About 950 million Hindus believe that if we put God first, you will be blessed.
If one is a Christian, we are taught to seek God and His kingdom first. In my life, I have experienced His power, wisdom, and understanding. With that confidence, I look forward to a great year professionally and personally.
Mano's learning and sharing blog will be personal. Today I will create a separate blog for educators and technologists.
Great people think about ideas.
Average people think about things.
Small people gossip about other people.
Who am I? Am I want to be included among the great people or average people? I know I do not want myself to be categorized among the small people.
Precious gift that no one can give me is time. If I lose this minute, I will not get this minute back again. So, I need to take advantage of every moment and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. I want to be among the great people to have new ideas when I see new opportunities.
No matter what faith one may come from we are taught to put God first in our lives. I have seen this in my childhood among my Hindu peers. About 950 million Hindus believe that if we put God first, you will be blessed.
If one is a Christian, we are taught to seek God and His kingdom first. In my life, I have experienced His power, wisdom, and understanding. With that confidence, I look forward to a great year professionally and personally.
Mano's learning and sharing blog will be personal. Today I will create a separate blog for educators and technologists.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Self-refelction as an educator
I am who I am.
I am placed in this location.
Now is the time.
In 2012 I have been reminded about "redeeming the time" at least in three different sermons.
I am Mano; I love teaching and learning; my passion is for all students to develop 21st century skills, particularly global collaboration, critical thinking, inventive thinking, and communication.
I am placed in Virginia. My Institute (http://www.ittip.us) is in Southside Virginia. I am placed here at this time for a specific purpose and reason. Now is the time for me to make a difference.
2011 has been a blessed year for me both professionally and personally with many grant projects, professional development projects and student projects. Of course, an award at Supercomputing 2011 conference as well.
I look forward to new collaborative learning opportunities across the globe in 2012. Visits to South Africa, India, and China will provide opportunities for me to expand what we do at the ITTIP.
I am placed in this location.
Now is the time.
In 2012 I have been reminded about "redeeming the time" at least in three different sermons.
I am Mano; I love teaching and learning; my passion is for all students to develop 21st century skills, particularly global collaboration, critical thinking, inventive thinking, and communication.
I am placed in Virginia. My Institute (http://www.ittip.us) is in Southside Virginia. I am placed here at this time for a specific purpose and reason. Now is the time for me to make a difference.
2011 has been a blessed year for me both professionally and personally with many grant projects, professional development projects and student projects. Of course, an award at Supercomputing 2011 conference as well.
I look forward to new collaborative learning opportunities across the globe in 2012. Visits to South Africa, India, and China will provide opportunities for me to expand what we do at the ITTIP.
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