Why are you interested in this network?

I found Liz by searching for anything and everything having to do with building my own home from natural (earthen), non-toxic materials. Liz is doing many exciting things and motivating others in the process. Therefore, I am interested in maintaining contact for the purpose of growth and learning. I also want to add that Liz's writing style, and therefore Liz, is fascinating - I love to read everything she writes.

How do you like to learn?

Hands on is best along with a little help from my friends :-D.
However, I usually begin by reading as much as I can. When I can't tolerate sitting any longer I jump in. Sometimes jumping in is scary - even when it shouldn't be:)

How do you deal with change?

I tend to get excited about change and jump in with both feet. I also manage to get myself into trouble doing this sometimes. I am married to a man who is the total opposite. He hates change and manages it by quickly dipping his toe in and then backing out. This drives me insane but it also helps to prevent me from making some of what otherwise might be disastrous mistakes.

What experience have you had with learning technologies & social media?

I am a teacher with a BA in Education and an M.Ed. in Educational Technology. The latter means I integrate technology with curriculum which translates into a variety of learning technologies. I am relatively new to Ning tech. and am currently learning how this social media works.

How can we create really enjoyable learning experiences?

1. Spend the needed time to build really good relationships.
2. When you gain the trust and confidence of others you are then in position to excite and motivate.
3. By mastering the above 2 items you place yourself and others in position to learn - you become open to new experiences and to new learning.
4. Now - get yourself and others out into the "field" and experience some hands on learning.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself?

I have tons of interests outside of teaching school. I have a Permaculture Design Certificate and am a member of the Phoenix (AZ) Permaculture Guild, practice permaculture and sustainability in my everyday life as much as possible, practice yoga 5 days/wk, jog 3 miles every day, garden organically, eat organically as much as possible, read incessantly, and knit when I'm not doing any of these other things. I'm on computers a lot both at home and in school: searching for information, reading blogs, designing and writing lessons for students, and emailing. Sometimes I even manage to write entries for my own blog. I also am planning to build my own earthen home - hopefully sooner rather than later. I am looking seriously into a combination cob/rammed earth using forms to build the walls and then removing the forms when the walls are dry enough. A living roof will top this creation off. BTW - it will be a very small house. We are currently looking for the right piece of land in Michigan - a place where there are no HOA's or CC and R's. I want to add a couple of lovely little weed eating sheep, a few chickens, worms for vermaculture, an outdor shower, outdoor kitchen (very simple), greenhouse, composting toilet, and a huge garden and orchard.

I'm sure I could add more but I'm sure no one was expecting to have to read a full manuscript so I'll quit for now. :-D

I'm thrilled that Liz started this network and that I can be a part of it. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you women (and men if any should join) better.

Do you run websites or blogs that you want to let us know about?

http://turtlewoman.wordpress.com