I'm Will (aspiring tortured poet)

 This course could not come at a better time. However, concurrently applying the concepts in the class has taken a significant amount of time, which unfortunately caused me to start to neglect portions of the class itself.  While I've not kept up well with the required assignments, I'm happy to say I have indeed already applied the concepts in a real-world scenario as I've been developing a new class to teach non-public affairs soldiers how to support public affairs operations within their units. These soldiers, known as unit public affairs representatives (or UPARs), will help ensure the PA is incorporated into their planning, take photo/video of events, write stories, and escort media.  My primary responsibility has been developing the periods of instruction for a four day course to train them on the necessary skills to accomplish this. Outside of this coursework, I've used the concepts of retrieval and interleaving to create quizzes and practical exercises that can b...

Step into a world where the soil holds the promise of growth, where every petal tells a story of resilience and transformation. This is the essence of the "blundering gardener," a spirit that resonates far beyond the garden's edge. In this realm, hesitation is a luxury one cannot afford. "Don't look before you leap," echoes through the fragrant air, a reminder to embrace the unknown without fear. Just as seeds are planted without certainty, I started this blog as a venture into uncharted territory, still living in the uncertainty of it's ability to thrive.  In the world of gardening, there's a saying: "Don't look before you leap." It's about diving in headfirst, embracing the unknown, and learning as you go. This mantra applies just as much to blogging as it does to tending a garden. Like a gardener experimenting with new plants, bloggers often try different topics, styles, and approaches to see what works best. Sometimes you stumbl...

Our brains possess an incredible ability called neuroplasticity, which allows them to adapt and change throughout our lives. This means that with the right kind of training, we can teach our brains to do almost anything, from learning new skills to overcoming challenges and improving our mental well-being. What is Neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new connections between neurons. When we learn something new or engage in a challenging activity, our brain creates and strengthens these connections, making it easier for us to perform that task in the future. It's like building a muscle - the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Applications in Everyday Life: 1. Learning and Skill Acquisition: Want to pick up a new hobby or learn a new language? With consistent practice and exposure to new challenges, your brain can adapt and become more proficient in any skill you choose to pursue. 2. Cognitive Enhancement: By engaging in acti...

In the dynamic landscape of military operations, effective communication and continuous learning are vital for success. As soldiers, we are constantly challenged to adapt to new environments, refine our skills, and overcome obstacles. In this endeavor, two key principles stand out: retrieval practice and audience analysis. "Retrieval practice that you perform at different times and in different contexts and that interleaves different learning material has the benefit of linking new associations to the material. This process builds interconnected networks of knowledge that bolster and support mastery of your field. It also multiplies the cues of retrieving and knowledge, increasing the versatility with which you can later apply it." Retrieval practice, a concept familiar to military personnel, involves actively recalling and applying knowledge gained from training exercises and operational experiences. This method isn't just about memorization; it's about reinforcing u...

Back when I was a Public Affairs NCO assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group, I understood the importance of capturing the essence of military life through my lens. But it wasn't until I found myself immersed in the heart of the action at the Special Operations Advanced Mountaineering School that I truly grasped the depth of this principle. At first, my assignment seemed straightforward – document the rigorous training exercises taking place in the unforgiving terrain of Fort Carson, Colorado. However, as I quickly realized, merely observing from the sidelines wouldn't suffice. To truly understand and effectively document the training, I needed to do more than just point and shoot; I needed to become a part of it. So, I traded my camera for a harness and joined the Green Berets on their treacherous climbs. As I ascended the 100-foot vertical wall alongside them, I discovered firsthand the challenges they faced and the skills they honed. It was through this active participatio...

 Hi. I'm Will.  This blog is dedicated to understanding the effects of developing high-impact on-demand learning. Just because it's for class doesn't mean we can't have some fun with it.  A few things you can expect: - I'm going to take this completely serious, in the most unserious way possible.  - I'm going through my 'tortured poet era' given the announcement at last night's Grammy's and that will serve as an undertone for the blog.  - I'm in no way beholden to items 1 or 2.  Looking forward to seeing how we use this for class and other items of note. Enjoy the ride just the same! -Will (aspiring tortured poet)