Learning From Others through ePortfolio and the Gratitude that Goes With It

We learn from watching others and in the digital realm, we learn from seeing other's work in their eportfolios. The examples shared through the ADL program have been invaluable to me as I read through literature reviews and videos. I've been impressed and thankful. I'm thankful to learn from others who have chartered the waters before me.

As I have been getting ideas from others, it reminds me of a book I have, Steal Like an Artist, by Austin Kleon. The book is a manifesto for creativity in the digital age. Chapter 6 is titled, The Secret: Do Good Work and Share it With People. He recommends putting it on the Internet. His advice is that when you open up your process and invite people in, you learn.

If you are worried about giving your secrets away, you can share your dots without connecting them says Kleon.

It really is a give and take. You get wonderful ideas and perspectives from others and then you put yourself out there with your own eportfolio.

Maybe my cup is just running over because it is the week of Thanksgiving. So, I am going to include my gratitude list today.

I am grateful for:

• the influence of others in my program

• bloggers

• google

• research without physically being at a library

• time off to think deeper

• the amazing students I have the opportunity to teach this year

• the real people I have meet virtually through ADL

• books that are fun to revisit

• writing this blog

• health

• stopping, even though there is more to be thankful for