10
Jan
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Logo of MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching.

Compliments of atibens via Flickr

“By eliminating the things that you do not want in your life (e.g., the messy drawer), you begin to determine what you do want to let in. The things you let in are your keepers, your non-negotiables.” [The Secrets of Simplicity].

In their book “A Perfect Mess,” the authors make the following exhortation: “Suffice it to say, you’re better off just playing around with mess and seeing what happens” (Abrahamson & Freedman, 2007, p. 231). They argue that a certain degree of mess may actually enhance one’s chances of stumbling onto unexpected resources, thus enhancing item functionality. We should, in their opinion, follow the urge to embrace our “inner messy” so that we can create efficiencies by making things more “accessible.” I’m unclear as to how a visual assault can be anything besides disruptive; moreover, I have found that havoc breeds a like minded state of affairs. It is best in my opinion to make adjustments along the way, as opposed to being blindsided by an avalanche of discontent. When the bathroom is dirty, what do you think? We make snap judgments based on superficial aspects of a situation, a phenomenon that makes subsequent unbiased reevaluation a near impossible feat. Turn the page…

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Logo of MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching.

Compliments of ifindkarma

In June of 2010 I finally “got it” with regard to LinkedIn. I joined this community a couple of years ago, but never really saw the need to expand my network or to interact with the other members. Through some very active recruitment efforts I have added (in three months) a total of 171 connections, which link me to a potential total of 1,875,878 other people! I have been able to both find and connect with colleagues I hadn’t seen in several years, and to reestablish relationships by catching up on current business. It’s been suggested that Linked in is the Facebook for professionals, in that you have access to a vast array of potential business contacts. You may also hook up with individuals you don’t know either by obtaining an introduction from a direct contact, or by purchasing a Linked in option that allows for contacting non-acquaintances. Turn the page…

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