Summary of Personal Learning:
Final Project Post
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Assigned blog post: Final Networked Learning post
In the spirit of shared knowledge and collaborative learning, reflecting on how I’ve contributed to the learning of others is both enlightening and humbling. Here’s a glimpse into my journey of empowerment through shared knowledge.
One of the primary ways I’ve contributed to the learning community is through my blog posts. Whether it’s sharing insights, exploring new topics, or offering practical tips, these contributions aim to foster a culture of continuous learning. Below are a couple of examples:
Being an active member of online learning communities has allowed me to engage directly with learners seeking assistance. Here are a few instances where I’ve contributed by answering questions, sharing resources, and facilitating discussions:
Contributing to the learning of others has been a gratifying journey, and I have learned so much about this experience, both in my learning project, others’ learning projects, assigned posts and in classes. As I continue to share, engage, and create, my hope is to inspire a culture of mutual support and learning. Together, we can elevate each other and build a community where knowledge has no bounds.
Farewell, fellow learners
Dear cherished readers and fellow learners,
As I write down the final entry on this blog of our learning adventure, a wave of gratitude and reflection washes over me. Week by week, you’ve joined me on a journey of highs, lows, and countless discoveries. Today, I say my farewells.
Looking back at the weeks that unfolded, I’m struck by the richness of the experience. From the challenges of routines and procrastination to the triumphs of newfound study strategies and learning strategies, each entry became a space to share and learn.
To you, my crewmates on this ship, thank you for sharing this adventure with me. Your presence turned a solitary exploration into a shared experience. The comments, messages, and shared anecdotes illuminated the path, turning this blog into a safe space for sharing.
In the middle of this goodbye letter, I must share a delightful revelation. Thanks to an email I received today from Gillian van der Ven, librarian at the Archer Library, I know now three new sources of entertainment media that are free for UofR students. As finals are just around the corner, these discoveries can offer a breath from the academic hustle.
As we part ways, let me leave you with a few parting words. Embrace the journey, relish the challenges, and celebrate the victories, big and small. Learning isn’t just about absorbing information; it’s about the transformation that happens within us, shaping us into more resilient, adaptable, and curious individuals.
Whether you’re a student navigating the academic seas, a lifelong learner exploring new realms, or someone stumbling upon this blog, may your curiosity never vanish, and may the spark of inspiration guide you through every learning maze.
As I close the book on this blog, I open my heart to new chapters. The learning adventure doesn’t end here; it merely takes a different form. I encourage you to embark on your quests, armed with the lessons we’ve shared and continue the pursuit of knowledge and growth.
In saying farewell, I want you to know that this isn’t a goodbye. It’s a “see you later” in the vast digital universe. Our paths may cross again, and when they do, I hope we can share stories of continued growth and learning.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Farewell, fellow learners, and may your educational adventures be filled with endless curiosity and boundless inspiration.
With gratitude,
Ben
Assigned blog post: AI tool
There are plenty of AI tools today, so let’s dig into one of them aimed at improving students and content creators’ lives, the tool called Descript stands out as a multi-purpose platform designed for audio and video editing, transcription, and collaborative content creation. But, what use could be found in the educational landscape? 
Well, Descript has an intuitive interface and powerful editing features, which offer teachers an incredible tool for creating engaging multimedia content. With features like automatic transcription and audio editing, we teachers can enhance our teaching materials, making lessons more accessible and interactive for students.
Descript’s transcription feature can be used to create personalized learning materials. We can transcribe lectures, provide students with written content to help the different students’ learning styles, and providing accesibility for the hearing impaired students and other students who might need curricular adaptations for special needs.
One of the tool’s features is its ability to automate tasks, which means less time taking care of the content and more planing and interactions with the students.
Other feature is collaborative editing, which works as google docs collaborative writting but for media! All in real time so students can develop their teamwork skills.
The platform’s audio and video feedback features allows educators to provide personalized assessments. This improves the feedback process and ironically adds a “human touch” to remote or online learning scenarios, creating a sense of connection between teachers and students.
Some ethical considerations such as privacy and consent must be prioritized though. Educators should be mindful of the content they create, ensuring that it adheres to ethical standards and respects the privacy rights of students.
I think AI can be used in classes as long as the process is in a controlled safe space, and all the people involved has a mindful and informed approach to it. As every technological advancement, at first it application might be clunky, but with some practice and the creation and improvement of new tools, I know for certain that a new era for education will rise.
Activities after study sessions
How is it going my learning pals? This week I’m going to focus on ending intense study sessions with moments of pure relaxation. Join me as I show my way of blowing off steam and recharging my learning batteries through wholesome activities.
Let’s face it – studying marathons can be mentally straining. As the intensity of the coursework reached its peak, I found myself in need of an escape hatch, a way to shake off the academic stress and breathe in some fresh air.
Enter the simple yet profound act of going for a walk. The crisp fall air became my elixir of rejuvenation. Whether it was a short walk outside or a trip to the closest convenience store, those moments of movement cleared the mental fog and provided a fresh perspective.
Amidst the sea of textbooks, some social interaction is really helpful. Hanging out with friends became a beacon of joy, a reminder that life exists beyond the pages of my notes. Laughter, shared stories, and the warmth of companionship added vibrant colours to the sometimes monochrome world of academia.
DJ Jermbug is in the house!
As the sun set on study sessions, a different kind of adventure awaited in the virtual realm. Playing video games transformed into a therapeutic escape. The challenges within the game world provided a welcomed distraction, allowing my brain to shift gears and recharge for the next academic conquest.
It’s a bit messy but it feels like home 🙂
This week was a lesson in the art of balance. Wholesome activities weren’t just indulgences; they were necessities. They became the checkpoints in my learning journey, places to rest, rejuvenate, and gather the energy needed for the next step of the adventure.
As I closed the book this week, I realized that blowing off steam isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline. Wholesome activities – be it a walk, a laughter-filled evening with friends, or a gaming session – are the threads that weave the tapestry of a balanced, fulfilling learning experience. Let’s stick together in this learning journey, and as you already know, leave lots of love in the chatbox below!
Assigned blog post: Teaching digital literacy
What might it look like to teach about digital literacy in your subject area/grade range?
Being an EFL teacher from elementary to high school grants me great freedom to teach about digital literacy. If I work in a public school, I would need to follow the Ministry of Education guidelines, which will include at least one unit each year about responsibility over the World Wide Web. On the other hand, if I teach in a private school, I will have more freedom to add digital literacy to the program, it could, for instance, be introduced in a class about technology.
In the case of the goals of the NCTE framework, they can be achieved through communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and cultural competence in all classes. Specifically for the technology integration goals, making teamwork-oriented activities through a controlled environment on the internet seems the best way to fulfill these goals.
An idea for achieving the goals in a civic education class is to show an engaging video to students about fake newsn which forms it presents, and the dangers to society it implies. Afterwards, the class could go through one of the proposed activities we can find online, conversely, the one from Stanford History Education Group, which aims to teach students how to recognize real news from fake ones.
Mastering the semester abroad
Greetings, fellow learners and adventurers! The present week marks a milestone in my semester abroad saga. A semester abroad is like an endurance test in adaptability. As the weeks passed by, so did a transformation in the way I approached learning.
Enter YouTube, the unsung hero of my learning toolkit. Whether it’s breaking down complex concepts, offering alternative explanations, or providing real-world applications, YouTube has become my go-to guide. It’s like having a 24/7 tutor who never gets tired of answering my questions.
In this technological age, AI emerged as a powerful ally. Customized study plans, intelligent feedback, and the ability to adapt to my learning style – AI became the secret weapon in my arsenal. It’s not just about studying harder; it’s about studying smarter.
Approaching unfamiliar content used to feel like wandering through a dense fog. Now, armed with YouTube tutorials and AI-guided study sessions, the fog dissipates. Concepts that once seemed daunting now have a roadmap, and learning feels more like an exciting exploration than an intimidating task.
As these learning tools became integral to my routine, a newfound confidence blossomed. The semester abroad, once a sea of uncertainties, now feels like a conquerable landscape. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving and enjoying the learning adventure.
This last week has been a revelation of growth and adaptability. The learning skills that have emerged are not just semester-specific; they are lifelong companions. YouTube and AI have been my fellows in the way I approach new content, providing me with the tools needed to navigate the academic terrain. And as always join me next week as we keep on navigating these seas, armed with our learning techniques and a hunger for more knowledge. And don’t forget to comment!
Trying new study strategies
Good evening, fellow knowledge seekers! This week was pretty normal except for the urge to try new things, so I explored uncharted territories of learning strategies. Spoiler alert: not all strategies are created equal, but the journey itself is worth the trouble.
Ever get the feeling that your usual study routine is starting to resemble being in detention at the beginning of Breakfast Club? That was me this week. The need for a change was whispering in my ear– a thirst for fresh perspectives, and a sprinkle of motivation.
Determined to break free from the monotony, I decided to try out some new study techniques. From mind-mapping adventures to ambient sounds, each strategy became a brushstroke on the canvas of my learning experience.
I have already tried the Pomodoro technique in my first weeks of study, but I read online about Mind Mapping which can be done online. Armed with colors and creativity, I transformed dull notes into vibrant visual journeys. Mapping connections and concepts unleashed a new level of understanding and engagement.
Ever studied while surrounded by the sounds of a bustling café or a serene forest? I gave ambient sounds on this webpage a shot, and the results were surprisingly immersive. The hum of distant chatter or the rustling leaves became the background melody to my learning symphony.
Of course, not every strategy hit the bullseye. Some were more like trial-and-error misadventures. The key was to embrace the variety, recognizing that each technique contributed to the broader mosaic of my learning journey.
This week was made for experimentation. Some techniques worked for my routine, while others bid a hasty retreat. Join me next week as I reflect on the hits, misses, and the ongoing quest to hit the nail with what suits me best. And as always, leave your comments below!
Assigned blog post: Coding
Hour of Code in Code.org
Today I tried the teaching tool Rodocodo, which kids from Grade 5 can learn the basics of coding through entertaining activities.
The Key Vocabulary of the activity is sequencing, debugging, loops, and functions. These four key concepts are also the worlds of stages, each one more difficult than the last.
The tool consists of guiding a cat through different maps to help it reach its goal.
Each stage has optional stars which are earned if the code is well-optimized and it collects all coins through the map.
Each level is harder, so it proposes a challenge, but without turning extremely difficult. The absence of punishments if you fail is great for re-trying.
When you finish all stages you can obtain a custom Certificate of Completion, which is motivating!
Having so many options to teach and learn coding has greatly amazed me, the simplicity to approach difficult concepts is great, and as it is made for children, they can learn from a young age abilities that will be really useful!
Dealing with the fall season
Hey, y’all! This week brought a new challenge into the arena – the Fall season. With shorter days and the bite of coldness keeping me indoors, I found myself wrestling with sleep patterns that were as elusive as my cat chasing birds. But fear not, for every challenge comes with a solution, and this week, I found mine.
Kitty is always seeking for birds.
As the days grew shorter and the temperature dropped, so did the quality of my sleep. It felt like my internal clock was doing a tap dance routine, completely out of sync with my usual rhythm. The result? Foggy mornings, lethargic afternoons, and a learning curve that felt steeper than ever.
With the outside world turning into a chilly playground, I found myself spending more time indoors. While cozy blankets and hot cocoa were tempting, the impact on my sleep was undeniable. It became a puzzle – how to balance the comfort of indoor warmth with the need for restorative sleep?
Enter the surprising fix I found in an online source: a digital detox at night. The glow of screens, whether from laptops, TVs, or phones, had become a constant companion during my pre-bedtime routine. Little did I know, this nighttime screen binge was damaging my sleep quality.
Armed with determination, I declared war on nighttime screens. Instead of diving into the blue light abyss, I opted for old-school activities – reading a physical book, journaling, or simply basking in the soft glow of a lamp. The transition was tough, but the results were worth it.
With reduced screen time at night, the sleep gods finally smiled upon me. My nights became more restful, my mornings more energized, and my learning endeavors received a well-deserved boost. Turns out, a simple adjustment in bedtime habits could make all the difference.
This week was a lesson in adaptability. The Fall season meant a challenge for my sleep patterns, but by identifying what caused it and taking action, I regained control. Join me next week as I explore more strategies to conquer the challenges of the learning journey, armed with newfound wisdom and a commitment to restful nights.