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Showing posts with the label Week 1

Growth Mindset

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Mindset, CC0 Source: Pixbay This is my first time hearing about Carol Dweck and the growth mindset. Her ideas resonated with my own views on learning and achieving success in education. I also enjoy learning about the motivation tactics that she employs. I see myself as more on the growth mindset when it comes to my school and work. I like to tackle new challenges and learn new complicated things, or at least I try to. Since starting at OU, I have learned a lot about my learning habits. Throughout my education, I always felt that learning has always come easy for me and I did not have to put much effort. It all changed here at OU, I felt that this was one of the few places where some of my classes really challenged me, and at the beginning, it was really hard to get back on the growth mindset. I am interested in learning about the growth mindset this semester. One of the classes that I am excited about this semester is cybersecurity, and although it is not part of t...

Time Strategies

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Hourglass, CC0 Source: Pexels I understand how important time management is to have a successful life, ironically, it is one of the things I struggle with the most. I tend to be a chronic procrastinator, but I am working to improve myself. I found the time management tips very helpful, especially the one about working ahead. The first article I read was " The Important Habit of Just Starting " by Jori Mackay. Among many things, the article talks about building the habit of just starting things. I don't remember where I read it from, but this reminded me of the 5-second rule. Basically, every time you need to get something done, instead of just sitting there contemplating how you will do it; take a big breath, count until 5, then just jump into it. Even if you are not sure how to do it, you will figure it out and find the motivation as you are doing it, the hardest part is just getting started. The second article was " The Myth of  'Too Busy' " by...

Course Technology

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Computer, CC0 Source: Pexels Being an online course, I expected to heavily rely on technology to complete our coursework. I really like the philosophy of exposing us to different types of technology that will be useful after we take the class. I have always been excited about new technology. I took a couple of classes last semester about Info & Communication Technology, and Web Design. I learned a lot in those classes, and I am already familiar with website publishing, image editing, graphics creation, etc. The only new part for me is Blogging. The blogging part is very easy and fun, I hope to develop my blogging skills and learn more about it.

My First Impression on Assignments

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Books, CC0 Source: Pixabay I want to start off by saying that this class is unlike anything I have taken before, not since college, but since I remember. The way you get to pick your own schedule, grade your own assignments, work on your own project, develop your own unique blog, all contribute to showing, developing, and exploring your own interests. I like the way in which the assignments are structured, and I also like the fact that you can work ahead. The extra credit assignments sound really interesting and fun, the ones that caught my attention were Tech Tips, Wikipedia Trails, Growth Mindset, and HEART. I am looking forward to completing the assignments and to a great semester!

A Prosaic Introduction

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Hello! My name is Kevin Monreal, I am currently a senior at OU, finally. One of the coolest things about my major, Information Studies, is the flexibility that it gives you to pursue your own path and interests. I want to use my degree to work in the IT industry, I already work part-time for OU IT where I'm obtaining valuable experience. In the future, I am hoping to focus more on the realm of cybersecurity. Last semester was a great semester for me, my two favorite classes were data mining and website design; I know they sound really boring for some people but I found them interesting, and I learned a lot. Last semester, apart from passing all my classes, a significant accomplishment was getting a 4.0 for the semester, finally bringing my GPA out of life support. I have lots of hobbies. I like to read, the most recent books that I read were "Beyond Good and Evil" by Friedrich Nietzsche, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Cohelo, and "Norse Mythology" by Neil ...

Storybook Favorites

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Ghosts, Source: Pexels Ghosts Stories was one of my favorite storybooks. I found the introduction to be spectacular, it grabs your attention by telling you a backstory about the haunted house, then you learn that the story is personal. Being a big fan of ghosts stories, the introduction definitely grabbed my attention and made me want to read more. I liked the format in which the story was told and how the design of the page adhered to the format, separating in different pages the stories of the families that lived there. The way in which the story was written and personalized was amazing. I think that when we make the stories our own and re-tell them, they can be much more powerful. I really enjoyed this storybook. Dragon, Source: Pixabay Dragon's Guide to The Elements  really caught my attention because I always liked dragons and being an "Avatar the Last Air Bender" fan, I am also interested in the portrayal of the elements in a story. The introduction ...

My Favorite Place: Destin, Florida

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Destin Florida, Source: Flickr Destin is one of the most beautiful beaches I've been to. The water is turquoise blue, and the sand is a deep white and super soft. As you look farther into the ocean, the blue deepens and blends with the sky, creating a beautiful landscape. Every other year I visit there with my family and every time I go I am blown away of just how beautiful it is. I also like the fact that the beaches are not as crowded as nearby Panama City. I plan to take a trip there after I graduate!