Class Reflection

I really enjoyed taking this class.  This was my first class I have taken since I graduated college about 12 years ago so I was very nervous.  I was not sure what I was getting myself in to and not sure if I was capable.  However, I thought this class was great. The amount of work was not overwhelming and everything was clear and to the point it made my time easier.  The teacher was very patient and there whenever I needed help and I was very grateful for that.  I enjoyed the Genius Hour project very much as I do not remember the last time I needed to plan something out and make sure I was able to teach myself something new.  I enjoyed the push and although this class was online, I feel like I had a connection with many classmates by visiting their blogs and see their interests and progress along the way.  I am happy with everything that I accomplished through this course and I hope that I can go in to the next class with a little less worry now that I know what to expect.  Thanks for everything Maggie.

E-Learning artifacts

The first artifact I chose is Screencastify.  Before this class started, I knew very little about it and was not confident in using it.  I played around with it a small amount during E-learning and needed step by step help.  I was able to create a few short videos for my Special Education PE classes.  During this class, I practiced more with it and was able to create lessons without assistance.  I learned how important this tool is especially when we are not in the classroom.  I can still show examples as well as let the students hear my voice to help guide their instruction.  Not only is this a great tool for E-learning, it may also be great for leaving sub plans and lessons.  Here is a sample of a screencastify lesson that I included in my unit plan.
screencastify lesson

The second artifact I chose were Google Apps.  My district has been using Google apps for a few years now and I am finally feeling a little more confident.  To say technology is my weakness would be an understatement.  This class has started to help push me out of my comfort zone and helping me for the better.  technology is not going anywhere and it helps so much with guiding and planning instruction.  The more I practice and the more confidence I gain, I will save myself so much time and headaches utilizing everything the various technology tools.  My school district uses Google Classroom and it is a great platform for teachers and students to stay organized and relay important information whether we are in school or learning from home.  Being able to grade assignment, post assignments, attach links and helpful readings etc. all in one place is very beneficial.  Here is my Unit plan that is made of of different Google docs, forms, slides etc. and a Google Slide presentation example.

Unit Plan
Presentation example

Stephanie Haberer's Final Reflection

"We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience." -John Dewey

Genius Hour was such a fun experience.  To be honest, I never heard of the term 'Genius Hour' before this class.  After I read about it, it made sense and I was ready to dive in.  I am glad with the project that I ended up choosing.  Now that I am familiar with the process and can hopefully be disciplined enough to keep doing my own Genius Hours, I hope to knock out my other options which had to do with French braiding and getting faster at a 5k. 

Like most things new in my life, I was scared to start my loom knitting journey.  I tend to get nervous about taking on new tasks because I am afraid of failing and get very frustrated.  However, I pushed through my comfort zone and loom knitting went from being overwhelming and a bit of a chore to something that I look forward to and enjoy.

The numerous YouTube videos and Pinterest posts helped me a lot.  I like that I could pause the video and watch certain parts numerous times to feel confident enough to start the new stitch.  I am a visual and hands-on learner, so this was a perfect combination for me.  I did have to work on paying closer attention when doing certain stitch patterns because once you mess up, you cant fix it (or I do not know how to yet anyway).  I recently bought knitting markers that seem like they are going to be a big help for me because I do not like to have to focus in 100% while knitting because they takes some of the fun out of it; it does not feel as relaxing. 

I am going to take back a lot from this project to the classroom.  I always include how it is ok to make mistakes and to take risks whether it is int he classroom, in athletics or your personal life.  I will share stories of my learning process in hope that they can make a general connection.  I will even use this to help with short and long term goal setting plans.  I may also even through out suggestions or something extra to try their own genius hour project that may not be school related and more than happy to help them to have a smooth and successful process.  I plan on moving forward with what I started and hopefully make some more things for friends and family.  Next on my list are mug rugs (coasters).

Stephanie Haberer's Blog- It's Showtime!

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts." -Winston Churchill

That's a wrap.  Genius hour is complete.  I can't believe how far I have come during these short weeks.  I started this in hopes I could finish the scarf I was so nervous to start.  Not only did I finish the scarf, I finished three hats, a few not-so-good can koozies, and in the middle of another hat.  Just because Genius hour is over does not mean I am.  I have so much yarn that has been stockpiling up and I am so excited to use.  I have been watching so many more videos to get ideas of new stitches and even how to start making m own pompoms for the top of hats when I would like that type of look.  I am also interested in trying out a rectangle loom and seeing if I can figure out how to make a pot holder since i can't seem to find a video on loom knitting one (weird). I also found a video to make some really neat looking 'coaster rugs'.  A few things I learned about myself and need to keep in mind is that I need to take a break when I get frustrated.  I am not happy when I am knitting in a bad mood and I do not do as well and then the process takes even longer.  I get excited when people comment on my work and ask for me to make them something.  If anyone told me that I would be loom knitting for fun more than what was required of me...I would not have believed them.  I am so happy that I found something to do that I find enjoyable.

 Hat in progress....ran out of yarn so I have to wait for it to get delivered.

Some of my yarn stash that I have built up.

A hat that is too small for whom I wanted to gift it to.  Hoping with a quick roll, it will fit a friend's new baby!