Our second blog writing this week was on the article entitled, 9 Elephants in the (Class)room That Should “Unsettle” Us by Will Richardson. In this article, Richardson states that there are nine “elephants” that go on in our classrooms that should raise some attention. There were two that caught my attention that I want to share.

The first elephant in the classroom is, “We know that most of our students will forget  most of the content that they “learn” in school.”  It was stated in the article that only a small amount of information that is taught to our students is retained year after year of learning. This is because the curriculum and the experiences children have in school have little or no connection to the students, in addition, our focus has been on assessments and grades.  How can we change this was my first reaction? How can we make learning more meaningful so students retain what they learn? I think that this could be changed by several ideas. One, if teachers make connections to students with what they have an interest in. For example, if a student likes a certain sport, if the teacher would connect sports with his math, the student may like math more or remember the concept that you are trying to teach. Or, if you are teaching math again and teaching fractions, why not create a recipe and make cookies to teach fractions.  Another idea as we all created this semester was an Independent Learning Project. I think that this is an excellent way to make connections and extend curiosity in learning. I can remember the best lessons that my teachers taught me when they related a concept that I had an interest in and the concepts stuck in my brain longer.

The second elephant that caught my attention was, “We know that most of our students are bored and disengaged in school.” I was shocked to read that according to the article, that only 32% of high school juniors reported that they were “involved and enthusiastic about school” and only “17% said that they have fun in school!” WOW! What happened to the days of having fun in school? I know that times have changed, even since the time I was in elementary school compared to my children in school. Kids today can not experience the “fun” we did and I am sure that our parents would have said the same about us. My girls do not get to have “Halloween or Christmas Parties” like I did, but I think schools should experience celebrations and not always be worried about meeting the learning goals. All in all,  I think that students do need to have fun. It would make school more enjoyable and it makes me wonder if kid would retain more.

For this weeks reading articles, our assignment was to dig deep and think and reflect on our activities as a learner in this class, this semester and our Independent Learning Project and how they all relate to our lives as learners. This week’s module was filled with interesting articles that were related to learning, education and how students learn. There were many points in this week’s articles that I am eager to share with you and many of them I felt that I have shared these same experiences.

The first article I want to share is by Emily Mitchum entitled, My Generation Essay: Redefining Education. As Mitchum pointed right off that education is everything. It is how we define ourselves. How well we do on an assignment, essay,  or test will determine everything in a sense. In addition, education is all about the numbers. She stated, that this obsession with numbers has taken an overshadow to learning. I have to agree with her. How many times have you found yourself studying and preparing for a test and in a week, you couldn’t remember what the information that the test was on?  I have found myself there countless times. At times, I found myself just going through the motions to pass the test and in the end, not really learning the information. It is sad that our world has come to a point that all they feel and see are the grades and the numbers. But, then if you don’t get the good grades, you can’t go to college or the scholarship, its a sad spiral.  She concluded her essay with this and it has stuck with me, ” In the end, the numbers aren’t going to be what pushes through life. Our identities will.” This is what I feel we need to focus on.

The second article that I want to share is, Learning. It’s Not About Education by Laura Grace Weldon. In this article, Weldon states that, “Learning is a whole experience of mind, body, and self in relation to the world.” She went on to state that schooling  has changed the natural process of learning. With schooling, it is very structured and the education is designed by other people and what the children should know and learn. Children are put into classrooms by age and there are multiple limitations on what they can and can not do in a school setting. Weldon went on to state that there is another way for children to learn. She gave the examples of homeschoolers and unschoolers where these  kids receive a great education, all the while learning from topics that they have interest in, explore, ask questions, volunteer. She states that this is not new to our world, it is actually how people have learned through out time dating back to even the hunter-gatherers.

These articles have given me many things to ponder and think about this week. Reflecting on this semester and my Independent Learning Project, I can say that it has brought me realize the freedom and new found appreciation for learning. It was refreshing to be able to learn something that we choose to learn and create ourselves, as we did with our Independent Learning Projects. Sure we had some direction, but it was up to us. We had a little spark of curiosity in a topic and it was up to us to go with it and learn. This is the new approach I would like to take in learning. Find something that sparks my interests, and see where it takes me.

Here is my video on my teaching metaphors. I choose the following metaphors for teaching: gardener, cheerleader, parent, artist, actor and tree. All of these things I have found myself as a preschool teacher and as a para. I am excited to share my thoughts on these with you all!

Week 14! Wow! Where has this semester gone? I am amazed how quickly that we are wrapping up this semester, our Independent Learning Projects and how the year of 2018 is coming to a close.

I am excited to show off my finished quilt top! I finished sewing my last borders to my quilt this week and also sewed the binding to this quilt. I will be able to attach the binding to the quilt once I get the quilt top back from the machine quilter. The last stages of my project went pretty smoothly. I was excited to actually see the finish line in this quilt. I am still in love with my color choice and it has been fun to see these colors work together and how they complement each other nicely. I also have enjoyed seeing the small squares and strips be cut and sewn into something bigger and beautiful. It has also been my goal to label my finished projects. For this quilt, I will label it “Independent Learning Project, Digital Literacy Class, Fall 2018.” This quilt already has special meaning for me, as this was part of my teacher education courses.

Just like with any thing in life, there will be challenges and triumphs and  I experienced both in my Independent Learning Project. To begin, some of the challenges were cutting some fabric wrong or not enough of one color. I also missed read on sewing some blocks, so I had to rip out my mistake and start over. At sometime times during this semester, some weeks were harder for me to find the time to sew. I had other obligations of school work, family or substituting at the school,  so my free time was spent on working on my Independent Learning Project. For areas of triumphs, for one I finished the quilt top! I think that is an accomplishment in itself! I do have many projects that I have started and not finished. I also learned some new sewing techniques like chain piecing to make the simple piecing go together quicker.

I found that sewing and quilting to be an easy motivate for me to get downstairs to sew. It was nice that we were able to choose our own project to create. If it was something that I didn’t have an interest in, I think it would have been harder for me to finish. For one, I want to make more quilts and projects and I was eager to tackle this quilt. In addition, I want to teach my daughters how to sew some day and learn how to create things with their hands. To be all honest, I didn’t get to spend as much time as I was hoping with them on this project. However, the more I think about it, it will be okay in the long run. I had more time to improve my sewing skills so I will be able to better explain or teach my daughter how to sew if they so desire. It is my goal and hope that over Christmas break, my daughters and I will be able to sew a project or start a new quilt together. During this break time, we can take our time and I will be able to let them sit at the sewing machine and experience and learn for themselves.

As a future teacher, I am excited for the opportunity to introduce Independent Learning Projects to my classrooms! I love the idea of allowing students to find something that they are excited about or what to learn more about and help them learn in new ways. Yes, it will be challenging to meet the needs of all my students, however, I think if we work together and set realistic goals, we can accomplish this task.

I would also like to to thank the readers of my blog for following me along this project. I have appreciated your encouragement in this process. I hope that I have inspired you to create something, like a quilt someday too.

This week our assignment has us exploring the world of tech tools and the really cool stuff you can create all online using different creation tools. Some of these tools and programs included: Piktograph, Canva and cartoon and comic creations. I was blown away with all the free opportunities that are available to create some of these masterpieces.

I choose to use the program Canva for my graphic and visual design this week. While reading this article, Tech Review: Online Creation Tools Piktochart and Canva, there was an informational YouTube video that further explained in detail how to use Canva. I have attached this video to my post if you would like to watch it also. This video showed step by step how to use Canva, how to change up graphics, themes and showed some of the options that are available.

Here is my poster that I created with Canva.

I was not sure what to create as our assignment stated that we need to include our Independent Learning Project and share something that we have learned along the way with this journey. As you can see, my Independent Project is on quilting. I went to the templates and found this template that allowed for adding pictures. I thought that by including my pictures, you could see the progress of my project how I started out with yards of fabric that are cut according to the pattern. The second picture shows the middle of project and the third is my latest picture, however, it is not the finished quilt, but close. I then added this quote to poster. “The quilt of my life was made of of imperfect pieces lovingly fitted together by the Master Craftsman to form a beautiful pattern… He makes No mistakes.” I think that this is one quote that shares my life story, how we all have imperfect pieces and a past, but how God can take those pieces and make your story into something beautiful, just like a quilt.

I will definitely use Canva again in my future classroom to make posters and anchor charts! I love how easily the program worked and how you can be as creative as you want or you can keep it simple and to the point. I can also see how using comic strips and cartoons would be fun in the classroom as well. Students today would love to read something fun and entertaining and I think that comics and cartoons would also fit the ticket.

The next area of reading and research for the ‘A’ assignments is exploring reading in the digital age. There were once again interesting articles that brought up some points that I  not think about. For one, does the paper version compared to the digital version of text make a difference as we learn.  I was intrigued and ready to learn more.

In the article, Why Digital Reading is No Substitute for Print by Naomi Baron asks the question “Do students learn as much when they read digitally as they do print?”  She stated that from research, students pointed out that print was aesthetically more enjoyable, and that print gave them a sense that they were in the book and could see and feel where they were in the text and it was easier on their eyes. On the other hand, those who prefer digital, stated that reading digitally allowed for them to read in the dark, and were saving paper and some could even multitask while reading. However, I think the true question is,  are students learning as much as they do on screen compared to the print. According to Baron, she explained that most studies found that students scored about the same with digital and print, although some have indicated that students performed better on tests where they read in print. It was interesting to read in another study when asked to reconstruct the plot sequence, print had better results.

The next article I want to share was by Naomi S. Baron entitled,Reading in the Digital Age. Baron stated that she concluded a research and asked students their thoughts and opinions about reading in different mediums, like paper and digitally and their habits. In the areas of time for reading print versus onscreen, participants stated that they spend about two-thirds of their time reading in print both for school and pleasure. It was noted that most school work, the reading assignments are only available in one medium, like print some students are not making independent choices. The other point that caught my attention was text length. When the text was short, there was a mixed preference and when the text was longer, 86% preferred print for schoolwork and 78% when reading for pleasure. In the areas of paying attention to reading, it was noted that many complained that reading onscreen gave them eyestrain but like the convenience of of onscreen.

So this makes me ask you, the reader, which do you prefer? Print or digital? For me personally, I like print. I love the feel of the paper, to write notes on the side of the margins and dog-tag the pages I want to return to. I find it hard to read on the computer, maybe because of my  age and my eyes. Then I wonder if it was because I grew up in school with just the print option and it is all I really know.

This was another fun and interesting week of articles to read and research on podcasts and digital stories. I am a fan of podcasts and I have found so many great Podcasts to listen to, especially in the morning when I am getting ready for the day. I have found that it helps me prepare my thoughts and then I have time throughout the day to ponder some of the topics or stories that I heard and reflect upon. My favorite podcast to listen to are Family Life Today  , Proverbs 31 Ministries and Focus on the Family. I would encourage anyone who is looking for inspiration to check these out!

I was excited to read that teachers are using podcasts in their classrooms and think what a neat and creative idea to change up the learning for students! According to the article, What Teens are Learning From ‘Serial’ and Other Podcasts,  a number of teachers are using podcasts to motivate their classrooms and address education requirements set by the Common Core state standards. In addition, having students listen to these podcasts is also an essential component of the new education mandates and audio is one of way to promote listening.  I also learned that students can listen two to three grade levels higher than they can read and would also help students that have English as the second language to benefit by hearing the spoken English and follow along with the transcript.  This also had me think of disadvantages that podcasts could bring into the classroom. It would be my worry as a teacher that students would not really listen and use this time as to mess around. I think that teachers would need to set clear expectations and boundaries for these types of assignments and activities.

In the article, Teacher’s Guide to Digital Storytelling is was stated that digital storytelling is the act of using computer-based tools like laptops, tablets and smartphones to tell a story. In addition, while using digital storytelling, students are  learning how to write and use the creative process that involves brainstorming ideas, unique voices, teamwork, listening skills and time management skills all the while using and creating a digital story.

There were so many great takeaways from this weeks articles and I found inspiration as a future teacher. I found the article Meaningful Stories: How Teens Connect with StoryCorps and Podcasts to be enlightening as it explained how students can share their own personal stories about life and what is important to them through the use of the this app called StoryCorps. What a fun and exciting way for students to share and record stories and do remember that their lives and stories matter.

It is encouraging to read and explore the many opportunities that are available for teachers to engage students and learning through podcasts and digital stories. I think that by bringing in these activities into the classroom, it will open the doors for students and it may find new possibilities for learning and growth.

American Teen. Photo by Laura Smith

For this assignment, we are researching and reading up on teens and social media and the impact that technology and the digital world is making on teens. I was excited to explore this topic, as I have a daughter who is just about  to reach her teen years. I found all of this information to be helpful, especially  for  teachers and  parents in learning the pros and cons of teens and the digital world.

One article that caught my attention was, Influence of Social Media on Teenagers by Suren Ramasubbu. She stated in this article that teens are among the greatest users of social networking. “According to a report by Common Sense Media, 75 percent of teenagers in America currently have profiles on social networking sites, of which 68 percent use Facebook as their main social networking tool.” I was astounded by this number, that is a lot of teens interacting with Facebook! She pointed out some of the risks that are associated with the use of social networking. These risks were Facebook depression, sexting, and cyberbullying, social-network-induced obesity, Internet addiction and sleep deprivation. She then stressed the importance of open communication between teens and parents and talk about etiquette and how to be good and safe digital citizens.

The other article that I learned a lot from and what to share is How Does Social Media Affect Teens? by a neat website called We Have Kids. In this article they point right off the bat that teens today cannot even image life without the Internet or other devices, which is so true! When I think of my girl,  all they know is the Internet. What I found interesting were the pros and cons that social media can have on teens. Some of the cons were: heavy social media use can possibly lead to depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, social media can be a major distraction that can lead to poor academic performance and some inappropriate posts may hurt future job opportunities. On the other hand the pros to social media can be it provide a platform for shy people to express themselves and to boost confidence,  it can strengthen  and maintain relationships to friends and the other one I liked was classrooms can use social media to keep students engaged into study materials.

All in all, the Internet is here to stay and yes there are many pros and cons to the digital world. The main take away from these readings that I have come up with, there needs to be balance with the digital world for teens and adults. As a parent and teacher, it is my goal to teach balance and  that there is a place and time for the digital devices.

Here is my quilt with the first round of borders!

It feels like it has been a long time since I have shared through my blog about my Independent Learning Project! I am excited to share what I have been up to the last few weeks and share my progress!

This is what I finished last week, the center blocks.

Last week I finished sewing the center blocks! I was thrilled to have completed that portion of my pattern. I really like how the center star and the flying geese came together and my my color choice of fabrics. Sometimes it can be hard when picking and choosing fabrics at the quilt store and it made me wonder how will this look when it is sewn together.   I find it exciting that it is starting to look more and more like a real quilt!

Picture of my quilt with the first brown border.

This week I began working on borders! The pattern started off with a solid brown strip and then the next border are 4 inch squares sewn together.  I came up with a plan to sew my 4 inch squares borders and chain piece  two blocks at a time and then sew it all together to make the border.   It worked great, the chain piecing made my border strips come together quickly!  I was able to pick squares and then just sit and sew to create my strip borders. I am so in love with my borders and the way they look!

In reading our activities sheets, I see that we only have a couple more weeks of time devoted to our Independent Learning Projects. In looking over my pattern, I see that I have a brown and tan border to add next. Then after those borders is the wider strip border and more 4 inch squares borders. I am going to chain piece again those strips to make my borders. The final border is a brown strip to complete the quilt. Yeah, then my quilt top will be finished! The next goal will be to sew the binding strips and then sew the backing fabric. It is my goal to have the binding ready to add to the quilt when I get my quilt back from the machine quilter.Then I will be able to completely done with this quilt.  I also need to find someone to quilt my quilt with a long arm quilting sewing machine.  The previous machine quilter I had has recently moved, so I am needing to find someone new.

I am more than thrilled with my progress and my quilt! I have fallen in love with my color choice and my blocks.  I have found this project and dedicated learning and sewing time to be most beneficial for me. It has me eager to start another quilt or hand project! Maybe something for Christmas!!! 🙂

Mobile Worker Photo by: Michael Coghlan

How many times have you picked up your smartphone today to check your messages or see what is happening on social media? I am just as guilty of this too, my friends! This week in our digital literacy class we were to explore digital behaviors and mindfulness. I have found these articles and Ted Talk to be an eye opening experience to really sit down and think of how many times we have reach for our phones and electronic devices. After these articles, I have become more conscious of myself and to really think of how much time do I spend on the internet.

I began with the Ted Talk with Paul Miller, “Quitting the Internet for One Year.” It was interesting to hear Paul talk about his decision to quit the internet. He stated that he felt that he didn’t have life figured out and felt that the internet was defeating him. So he took the plunge and quit the internet for an entire year. At first he shared that he felt freedom and it was like a new sensation being high on life. Paul also stated that his interactions with people became different as it let him be in the moment and connect with others in a deeper levels. He did experience loneliness and felt withdrawn from his group of friends, as he stated that he would miss out on the movie and social gatherings that were extended through Facebook or through text messaging. After a year, he went back to the internet and shared that through this process he learned that it is not the Internets fault. We are in charge of our lives and the key is to find the balance. We need to determine our priorities in life and not let the internet tell us differently.

The article I found most interesting to read this week was, What Happens When Teens Try to Disconnect From Tech For Three Days. This article shared the story of a school and how their teens were challenged to unplug from the use of their phones for three days. Some of the kids made it and some didn’t. I found it interesting to read how they acted, what they did different and how they ended up spending their time phone-free. Some stated that they were more creative with their time and it gave them a sense of relief, some shared that they noticed that they had more interactions with parents and conversations. The most exciting part for me to read was that most teens realized that being phone free was a wake up call for them to see how dependent we are on technology.

Simplify the Work space. Photo by: Lindsay Silverstein

Finally, I would like to encourage all to read this article, Simplify the Internet. This article shared that letting go of the internet is doable and the main goal is to simply life. This article shared tips for simplifying our social connections, reading emails and the rest that ties us to the internet. The article stated, “Let go, reduce, focus, and act.” I think that this is good motto for me and family to start living by.

I felt encouraged and inspired by this weeks module of readings. It is now my personal goal to be more in the moment, unplug from my phone more and to simplify life.