“The most effective, successful professionals are constantly learning, they take the time to apply what they have learned, and they continually work to improve themselves.” - Joel Gardner

There is no end to learning in life.  As long as we are alive and sound, we continue to be thrilled about all the newness around us and to discover what more there is.  Courage, Interest and enthusiasm to grow is a key factor here while fear of failure is ruled out. It is only when we keep trying at something that we can begin to discover many other aspects of it, broaden our knowledge and improve our performance. 

UIC Successful Professionals

There are many who have been successful in various ventures or enterprises. They would always say that their success is the result of hard work, perseverance and humility.  It is hard work in learning something  new, going beyond what we know, questioning it, experimenting it to discover its importance and productivity and then courageously apply it.  But it does not end there because in every second there are new discoveries and change is taking place, and so such success driven persons continue to find ways to  improve so as to further succeed in bringing newness and development.  
It takes perseverance to be  patient with the self even when the effort fails and one has to probably start all over again; or when discouragements and difficulties sets in during the process of learning.  It takes humility to trust in oneself   and  believe  in the possibility of success and growth.

In this modern world, where technology is the trend towards development, teachers as professionals are double-challenged to move beyond their comfort zones of contentment with the traditional way of practicing their profession  and to venture into this new path of accompanying young minds to be responsible learners.  The challenge is for all of us young and old to keep exploring and learning new and effective methods of teaching either personally or/and by  participating in various updating programs for effective output.

UIC Basic Ed Faculty: PLC Group Discussion 

In my workplace, I have recently observe some teachers who are becoming constantly aware of the inevitability of the  need for applying technology in teaching.  Hence, the challenge to ask for help from co-teachers who have the skills, participate in computer updating programs and explore so that they can utilize it in  teaching. I am beginning to see much improvement in the teaching techniques of some of these teachers and the active  participation of their learners. There is also a feeling of confidence and contentment seen in their disposition.

UIC Learning Center

Personally, I marvel at my own improvement in the use of technology in studying and learning and some of my colleagues have commented on my little improved ways of becoming comfortable exploring and making use of online materials and varied skills in my ministry to the students and faculty.   Few months ago, I  never thought I could blog and even use it to accompany others in their spiritual growth.  I am beginning to realize the power of technology and how it can be an effective venue for expressing ourselves, sharing  and receiving ideas for ours and others growth. Surely, I am enjoying this new discovery and I am not  near to stopping.

I will continue to work hard at discovering and
learning because it is a very beautiful and  much more effective means of evangelisation and reaching out to a wider community especially in this  modern world of technology. Definitely, when we dare to learn and persevere in our effort, we enhance knowledge, broaden our views and become active participants in creating a better developed world.