Journal 1

100 Things That Make Me Happy

1. my dogs
2. my family
3. my boyfriend
4. my friends
5. cooking
6. baking
7. Disneyland
8. Disney movies
9. the zoo
10. children
11. children's books
12. fairy tales
13. baby animals
14. scented candles
15. sunlight
16. autumn leaves
17. pretty flowers
18. Saturday mornings
19. a fresh baked apple pie
20. nail polish
21. makeup
22. sunsets
23. popsicles
24. date nites
25. spending time with my boyfriend
26. watching fireworks
27. going to museums
28. going to the county fair
29. going to the library
30. staying inside on a rainy day
31. watching the rain fall
32. having time to myself
33. having a purpose
34. helping someone in need
35. seeing someone I helped succeed
36. accomplishing a goal
37. finishing a task
38. having a meaningful conversation
39. handwritten notes/letters
40. reading a good book
41. learning new things
42. doing well at something
43. decorating things
44. being creative
45. making plans
46. going on walks
47. hugs and kisses
48. smiles
49. taking naps
50. memories
51. pleasant surprises
52. love
53. romance
54. kindness
55. kind gestures
56. soft pillows
57. warm blankets
58. stuffed animals
59. wearing pajamas
60. being comfortable
61. cute socks
62. laughing
63. holding hands
64. cuddling
65. rainbows
66. bubbles
67. bubble baths
68. nature
69. chocolate
70. coffee
71. giving presents
72. receiving good news
73. memories
74. inspirational/meaningful quotes
75. working out
76. looking at the stars
77. a cool breeze in the summer
78. sleeping in my own bed after being away
79. finding something that was lost
80. musicals
81. music
82. poems
83. being able to sleep in
84. looking at old pictures
85. knowing that someone cares
86. being able to relate to someone
87. unexpected compliments
88. board games
89. funny movies
90. new school supplies
91. going to new places
92. making new friends
93. getting letters in the mail
94. getting good grades
95. being appreciated
96. christmas lights
97. cleaning
98. silence
99. no traffic
100. worry free days

All About Me Survey

Technology Self-Assessment: School 2.0

This technology self-assessment allows for us to to evaluate our use of all technological tools relative to teaching. It allowed us to learn more about each NETS indicator as well as do any further research.

NETS 1-5

After taking the technology self-assessment questionnaire, I decided to further explore the NETS-T Module: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity.  I chose this area because I have always been a firm believer that creativity enhances the learning experience for students of all ages.  I had previously worked with younger school aged children as a tutor and I always tried to incorporate their interests into the subject areas being reviewed.   The speech given by Ken Robinson explains that the general (public) school system seems to destroy creativity by simply focusing on meeting the criteria and following the “educational hierarchy.”  This hierarchy emphasizes math, science, and language at the top, while music, art, and dance are at the bottom.  Robinson also explains that people need to discover their creative sides and make mistakes in order to learn in a more efficient manner; however the school systems force students to memorize facts and strategies rather than explore their intellect creatively. Robinson states that “creativity is a function of intelligence,” so if creativity is hindered, then intelligence suffers.  Instead of being confident and taking risks, students are taught that there is always a right and wrong answer, thus destroying their creative thoughts and constantly looking for an answer.   

Creativity and Schools Video

Introducing Karen

My name is Karen Cabrera and I was born and raised in San Diego.  For kindergarten I went to Christ the Cornerstone Lutheran School, then for grades 1-6 I went to Mason Elementary.  I went to Challenger Middle School for 7^th grade, then Wangenheim for 8^th grade.  I then attended Scripps Ranch High School.  Afterwards, I decided to take classes at both Miramar and Mesa for a few years until I transferred to CSUSM and finally graduated with a degree in Kinesiology. 

I suppose I have have moderate technological abilities as I was taught computer skills since middle school.  I’ve generally just learned the basics and do not use the computer for much more than homework and emails, however I am proficient in word, excell, and other programs.   So far I have had positive experiences with technology.

The part about diversity stood out to me about the mission statement since people from different backgrounds often have different experiences to share.  This was not necessarily a factor for me while I was looking at schools however it is something I find is a good attribute.