Farewell blog

I have thoroughly enjoyed the reflective blogging assignment. I tried, a much as possible, to blog only when I had truly reflected on something on the course and when I was truly interested in something. In this respect, it was relatively easy to do. The benefits of blogs, as I see them are:

·         They structure one’s thoughts.

·         You can easily identify areas which interest you the most.

·         You learn a lot from others posts.

·         You realise how limited your own knowledge is and how much more there is to learn.

·         They encourage you to open up and to trust others.

·         They encourage sharing and collaboration of ideas.

·         You can learn how to do something better.

·         You can feel proud of some of your achievements. Too often, it’s easy to move on to new projects without having rewarded yourself for a learning experience.

·         You can express yourself.

·         They encourage real-life discussion because you can discuss each other’s interests.

·         They encourage you to ask questions.

·         You can understand people better.

I would definitely consider writing blogs in the future. Thanks to everyone who read (and commented) on my blog, and for the useful information that you provided in your blogs.

Highlights of the Ennis Hub Plan assignment

We finished the Ennis Hub Plan assignment today. I have various thoughts roaming around in my head but the main positive thoughts of the assignment which strike out at me are:

• I had the opportunity to work as part of a team. I enjoyed having had this opportunity, and also working alongside Jeanne (who wrote the content with me).
• I accepted editorial changes. My content was edited by the team. Surprisingly, this was more thorough and scrupulous than edits I have received from a Manager or teacher. If my ego can survive this, it can perhaps survive other criticisms. That can only be a good thing.
• We used a simple, yet effective technique to order the pages of the navigation. We physically cut out each page on a piece of paper and arranged and rearranged each of them on a table to establish some sort of order for the navigation. A technique introduced by Maureen. This was fun and saved us a lot of time writing it and rewriting it on paper.
• I learned detailed conceptual thinking. Some members of the team think in more detail. This encourages one to do the same.

We had some suggestions on what we would do better in further team projects, but I will perhaps leave these for another blog. Thanks to all those on my team for all their hard work.

Time management

Having read other classmates postings, I am left wondering how many classmates are completing assignments ahead of time, especially as the Ennis Hub Plan assignment is still going. Either they are magical or their time management skills are excellent. I imagine it’s the latter.

I have a timetable of assignments posted up in my room so I am well aware of what needs done and when it is due. However, I tend to dedicate an awful lot of time to one assignment. The team projects seem to take up the most time and I find myself dedicating all my time to them, and nothing else. Also, I find it difficult to concentrate on other assignments if one is still pending.

So how is everyone else doing it?

I realise I have to set myself timescales, goals and deadlines, and stick to them rigidly, even if team projects demand otherwise. Also, I’m guessing, it is not possible to devote ‘deep learning’ to all projects. Sometimes, you just need to get it done, especially as we are working within very limited timeframes.

Examples of some books and magazine articles on the subject are: "Time Is Money, So Use It Productively" (Taylor & Mackenzie, 1986), "Put Time on Your Side" (Emanuel, 1982), and "How To Get Control of Your Time and Your Life" (Lakein, 1973).