Connecting COMLINK

This summer was hectic - I'm currently working with our talented multimedia specialist in prototyping the new website for our Center, as well as a prototype for a distributed learning package for teachers on problem-based learning. Dianne is definitely a blessing - she can work out the design and technology aspects of these projects, so that I can concentrate on how to further improve the content.

Given these challenges, I'm still wondering HOW exactly COMLINK was able to invite me to become a facilitator for their teambuilding sessions. :)

I have always believed in Divine Providence. How can I not believe this when I am an Atenean-Lasallian working in a Lasallian school? :) And so, I facilitated the sessions on Goal Setting, Team Alignment, and Conflict Resolution. It then became painfully obvious that I was truly missing out in not being able to teach students - it really is such a rewarding and gratifying experience.

What then did I learn from this experience?

Leadership begins with the self --- if I want to become the best leader that I can be, I will need to further develop myself in mind, body, heart, and soul.

Leadership entails faith --- if I want to become the best leader that I can be, I must begin by having faith in the people I work with and continually developing people's capabilities to deliver results.

Leadership entails learning --- I can make occassional mistakes or experience failures; the question is: what can I learn from these experiences?

Hmm... With all of this personal learning, I wonder what the COMLINK members learned from this experience? :)

Prototyping

The CLCIR Team is currently working on a "prototype" module to enable faculty to develop Problem-Based Learning Units. The image above will be part of the "splash page". The Instructional Technology Unit in close coordination with the Instruction Unit, has been seeking means to provide faculty access to professional development "on-demand". It was noted that under the current modes employed by CLCIR, some teachers have been unable to participate in professional development activities. The prototype should be ready for testing by first term this year.

Graduation and Generosity

Over the past few months, I have been giving a lot of thought to my completion of the Master in Learning and Teaching (MaLT) Program.

One of the realizations I have had regarding graduation was that graduation is generally for our significant OTHERS. Why so? I would think that graduation is not about your 20 second walk to the stage --- it is essentially a recognition of those who have made graduation possible --- our families and our friends, who have supported us through tumultuous times in our academic and non-academic life.


















These handful of teachers then, have been my "comrades-in-arms" in the MaLT Program. From left: Ms. Ma. Teresa Matriano, Ms. Charina Li Ong (With High Distinction), Ms. Marissa Rodriguez (With Distinction), Mr. Rogelio dela Cruz, and Mr. Antonio Ingles (With Distinction). It has been an honor and a pleasure working with these talented people.















Among these teachers, however, I appreciate being with Ms. Charina Ong the most.

Despite her amiable and charming personality, Ms. Cha brought out my most competitive self - Grabe talaga yun, ayaw magpatalo. Tapos dadaanin ka pa sa sipag at tiyaga, kaya mapipilitan ka talagang magsunog ng kilay.

Kaya ayun, palaliman kami ng eyebags... Kaya lang, masama yata pagsusunog ko ng kilay... The thing burned through my hairline... :)

I think this sacrifice was well worth it though --- we BOTH graduated with highest distinction - although it would have been interesting to see what would have happened if her academics also affected her hairline. :)















I was accompanied by my mother and my aunt during my graduation. This graduation was FOR THEM, for it was their vision and their selfless sacrifice that enabled me to complete my schooling. I shudder thinking what life would be like had they been less generous.

It is a strange cycle I think. Of how we can give so much more to others, precisely because others have given us so much.

Sabi ni Spiderman, "With great power comes great responsibility."


I think the more apt quote is "With great power comes great power bills." No, I'm not even talking about our friendly neighborhood MERALCO.

What we have achieved (our power) has been made possible only through the sacrifice and contributions of others. They have in a sense paid the bill. I hope we draw strength and inspiration from the generosity of others as we likewise seek means to make a difference in this world.

Animo Benilde!