You will need to register or log in. There are various ways of doing this – make an account or signup with an account you already have such as Facebook or Google.
I signed up with Google
3. This is a free resource which is also good to know! The website will then go on asking you if you want additional information, I said no to all of it but that is entirely your choice!
4. Then you will be able to access various different templates. The different templates are in categories of student projects, teachers & faculty, administrative staff, training, and announcements. I picked the student projects one.
5. Once you pick a category you will be able to pick various different templates. By clicking on the templates you can get a preview of what it looks like.
6. I chose the timeline template in order to document how the weeks have unfolded for my learning project.
This the video preview you see when you click the template
7. On this video preview page, you need to scroll down and it will say edit this template, click that and it will take you to a new screen where you can start to make your video!
8. Start editing!
In order to download or share it is best to upload to YouTube. I tried using the link from Powtoon and was unsuccessful!
Final Results
This app was okay. It is easy to make a quick video although it is better as a premium member like any app. I would have liked that there was more room on this particular timeline and being able to change the little pictures would have been beneficial. However, finding something that pertained to my topic was nearly impossible. I think this app would be awesome for quick projects in the classroom for formative assessment!
At the beginning of the semester, in EDTC 300, I embarked on the journey of learning how to knit. My motivation for picking this project was the inspiration of my Grandma! I learned a lot about online learning as I tried to teach myself how to knit from purely online sources. I look forward to outlining the process of my learning journey through the ups and the downs for you!
Recap of my Learning Journey
Post One:
I had no idea what to do or even the materials I should start buying, so did some research on this
Decided to start knitting a scarf….simple hey?
Got my starter pack…which turns out it was all wrong
Watch some YouTube videos
Some words of advice….do not buy fuzzy wool when you begin. Secondly, do not buy thin wool when you begin. And thirdly, do not get pretty pink knitting needles with no gauge on them. Fail!
Post Two:
Going back to the drawing board…I got the right materials this time!!
So I have the right materials, thick and light-colored wool as well as 6.5 gauge knitting needles
This week I realized knitting was not as easy as my grandma made it look
Started to cast on and I was very uncoordinated with this
Watched some beginner videos from YouTube
I also realized I was casting on wrong, oh what a learning curve it is
Post Three:
Very little progression this week as well
Redid everything I had previously done
Went through some more YouTube videos and recommended my favorites
FIgured out the downfall to learning online is no one there to show you the mistakes you are doing, correcting the bad habits I was acquiring is key
Oh yes, I also learned how to do a slip knot
One of the videos I enjoyed
Post Four – Trying different online tools
Critiquing different knitting apps
Realizing there are different stitches, this was part of my confusion in the beginning
The first app, “How to Knit” – shows various different types of stitches you can use, I only used the purl and knit
The second app, “Knitting for Beginners” – would not recommend this app as a lot of the pictures did not load. If the pictures had loaded I would highly recommend this app as it had pictures and videos, depending on what kind of learner you are this is useful.
My scarf has only two rows so far…yeek
Post Five – did you know Facebook has knitting groups?
I looked into different avenues and people I could connect to with my knitting projects as I was at a few roadblocks
I looked on Facebook for knitting groups, there are a ton of knitting groups
I am making stitches too tight, knitting is really all about technique
Look at all those resources!!
Post Seven –
I tried to make a how-to-video by myself, so it is not the best quality. I also used a new tool while demonstrating how to knit, which is Stop Motion Studio. It is a bunch of pictures that turns these pictures into a video and then you can do a voice-over also. I wish I could have had someone holding the camera so it would work out better!
Don’t mind my pajama pants ha!
My Current Project
I still have a little ways to go but I am proud at what I have accomplished. Here in the closer pictures I tried to show how I alternated from a knit stitch to a purl stitch giving the scarf a different look.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed learning how to knit! There are so many online tools out there that makes it very accessible to learn a new skill! Eventually, I am going to make a toque for myself. I got easily frustrated with knitting because I would just get started and then I would have to quit. Also, if the technique was not coming as I would have hoped I would just quit for the night. Stopping and starting the YouTube videos than losing where your hands were was super frustrating for me! I am glad I kept with it and learned how to knit.
I also found by documenting my learning, seeing the progress I had made, and the avenues I went through to get to being able to knit was encouraging!
I can see the benefits of learning online as we are more critical of the resources we chose to share or watch when we are the ones learning. A take away from the learning project is when you are showing online material in the classroom to be critical of the sources, also, put yourself in the shoes of the one that is learning. Would it be beneficial?
Finally, I am happy I had the opportunity to critically analyze online resources and learn how to knit! My grandma would be so proud.
Throughout the course, we have been contributing to others learning. Network learning is using online tools as a hub to share ideas, connect with people, learn new tricks, and share information or knowledge about a certain aspect. If I think about how many ideas I have learned by using online platforms it is unreal. I can now change the headlight bulb in my car, thanks to YouTube. People sharing their knowledge and strengths allows others to learn from them, this is extremely important!
Twitter
Twitter was something I have never dealt with prior to EDTC, and it was foreign territory. It took me a while to understand and get the hang of Twitter. I started to really enjoy the network I was able to surround myself with, and the learning of educational resources it has promoted. The twitter chat was overwhelming, but seeing other peoples perspectives and being able to network further was very helpful, also. In order for network learning to work you have to put yourself out there, this was a little daunting at first. Twitter went from an app I said I would never use, to being an app I am interested and want to use!
Slack
Slack is an additional tool I have used in order to learn through other people. This app would work well in the classroom, and is used like a forum where others could learn from their classmates! I used slack mainly to get help with a few things I was struggling with.
Blogs
Throughout the semester we were required to comment on other peoples blogs. By doing this you could help people with a skill, learn a tool they were using, gather differing perspectives, and/or just to throw out some positive reinforcement! I enjoyed reading others journey of how and what they were doing to learn their skill of choice, also gave me ideas of where I could look to further my learning as well.
By engaging in various networks in order to learn I have discovered and experimented with different tools. I have learned new ideas, apps, teachings, and skills to further use in the classroom when I become a teacher! The educational network I have developed throughout this course will always be important as a teacher! I have also learned more about my digital identity and how important this is to maintain as a teacher.
Casting off is the first step you need to start when knitting, or beginning knitting. I used Stop Motion Studio to make a how-to-video with voice over. It was a tricky tool to catch onto, especially with knitting, although I wanted to try different tools to make a video!
I am no pro by any means, and essentially it would be much easier to have another hand while videoing a how-to-video, especially because you need to be so close! Stop Motion Studio uses a variety of pictures that you can allow to take at 1-30 second intervals. I am excited I made a ho-to-video while learning and exploring different technology!
As a Stanford study states, “When it comes to evaluating information that flows through social media channels they [digital natives], are easily duped.” So how can we teach high school students digital literacy in the classroom? We need to question everything we see on social media outlets and differentiate the fake from the real news. The NCTE Framework attempts to answer the same question we are asking as educators, “how do we increase our collective digital literacy to combat fake news and the dangers that accompany it?” When I used to think about fake news I thought about articles that were so obvious that they were funny. From recently learning about digital literacy I seen it is not blatantly obvious. So, I thought if I cannot see these fake news sources how would you teach them in the classroom?
So what is fake news anyway? Fake news is not a new, it has been around for years. Hildebrandt and Couros state that looking back the was a clear divide between fake news and authentic journalism. So what has changed? There have been various tools that have been produced to change a pictures image, from a non-news story to a news story in seconds.
During my internship I had students do current events in History 30. They were to link it to something we were learning in the course. We had a discussion of looking for reliable news sources in order for news to be factual. One student did not have a reliable news source, so I took the opportunity to discuss why this may not be reliable. I think taking opportunities when they arise in the classroom is the ultimate teaching moment!
When reading the Stanford study there were different activities that could be initiated at Middle Years and for High School students. I would use the following activities as a starting point to tease out fake news:
Middle Years
News on Twitter: Students consider tweets and determine which is the most trustworthy
Article Analysis: Students read a sponsored post and explain why it might not be reliable
Comment Section: Students examine a post from a newspaper comment section and explain whether they would use it in a research report
News Search: Students distinguish between a news article and an opinion column
Home Page Analysis: Students identify advertisements on a news website
High School
Argument Analysis: Students compare and evaluate two posts from a newspaper’s comment section
News on Facebook: Students identify the blue check mark that distinguishes a verified Facebook account from a fake one
Facebook Argument: Students consider the relative strength of evidence that two users present in a Facebook exchange
Evaluating Evidence: Students decide whether to trust a photograph posted on a photo-sharing website
Comparing Articles: Students determine whether a news story or a sponsored post is more reliable
Teaching digital literacy is a never ending task, from kindergarten to beyond! Children are surrounded by social media and the internet, in general, it is important to teach the importance of fake news!
If you have any articles or lesson plans you incorporate into your teachings I would love to hear from you!
My wonderful professor from EDTC 300 supplied a list of resources in regards to fake news, I would like to have these resources in a spot where I can access them again.
I love scratch coding! I have received a certificate for completing a coding class at the University of Regina. The one thing I really enjoyed about coding is there is always something new to learn! I worked with scratch coding in my internship with grade 9 students in Practical Applied Arts. For this project and with the grade 9’s I used scratch.mit.edu where there are different projects you can look into under “see inside” to replicate the same project, or understand it better.
I worked on a project on scratch and coded this cute little cat making a star. I decided one color was boring so I wanted to change the color to rainbow style. It was tricky to figure out how to change the color but looking for the block that would do this made me think outside the box. It challenged me! I think that is a very important aspect is coding can be at multiple levels and it can be a source of enrichment for certain students. I will definitely use coding in my classroom when I have one.
Below is my colorful star that this cool cat draws!
There is a website that would be great for parents or educators to find free coding for kids! There is a list of various programs to get your kids started! Happy coding!
Pinterest is typically my go to for ideas on projects, recipes, hair styles, and now for knitting too! I typed in knitting for beginners and so many resources popped up!
These are just some of the options that Pinterest offered me! I have been using Pinterest here and there to fix some of my mistakes (lets be honest…LOTS of mistakes)! I have found so many online resources on how to get starting with knitting, but Pinterest is one of my favorites so far.
First off, it is very important to know that there are a multitude of different types of stitches that can be used when knitting. There is the purl knit, garter stitch, reverse stocking stitch, and many more different types of stitches that are listed above. This was the mistake I made, I had no idea there were so many different kinds of stitches for knitting! No wonder I was confused for the first two weeks of starting the learning project!
One of the sites I got off of Pinterest was Five Tips for Beginner Knitters, and it had very important tips when in the midst of starting knitting. Although they tell you these important five tips it is also easier said than done. For example, no matter how many times they say “don’t make your stitches too tight” I cannot help but make my stitches too tight. My hands have no coordination for this knitting business yet, but it is improving!
If you can keep these five tips in the back of your head when you start knitting, it will make your life easier…I promise!
I really hope some of these tips help you on your knitting journey! Also, for additional help Pinterest is a great place to go!
I was on the look out for other ways to get into the knitting community and I thought what about Facebook?? I searched knitting clubs and came across a few that you could join. One of the pages shares classes and courses that are offered so that was pretty cool!
The reason I like the idea about Facebook groups is that it is an online resource but it also connects you to real people that can help you! Especially if you do not have a knitter in the family or a friend that can knit this is a great way to get started!
The Knitting Club is one of the groups I decided to join. People share their projects, give information on events in the area, ask for help, and allow you to come together for one common interest….KNITTING! The Knitting Club on Facebook is a small group of people of 79 members that are all interested in knitting.
There is also a Knitting Uncensored club if you are into that sort of thing. I know first hand how knitting can be, maybe this is the site to get rid of some of that pent up frustration! This is a rather larger group with over 6,000 members. That being said I am sure you would get help whenever you needed it with that many members. The group as a whole seems pretty relaxed. I enjoyed scrolling through the posts and seeing the additional help people were offering to beginner knitters.
Another great Facebook group that is worth a mention is the Knitting4Knewbies page. This is a commonplace for newbies to be. I have not investigated enough about this group, but I would assume that there would be some sort of tutorials to explore. Unless the newbies are learning from each other which could be a good new twist to things. I will have to investigate this one a little more, but I also encourage you all to do the same!
This could be the help you need if you started with getting started. For instance, for me to get started I did not know what kind of yarn I needed or the size of needles. Reaching out to people that have done knitting in the past or present through this or other Facebook pages would be a great first step!
I decided this week to look at two different knitting apps that could potentially make or break my knitting fun! The first app I chose was called “How to Knit”. This app was amazing! I have nothing bad to say about it so far as it had every different kind of stitch you could dream of. Although I am not advanced enough to even consider different stitches this would be useful when I get the hang of things and am more comfortable knitting. All of the various stitches link to a YouTube video for further explanation and to view what how to knit with various patterns. However, I could just go to YouTube as well and just type in the type of stitch I would like to create. Although, these are all different stitches that you may not even know that exist. This app may be a good way to get started app to find the stitch that is easiest for you.
The second app I looked at and tried to learn different styles from is “Knitting for Beginners”. This app is just okay, as a lot of the pictures did not load in order for you to learn. This app has step by step guide of tips, lessons and tricks, and video guide. One of the reasons why I like this app is because it shows pictures but if you learn better from a video it also has that option. I would probably have to pick the video because half of the pictures do not load. This can be very frustrating when a step is missed because the picture will not load.
My Learning Project Process
I have used various tools to learn and discover as much as I can about knitting, in order to find how I can do it easier and the way I can learn to. I enjoyed looking through various apps to find two of my favorite ones. I have been knitting VERY slowly!! I have the length of my scarf and the have started rows of the scarf. It is most likely going to be a very ugly scarf, but with practice my finished products will get better and better!
Stay tune to next time when I look at a different online source to see if they are useful and showing different tools that a person can use in order to learn online!
I signed up for a Twitter account at least 7 years ago and never touched my account after that day. I created a new Twitter account this year for #edtc300. I never really understood Twitter and never cared to understand it, too many hashtags! I never really understood hashtags either, I think maybe for the simple reason that they were always overdone on Facebook and secondly because I never took the time to understand them. My thoughts of Twitter has since changed as I enjoy reading educational posts that give me those uh-ha moments. I love that it is broadening my network of educators!
My Thoughts about Twitter Chat
#Saskedchat was very enjoyable for me, although a little overwhelming at times. I particularly liked that I got to connect with people in the education field which I know will help me in future endeavours. Of hearing about being in a twitter chat and having to post a tweet to 10 questions was overwhelming at first and I even feared it. After engaging in the Twitter chat I was happy I got the experience to do so. The Twitter chat was a very fast paced environment, between trying to add meaningful tweet to all 10 questions and then also trying to build my network.
How Could Twitter Work in the Classroom?
Twitter could be used to link students together into one place and they could get additional help on their homework. Also, it could link them, just has it done for me, to a bigger network that could offer more support or ways of learning. This could also be useful for students trying to help understand and give their children additional support with their homework at home.
I personally, have never used Twitter in the Classroom, as I am a newbie to everything Twitter, so I researched the possibilities of Twitter in the classroom. My search came to the web page “15 Ways To Use Twitter In Education (For Students And Teachers Alike)“. I found this web page that has amazing ideas about how to implement Twitter as a useful tool in the classroom:
After reviewing this web page I realized there are plenty of ways to incorporate Twitter into the classroom. These are just a few examples out of many, but a good starting point to bring in new mediums into the classroom.
Britney Savage - Secondary Educator 
