My Very First TedTalk

To conclude our ongoing 'Genius Hour' project, one final task was given to us -- to create our very own TedTalk.  When I was first given this task, I dreaded the idea of having to talk into a screen for the required length.  How was I going to talk about bullet journaling for four to five minutes?  Would it be interesting?  Would my TedTalk make people want to also begin bullet journaling?  These were the questions that flooded my brain.

As I began to film my TedTalk, one of the major issues I encountered was where to look.  Although this seems minor, I had no idea whether to look directly at the camera, read off my points, look at the computer, or look around the room.  My experiences with filming have been limited, so I answered this question the best I knew how -- to just do it.  Although some of the time I appeared rehearsed, it was difficult for me to explain my points without some sort of prompts.  I knew that I did not want to read off a script, but I also recognized that I wanted to include all of my points.  Therefore, I had a mixture of looking off notes, and saying my points as they flowed.

I felt as though I struggled with this section of the project.  If I had a chance to re-do my TedTalk, I would have liked to have come up with a more exciting way of presenting it.  I would have chosen to add some humour or lighthearted comments about my experiences with bullet journaling.  

This experience can be related into my teaching block, as I can now recognize that not everyone is comfortable filming themselves, and to understand that some students will be successful in some components, whereas they might also struggle in others.

Although my 'Genius Hour' project is complete, my experiences with blogging are not.  Check back time to time to see how my experiences at Brock can be translated into educative experiences!

Genius Hour Evaluation Form

My Learning Object

When I was given the task of researching a new learning object to use in the classroom, the task seemed daunting.  Searching and sifting through the different apps and programs was frustrating at first, since many of the websites wanted you to download additional programs such as Adobe or Flash Player.  After exploring a few of the programs, I found ThingLink, an almost Pinterest-like website which allows students to upload photos and create a blurb about each photo they have chosen.

I decided to use ThingLink since my Genius Hour project is on bullet journaling.  This program was an obvious choice as I could snap pictures and then showcase them to others.  Bullet journaling actually first began and grew in interest through Pinterest as many people would build off others' ideas.

As an educator, I doubt that I would use ThingLink for any form of assessment or homework assignment.  Much of the work is not done using this program, and the only reason to use this program is to showcase the work completed.  Instead, I would rather have the students work on their oral communication skills and present to the class, or smaller groups.

Benefits of this program are that students can upload their assignment and teachers can view everything in an online environment.  Another benefit is that students who are shy or non-verbal can still showcase their work without having to speak.

It's Okay to Make Mistakes

This week, I officially started creating my bullet journal, hooray!  I had spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to find a journal that was capable of creating the lines and designs that I was looking for.  I had first went to Staples, and the associate had no idea what I was talking about, and looked at me like I had three heads when I stated that I needed a journal that looked like graph paper.  Next, I went to Coles, where I found an assortment of journals, however none which the formatting of the pages I needed.  Finally, I went to the ever-expensive, Chapters where low and behold I found a journal worthy of using.

When I got home that afternoon, I was pumped to start the bullet journaling process.  I opened up the first set of pages, and stared blankly at the graph-paper looking pages.  Where do I begin?  What if I make a mistake?  What if I do not plan accordingly and mess up my bullet journal?  These were questions which raced through my mind.  Then, I began looking back at my Pinterest collection posts related to bullet journaling.  I began to write down the types of pages that I wanted to create in my own journal.  I wrote down fonts, colours, page layouts, templates and everything that peaked my interest.  But once again, I began to look at the blank pages, and I had to stop again.  Why was I so concerned about what everyone else was doing?  Why was I so scared to make a mistake?  Why was I so concerned about how my bullet journal would stack up to others?  It was here that I decided I was going to stop looking so meticulously at other artists journals, and start creating my own!  Who cared if my journal looked like a 6-year-old ran her crayon through the pages?  This was going to be my first attempt, and I was ready.

And then I made my first mistake.

I did not properly space out the lines, which added to my already heightened level of panic and OCD.  Then, I remember hearing what my peer had told me when she made her first mistake.  She said that she too became frustrated, but learned to accept these mistakes, because it is what makes your bullet journal authentic and unique.  In a regular journal, there would be no mistakes made because a computer is creating these layouts.  However, instead of a computer, the artist is now YOU and you are NEVER perfect.

After I had time to reflect, I decided that I was going to embrace every mistake made, every scratch, line through and messy printing.  No one is going to judge me, and this is something that is mine.

From here on out, I need to continuously develop and create my own pages, and begin to use my trackers that I have in place.  One of the main aspects of bullet journaling is to continually add to your journal as the days go on; this allows you to look back and reflect on each day/week/month.

Now that I have made my first mistake, I cannot wait to create more!

As the Knitting Needle Turns

As I sat in one of my classes this week, I saw myself glancing over at a peer's black journal.  Inside her journal, the pages looked like graph paper, and she had created an outline of a calendar.  On each page, she had intricately measured and sectioned her page so that each graph square fit into what looked like a calendar.  She had used fine-tip pens with different colours and patterns to create her own agenda.  When I asked her if I could look at her journal, I noticed that not all pages were filled with calendars, and some had things such as "Habit Trackers", "Goals for the week", "Schedules", and other creative outlines.  When I asked her what this was, she told me it was called a bullet journal.

I spent the remainder of the class asking her all about what a bullet journal is, and how to create one.  I had never seen this before, and found myself obsessing over the different designs.  I asked her questions about how she knew how to do this, where she had seen this, and how easy it was to do.  It was in that moment, that I realized I had found a new genius hour topic -- bullet journalling.  I have decided that although I am still interested in learning how to knit, bullet journalling will be much more manageable with my crazy, hectic schedule this semester, and it is still something that I am so interested in learning about more.

After that class, I went home that night and instantly began searching for different bullet journal ideas.  The best part about this hobby/activity, is that you can do whatever you want!  While some people use these journals to track their day-to-day duties, others use it to track leisure activities, hobbies, financial successes, future goals and much more!  Bullet journalling allows individuals to stay on task and focus on what is most important to them!

In order to achieve success in bullet journalling, I will first and foremost have to purchase a journal which allows me to create these designs.  My peer had told me that using a book with the graphing lines makes it easier for beginners who are not as artistically-talented, however, most bullet journals are done in books with dots measured out so that their designs are not limited by the lines seen.  Since this is the my first attempt, I will definitely be purchasing a book similar to hers with the graph lines.  Secondly, I will need to purchase fine-tip, colourful pens so that my bullet journal looks appealing and creative.  Thirdly, I will begin to search on Pinterest for different ideas of the way I want my bullet journal to look.  Although these Pinterest accounts showcase insanely talented people, I can use these ideas and create my own ideas from there!

Each night, before I go to bed, I will catch up on my day and fill in my trackers.  I will use this journal day-to-day to keep on top of my school work and maintain the organized lifestyle I enjoy.  I hope that by the end of the semester, I have kept up with the task of staying creative and interested in bullet journalling, and that I will continue with this idea in years to come!

My Genius Hour

In our class, we are participating in a 'Genius Hour' project where we are able to choose something we as individuals are interested in.  For my Genius Hour project, I have chosen to learn how to knit!  I have always been envious of others who could knit, and I have always admired friends and families beautiful handmade creations.  

My genius hour question became:

How long will it take me to learn how to knit a scarf and a blanket?

Based on my busy schedule, I plan on giving myself three months in total to knit a scarf and a blanket.  Within my first month, I plan on purchasing the items necessary to begin my next adventure.  To my knowledge, I will need knitting needles and yarn, and an open mind. Within that same first month, I will begin to watch some introductory videos on how to knit.  In my second month, I will begin an easier task of making a scarf, and in my final and third month, I will knit a blanket.  

I am so excited to begin my newest journey as I have many young nieces and nephews who are excited to be getting their newest Christmas gifts!

Maybe this will be my first starting point?  

CopyRIGHT So You Don't CopyWRONG

The use of technology is rapidly increasing each year.  Long gone are the days of projector screens, textbook-exclusive learning, and chalkboard lessons; and are instead replaced by SmartBoards, YouTube videos, and iPads in the classroom.  Educators are now expecting students to use their instinctive and creative knowledge to enhance classroom presentations by requiring an online component.  However, while this upsurge in technology can benefit the current generation of students, many things such as copyright policies can become disastrous if not taught properly.

McNee, L. (2015). Copyright symbol. [Online Image]. Retrieved from http://www.finearttips.com/2011/02/tips-to-best-copyright-protect-your-artwork/

A copyright is a legal right of ownership which allows the creator to control how their piece of work is used.  A copyright can be in the form of a painting, a photograph, a poem, a novel, or many other things.  Essentially, copyright is a form of protection given to the authors or creators and allow you to have the right to do any of the following:

1. Make copies of your work
2. Distribute copies of your work
3. Perform your work publicly 
4. Display your work publicly 
5. Make "derivative works" (a work based upon pre-existing work)

Therefore, it is illegal for anyone to do any of the things listed above without the permission of the creator/author.  It is essential for students to recognize the importance of copyrighting, to ensure that respect and appreciation is given to those who first created the information used.  

Here is a great video which goes into more depth on copyright, and more specifically, copyright infringement:

YouTube Spotlight (2011, March 24). YouTube Copyright School. [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InzDjH1-9Ns

Through completing this module, I have recognized the importance of copyrighting, and will ensure that I teach this lesson to my future students.  The most important lesson I would teach my students when discussing issues around copyright is the reason for why we give credit.  Individuals who have created the piece of work have worked extensively in order to provide others with the ability to use said piece of work.  It is only fair that out of respect for their hard work, learners show their appreciation by appropriately citing the work they have used.  

With the knowledge I have gained, I can now successfully recognize what a copyright is, what the license entails, and how to adquately teach it to my future students!