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!