Articles of Interest 1/21/17

Successful Productivity

Love this article.  I love sports, and this reinforces the hard work it takes to be the best you can be.  I have the same morning routine every week day:

• Wake up a 4 am
• Read a bit - usually these articles of interest
• Workout at 5 am (usually 5 mile run or weights)
• Get ready for work

​Fully believe in "4 am".

Because of 4AM

Published on Kobe Bryant recently shared an all-time great mindset, manifested into a subtle quote that not many people noticed. It's been three weeks and I can't get it out of my head, so I wanted to share. You can take it literally or (mostly) metaphorically - both work and can be applied to the dream you're chasing.

21st Century Skills needed to succeed

These skills are so very critical:

1. Adaptive Thinking - kids have to be ready for an environment and jobs that haven't been created yet
2. Communication Skills - the world is getting flatter 
3. Collaboration Skills - job environments are increasingly becoming flexible and technology is the glue that allows it to happen
4. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills - probably the in the top 3 most important
5. Personal Management
6. Inquiry Skills
7. Technology Skills - I see this as an non negotiable
8. Creativity and Innovation - we are entering a phase where we are creators with technology - makers if you will
9. Soft Skills
10. Empathy and Perspective - I call this the "Keegan" effect.  Empathy is so important. Personalized learning puts incredible weight on the ability to provide empathy.

10 Skills All Students Need to Be Successful

This is the first of three posts that I am writing in an attempt to inspire more discussion around the following question: How do we prepare students to be successful in their futures? Determining an answer to this question, is a discussion that I believe needs to include students, instructors, parents, businesses and community members.