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!