Lizard Brains and Long Threads: Making Connections to Identify “My Why”

The Head Won’t Go Where the Heart Hasn’t Been

Every time I watch Simon Sinek (2009) share his talk Start with Why I gain something new and different. Because of this, I’m glad that this video is part of the final discussion post for this semester because it weaves a thread through the ideas in the ADL program so perfectly. It all comes back to the Golden Circle: People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. Why? When trying to make any change – whether applying new learning in a grad school program or implementing meaningful change in an organization – leaders must speak to the why or the purpose.

This is based on how the brain works: The why and how both speak to the limbic brain or the part of the brain that is linked to behavior. Also known as the “Lizard Brain,” the limbic brain is void of language capabilities and based heavily on feelings, particularly anger and fear. On the other hand, the neocortex deals with the what of things. That is to say, it deals with rational thought and language. When it comes to behavior change, the limbic brain is far more dominant, therefore it’s safe to say that is the portion of the brain we want to reach. The ADL program truly exemplifies these concepts.

Why ePortfolios?

It’s about learning.

Whenever I navigate to Dr. H’s site, I am reminded why we are learning what we’re learning. Dr. H both is a true influencer: He models all of the concepts he expects and creates every “assignment” himself before asking us to make our own. Take the ePortfolio as an example. Dr. H’s ePortfolio is a valuable exemplar of how we may move into continued professional use of our own ADL ePortfolio. As I consider why the ePortfolio is such a meaningful tool, I look to the ISTE standards (International Society for Technology in Education, n.d.):

ISTE Standards

1.1 Empowered LearnerStudents leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving, and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences. 1.2 Digital CitizenStudents recognize the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living, learning, and working in an interconnected digital world, and they act and model in ways that are safe, legal, and ethical. 1.3 Knowledge ConstructorStudents critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts, and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others. 1.4 Innovative DesignerStudents use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful, or imaginative solutions. 1.5 Computational ThinkerStudents develop and employ strategies for understanding and solving problems in ways that leverage the power of technological methods to develop and test solutions. 1.6 Creative CommunicatorStudents communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats, and digital media appropriate to their goals. 1.7 Global CollaboratorStudents use digital tools to broaden their perspectives and enrich their learning by collaborating with others and working effectively in teams locally and globally.

I know that I incorporate each standard any time I work in my ePortfolio. For example, any time I reconsider and tinker with the look and feel of my website, I use innovative designer skills. Also, when I have to solve problems, I employ strategies of computational thinkers. Finally, every aspect of my ePortfolio challenges how I communicate creatively. Just think of the implications if all students used an ePortfolio1

How have you incorporated elements of the COVA model into your ePortfolio?

According to Thibodeaux et al. (2017, p. 1), “research indicates that ePortfolios make learning visible and encourage learners to engage in deeper, integrated learning.” This is due to the application of COVA – choice, ownership, and voice applied to authentic learning environments. How have I incorporated these concepts in my ePortfolio?

Choice: WordPress or Wix? Blues and greys or Reds and Blacks? Header AND Footer? Every choice I make is 100% up to me.

Ownership: Early on I was handed the reigns to my ePortfolio and told to build it to my liking. I LITERALLY own my own name as a domain: karinstateler.com.

Voice: Yesterday, a classmate commented on the way my site continues to improve every time she sees it. I love tweaking and experimenting. Concerning my blog, I started to make each discussion post a blog before I copied it onto the discussion board. Because of my early focus on writing, I notice a development in my ideas and my ability to share them.

Authentic learning environments: As Dr. H says, “Nothing we do in class is make work!” The learning environment is authentic because I’m applying it at my office.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned thus far?

Reflect to Connect – What I’ve Learned From Blogging:

I’ve always loved to write. In fact, one of the reasons I’ve loved grad school so much is that I can write with a purpose instead of just journaling my thoughts and feelings in a stream of consciousness. What have I learned from blogging?

I’ve learned about myself as a learner.

Like most learners, I like to organize ideas in a way that makes sense to me. I like to outline and move information around. Also, I like to find odd connections with thoughts and resources I’ve read before.

I’ve learned that I like time to process.

I can be quick and witty, sure. But I always appreciate and sometimes truly need time to process. For example, sometimes I’ll organize my thoughts and close my computer. I find that going for a walk gives my brain time to sort ideas and I always come back with a fresh perspective or one solution to a quandary.

I’ve learned not to compare.

My journey is different from everyone else’s. I instantly think of my two closest classmates. They are in different situations than I am, have different career experiences, and possess different strengths. While I certainly can compare to them, I think I would miss out on the learning opportunities presented in every discussion board conversation.

My ^New Why: Our growth-oriented mindset is pervasive – it goes beyond the traditional approach to meet students where they are using a learning environment that fits their needs.

It’s about learning.

References

International Society for Technology in Education. (n.d.). ISTE Standards: Students. ISTE. Retrieved March 7, 2022, from https://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards-for-students

Sinek, S. (2009, September 29). Start with why — how great leaders inspire action | Simon Sinek | TEDxPugetSound. YouTube. Retrieved March 7, 2022, from https://youtu.be/u4ZoJKF_VuAThibodeaux, T., Cummings, C., & Harapnuik, D. (2017). Factors that Contribute to ePortfolio Persistence. International Journal of ePortfolio, 7(1), 1-12. http://www.theijep.com/pdf/IJEP257.pdf