MnLV Musings

I found an article (cited below) that ties directly with my recent participation in a class assignment.  I was tasked with using a digital platform to curate a small collection with a learning intent.  I chose Pinterest as my platform.  Pinterest can be useful because it gives curators quick access to ideas, visuals, activities, and materials from others.  For someone like me, new to the concept and the platform, that kind of access can feel like a lifesaver. The lesson my instructor was teaching, and the article reinforced, is that just because a resource is attractive, popular, or easy to use does not mean it creates strong learning.  In other words, finding resources is not the same thing as finding good resources.  Curation for teaching is intentional. Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not saying there is anything wrong with collections, interest boards, vision boards, or the like.  I found some great inspiration while perusing the platform.  I’m ...

I recently wrote about a question that has been sitting with me: what would life look like if one self-defeating habit disappeared? That question became the starting point for a curated learning collection called Replace the Pattern: Body-First Habits. The collection is built around one idea: bad habits are rarely changed by willpower alone.  A stronger approach is to replace the pattern with a better routine while also supporting the physiological base that makes follow-through easier:  sleep, nutrition, and movement. The collection includes resources on habit formation, behavior design, sleep, healthy eating, physical activity, and an original reflection tool called The Six-Week Habit Replacement Experiment. The purpose is not to create another motivational list.  The purpose is to organize useful resources into a simple learning path:  reflect, understand the habit, strengthen the body base, choose a replacement behavior, and track what changes. Pinterest collecti...

I've been sitting with a question lately: How much do you think your life would change if your worst or most self-defeating habit immediately went away? Not improved slowly.  Not managed better.  Not reduced by 20%.  Gone. Which is it for you?  Procrastination?  Overeating?  Avoidance?  Anger?  Self-doubt?  Scrolling?  The need for approval?  Quitting when something gets uncomfortable?   On a side note, I believe that having any one of these habits (or whatever it is for you) opens the door for any of the other self-defeating reactions.   But to my original question:  What would actually change? Would your health improve?  Would your marriage or relationship feel different?  Would your confidence come back?  Would you finally finish the thing you keep talking about starting?  Would you be more present with your family?  Would your money situation improve?  Would your peace of mi...

The way I understand the article by Pischetola et al. (2022) is that networked learning isn’t created just because people are placed in the same class, online platform, or discussion board.  That is like saying a casino floor is running well just because the tables are open and employees are scheduled.  A casino floor only works when people, systems, communication, and real-time adjustments all connect.  According to Pischetola et al. (2022), The same is true with learning. The article talks about two forces:  One force pulls people toward structure and rules - like a policy manual and standard service expectations in a casino.  Without these, there isn't order to operations.  The other force pushes people toward new ideas and different viewpoints for problem-solving.  In a casino, it’s using feedback from multiple perspectives to seek new and better outcomes.   What stood out to me is that the authors are not saying one side is better....

Zgheib and Dabbagh (2020) warn of the danger of assuming that a new tool automatically creates a new kind of learning.  The authors discuss how faculty in their study used various social media tools like blogs, Twitter (now X), YouTube, and podcasts to support student learning.  Although this sounds innovative, the study found that in some cases, the tool changed while the basic learning model stayed the same. This matters because a blog can become just another place to post an assignment or X can become just another participation checkbox. If students are not fully engaging by interacting, reflecting, creating, or even changing their thinking, then the technology is not really changing the learning experience.  It's just putting an old process in a newer package. In casino or hospitality work, buying a new system doesn't automatically improve service.  A new system, platform, or training module only helps if it changes behavior and creates better outcomes.  Oth...

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Ma!! I'm reminded of a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln which states, "All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." I watched you nurture your six children and every one of the countless kids who played all day in our yard and grew to call you Mom. I watched the steadfast loyalty and mutual respect you and Dad demonstrated my entire life and throughout your sixty-two year marriage.   I watched countless family members, neighbors, and people I didn't know coming to you - often in tears, with their heaviest burdens for your counsel and prayer.   I remember the countless hours you spent in church, volunteering, and giving aid to the most disenfranchised.   You are the most empathetic person I've ever known.  I remember you slipping quietly away in a crowded train station to give comfort to a complete stranger who sat sobbing as you spoke quietly with him.  This was in no way an isolated occurrence. ...