Let's Flip It! :)

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I was thinking about the idea of leadership and character development, which is also linked to personal development. Good leadership skills are driven through mentorship. And what a mentor knows is that leadership development is personal development, and this begins from within. Meaning that it is our personal characteristics, decisions, choices, actions, that require a cultivation. Emotions, attachments, happiness, sadness, and how we react or not, are all a part of the personal growth that is required. These requirements not only provide a strong foundation, or base to develop as a leader, but also as a human being. In our globalized, transnational, international, networked world, we live in a society which is more and more placing an emphasis upon the outer self. There is nothing wrong with wanting to take care of the self, being pleased with taking care of the self, and physical appearance. However, we must groom the internal self, to be comfortable in the body that contains the self. Now this type of development does not happen in an instant. It is a process that requires patience, nurturing, and standing beside yourself, or individuals that you choose to develop, harness, and cultivate through the happiness, and tribulations that life offers. This is probably better known as unconditional love. A love that does not seek to destroy, but an agreement of presence. We could think about this relationship as that of a parent and a child. But this is also extended to individuals who desire to invest time, effort, and energy to build and develop others. 

     When I do have the opportunity of walking into a classroom. I take the time to observe and wonder. Student cell phone use is a growing concern, I can't put a blame upon the adolescents because they are born into this technological revolution. They also don't know how their brain is responding or reacting. The question is really how are we as adults, educators, or parents supposed to harness student cell phone use? Or could it simply be a matter of allowing students to experiment, and learn how their cell phone use is affecting or implicating their intellectual development, and leaning in when necessary? 

     
     One idea that I am currently thinking about is how we could use cell phone apps or develop an app that can cultivate, enhance, and develop the inner qualities. For example: When students are taking selfies, sending or snapping, how can these acts and apps be used to develop character, in keeping with the exterior or outer self-appeal? Whilst I don't want to take away the teenagers or adolescents desire to be connected, the exploration of the self through apps and tech. I do care and am concerned about a healthy use, and development of character which is equally important.

Lets Flip It!

Question: How can use selfies, sharing and connecting with others in ways to develop character? 

My queries and questions reveal the need for mentorship, or caring individuals who are willing to invest in students. The development of one student can have a lasting impact and effect on many. 

Question: Could artificial intelligence or apps be created for the purposes of leadership, growth, and personal development? 

Conclusion:
Teaching, educating, and learning is not only about gaining the knowledge, but it is also an interaction, an experience. Teachers, educators, schools systems, public/private, need to infuse a culture of care, and not an attitude of not bothering. Every student desires attention, equal opportunity and development to learn, succeed, and grow, regardless of any mistakes or mishaps that have happened. Learning is a life process, and as with life, learning is not about perfection, but a growth, development and a journey. Once this understanding arrives, we are more likely to remain invested in students. 

Further Reading - Apple faces activist pressure over children’s iPhone use

NY Times - Facebook Overhauls News Feed to Focus on What Friends and Family Share

Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to all human beings. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 
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Notes: These thoughts were hand written on January 12th, 2018.
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