Thing #2: 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners

In Thing #2 I watched a podcast about the 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners. This was the first time I had ever watched/listened to a podcast. Before I get into the 7 1/2 Habits (which cracks me up), I want to talk about the podcast concept.

Podcasts:
I can see how podcasts can have a relevance in a library setting. For those of you who don't know, Wikipedia.org describes a podcast as:

"A podcast is a series of digital-media files, which are distributed over the
Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and
computers. The term podcast, like broadcast, can refer either to the
series of content itself or to the method by which it is syndicated; the latter
is also called podcasting. The host or author of a podcast is often called
a podcaster."

Click HERE to read the full definition on Wikipedia.org

I can see creating podcasts to describe to customers how to access their accounts online, how to renew their items online, how to place holds online, or even podcast a storytime for kids to watch. The possibilities for this technology are endless and only limited by our own minds.

7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners:

The PLCMC came up with 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners as a touch stone to lifelong learning. The are short and sweet and simple to follow. So many of us who have a thirst for knowledge outside of the formal classroom already do these things every day.

Habit #1:
I need to begin with the end in mind. What is my goal going to be? How will I get there? In this step I set my goal for what it is I want to do (for example, learn Spanish, or learn how to make handmade paper) and determine what it is I need to do in order to get there.

Habit #2:
I need to accept responsibility for my own learning. Education and learning is an investment in my future. No one wants me to succeed as much as I do, and no one is as invested as me as I am. it's important for me to value and take pride in my learning and accomplishments.

Habit #3:
I need to view problems as challenges. If a problems comes up, will I think of it as another crisis to resolve, or will I look at it as an opportunity or challenge that I can learn from?

Habit #4:
I need to have competence in myself as a competent, effective learner. I need to be careful about my choice of words. Everyone has to start somewhere, and it's usually at the beginning. I shouldn't say or think anything about my success unless I really want it to be true.

Habit #5:
I need to create my own learning toolbox. Some of the items I'll have in my lifelong learning toolbox are: books, technology, classes, friends, mentors, Web pages, etc.

Habit #6:
I need to use technology to my advantage. Technology is a tool that should make my life easier, and I should use it to my advantage.

Habit #7:
I need to teach and mentor others. The best way to learn something is to teach someone else.

Habit 7 1/2:
Play! Playing and learning are important to brain development. I need to remember to play, be curious, and read.

I've happily completed 2 out of 23 things so far and can't wait to do more!