Down the procrastination spiral again

Hey, learning squad! This last week was something. From falling into the procrastination black hole to a weekend of partying hard, this week had it all. Buckle up as we embark on this adventure with its highs, lows, and the art of bouncing back.

Ever feel like you’re sliding down a slippery slope, watching deadlines approach like an unstoppable train? Yeah, that was my week in a nutshell. Procrastination became my unwelcome companion, whispering sweet excuses as I got off the study track. It happens to the best of us, right?

In a desperate attempt to shake off the procrastination blues, I unwittingly declared the weekend a “no-study zone.” Little did I know, that declaration would turn into an invitation to not-so-healthy activities. The books collected dust while I danced away the stress, embracing the freedom of the moment.

Gioconda with dog

A beautiful painting I found at a local bar.

As the weekend hype faded away, reality hit like a shit-ton of bricks (excuse my French). The aftereffects of the party echoed in my sleep-deprived eyes and a mood that resembled a grumpy old man. Pro tip: never underestimate the power of a dance floor and its consequences on your study game.

Yet, amidst the chaos, a strange sense of confidence emerged. I realized this detour into procrastination and partying was an obstacle to the learning race, not a wall. Sure, it messed with my sleep and mood for a couple of days, but as I read in a blog online, I knew it wouldn’t define my overall performance.

This week taught me that setbacks are inevitable. Procrastination and party detours may pack a punch, but they don’t have to be game-changers. Instead, they become opportunities to reassess, recalibrate, and come back stronger.

As more weeks fade into the rearview mirror, I’m taking the lessons with me. Procrastination happens, and parties are a blast, but the key is not to let them dictate the narrative. Join me next week as I embark on a renewed journey, armed with newfound resilience and a determination to conquer the learning curve, one adventure at a time.

Assigned blog post: Cyber safety

Cyber safety was not a thing we talked about in our schools if I can recall correctly, often when the classroom moved to a computer lab room, the kids who had computers in their homes downloaded portable games to plug-in and play during classes.
Those who were not as proficient with computers simply played web-browser games when bored, as long as the teacher didn’t notice it was fun. I guess we as students took advantage of having been born during more technologically advanced times.

But I remember watching cyber security videos on YouTube and later on TV, back then it was enough to keep me from being groomed online. But it wasn’t real education toward proper ethical use of the internet.

As for today, I think the best way to keep people safe over the internet is good education, using the tools in controlled environments, so we can avoid the mistakes of the past of letting kids roam the seven seas of the net alone, warning them of the dangers without giving them the tools to avoid them.

Balancing my student life

Hey, learning warriors! This week threw me into the ultimate balancing act – between pumping iron at the gym, conquering homework mountains, maintaining friendships, and being there for my girlfriend halfway across the world. Spoiler alert: it’s not as glamorous as it sounds. Let me tell you about the struggle and triumph of finding equilibrium.

Ever try running on a treadmill while pondering the mysteries of terrorism throughout the nineteenth century? It’s a special kind of multitasking challenge. This week, the gym became my battleground for physical strength and mental acrobatics. Balancing the quest for gains with the demands of academia was like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded.

As assignments piled up, I found myself juggling due dates like a circus performer with flaming torches. Each task asks for attention, demanding to be the stars of the show. Prioritization became the name of the game – a dance of deciding what needed immediate attention and what could wait for the grand finale.

Amidst the chaos, I realized friendships needed intentional effort. Late-night study sessions turned into laughter-filled pool breaks. It became about quality over quantity, squeezing meaningful connections into the spaces between deadlines and dumbbell curls.

Me playing pool with the boys

Me playing pool with the boys

Add a sprinkle of long-distance relationship challenges, and the balancing act reached a new level. My girlfriend, patiently waiting for a text on the other side of the world, deserved my time and attention. Balancing the present with the future, I learned the delicate art of being present in every conversation, even with thousands of kilometers between us.

Week six was a crash course in the art of prioritization. Energy levels became my currency, and time turned into a precious commodity. Each decision felt like placing a bet – which task deserved the biggest slice of the pie? The struggle was real, but so was the satisfaction of making it all work.

Balancing the demands of the gym, homework, friendships, and a long-distance relationship felt like walking a tightrope without a safety net. Yet, in the midst of the chaos, I discovered the power of prioritization and the resilience that comes with juggling life’s many facets. Join me next week as I continue the adventure, mastering the art of balance one day at a time.

Assigned blog post: internet revolution reflection

The world has changed, and new young generations are online more than ever. How will this affect future classrooms? Well, kids and teenagers are more used to being bombarded with information all the time, in various formats and full of movement, text, music and flashy images.

Sadly, in lower-income homes, the amount of time spent online is more than necessary, this means that in lower resources schools, students’ attention spans will be lower than the average.

This is a challenge that universities are already embracing, introducing courses such as Educational Technology in the future teachers’ curricula. This and continuous learning of teachers to adequate to modern times are two important factors to keep students engaged in their education in the future.

There are already many ways in which education has evolved, we as teachers try to make liberating education, where students seek what they want to learn, and the teacher stops being some sort of lecturer and starts being a guide to achieve higher degrees of knowledge, rather than memorizing what it is written on a whiteboard for instance.

At last, I think it is fundamental to keep a balance between what we can achieve through a screen (which is plenty), and what we can do physically, with our own hands. There are different approaches to the whole diversity of school curricula, so as long as teachers keep themselves informed, equilibrium will be achieved.

Image by Iconic Bestiary – Shutterstock

Talking about Douglas Adams in our Reactions to Technology, I agree with his ideas. It is only logical that past certain age milestones, we change our perspective on new things.

Also, taking into consideration the report: “Teens, Social Media and Technology 2022” by Emily A. Vogels, Risa Gelles-Watnick, And Navid Massarat, the statistics can be kind of scary, especially for older parents, caretakers and teachers; because everything is changing so fast, and technology, internet and social media have a main role in everyone. But I know for sure that some basic technology literacy will be enough for most people to not feel excluded from everyday changes.

Although a little bit old, Wesch’s video “An anthropological introduction to YouTube“, shows a very insightful approach to how new people-generated media replaced normal TV in popularity, and became a way to reflect our world, and even shape it. In my opinion, this is a very ahead of its time perspective, and now more than ever can be seen in reality.

Unleashing the power of healthy habits

Hey, fellow learners! Week five marked a turning point in my learning journey. After wrestling with distractions and dancing with procrastination, I decided it was time to do something about it. This week was all about embracing habits that not only make me a better student, but also a healthier, happier version of myself.

Let’s talk about the secret hero of learning – sleep. I used to think burning the midnight oil was the secret to success, but boy, was I wrong. This week, I made a pact with my bed, and the results were mind-blowing. Quality sleep isn’t just a luxury; it’s a game-changer.

Say goodbye to the study snacks of champions (meaning: endless bags of chips). I embarked on a mission to fuel my brain with the good stuff. Leafy greens, brain-boosting dark chocolate, and the occasional protein shake – who knew that eating well could taste so good and enhance my learning quality?

Salad photo

One of my scrumptious salads

Full disclosure: I’ve had a complicated relationship with the gym. But this week, I decided to give it another shot. Turns out, the treadmill is a fantastic place for brainstorming, and lifting weights is the perfect antidote to study stress. Who knew that breaking a sweat could make me feel like a learning superhero?

Treadmill at the gym

💪💪💪

Incorporating these habits into my daily routine wasn’t just about checking boxes; it was about crafting a lifestyle that supports my learning goals. Waking up rested, eating mindfully, and getting my body moving – these simple acts became the pillars of my day.

As the week unfolded, I could feel the positive effects. My focus sharpened, my energy levels soared, and my enthusiasm for learning reached new heights. It turns out that being a better learner isn’t just about hitting the books; it’s about taking care of the body and mind that carry those books.

Week five was a revelation. By prioritizing sleep, revamping my diet, and embracing the gym life, I transformed not only my study habits but my entire approach to learning. Join me next week as I explore more strategies and continue this journey toward becoming the best version of myself, one healthy habit at a time. And don’t forget to leave a comment!

Another week of driving myself to learn

Hey, learning warriors! Welcome back to the rollercoaster ride of my learning journey. Week four was a real eye-opener, and not because of the best reasons ever. Nope, this week was all about wrestling with distractions, dancing with procrastination, and trying not to die by the study struggle.

Let’s be real – distractions are like sneaky ninjas that show up when you least expect them. One moment, I’m deep in the study zone, and the next, I’m in a YouTube rabbit hole, wondering how I got there. Social media, funny cat videos, playing hockey outside with the boys – you name it, I’ve succumbed to it.

Picture of the blog writer in full hockey garments.

Me doing anything but homework.

Procrastination, my old friend. It’s not that I enjoy waiting until the last minute; it just feels like my brain is playing a not-so-funny prank on me. Why start now when I can totally do it later? Spoiler alert: “later” doesn’t always go as planned.

Can we talk about the days when every inch of me rebels against the thought of opening a textbook? It’s like my brain throws a party, celebrating the art of not being there. Overcoming that resistance feels like trying to move a mountain. Maybe a mountain range to be precise.

Despite the chaos of distractions and the procrastination dance, I’m learning a crucial lesson – it’s okay not to be perfect. Procrastination is something natural that has to be dealt with, so beating myself up over every pitfall doesn’t help. Instead, I’m trying a new dance move: the forgiveness ballet. Forgive, learn, and get back on that study horse.

Week four was a wild ride through the distraction jungle and the procrastination playground. But you know what? Embracing the messy moments is all part of the learning game. Next week, I’m gearing up to tackle these study struggles, armed with new strategies and a fresh perspective. Stick around as we turn the struggle into triumph, and as always, feel free to comment!

 

Making progress

Hello everyone! In my journey to learn how to learn, the third week brought about a revelation that significantly impacted my ability to drive myself toward productivity. As someone who grapples with ADHD, finding strategies to maintain focus has been an ongoing challenge. However, I stumbled upon a game-changing realization that has been a beacon of productivity for me.

One of the key insights that emerged during this week was the profound impact of my surroundings on my ability to concentrate. As one of the sources I read on the internet said, choosing a good environment when studying is crucial to learning. Knowing that a cluttered and distracting environment can easily pull me away from tasks, I decided to experiment with my study environment. And the Archer Library became my favorite place.

I embarked on a mission to spend at least an hour at the Archer Library daily. The quietness, quality of light sources, and neatness of the environment just captivated me. By intentionally immersing myself in this conducive environment, I found that my ability to make meaningful progress on assignments was less painful.

Establishing a routine of visiting the library daily played a crucial role in training my mind to transition into a focused state. It wasn’t just about completing assignments but cultivating a habit of productive work. The consistent, dedicated hour at the library became a cornerstone of my daily routine, providing structure to my day and a clear signal to my brain that it was time to get to work.

As the third week unfolded, I found myself not just making progress on assignments but also fostering a sense of empowerment over my learning journey. The Archer Library, with its serene atmosphere, became a catalyst for my productivity. This week’s lesson was clear: by understanding and adapting to my own needs, I could create an environment that fosters focus, turning my daily tasks into meaningful accomplishments.

Join me next week as I dive further into the strategies and revelations that continue to shape my quest to learn how to learn. And please feel free to make comments, which are always welcomed and valued!

Assigned blog post: New tool

Hey fellow educators!

Today, let’s talk about a tool that’s been making waves in social media: TikTok!  This platform, known for its short and engaging videos, can be a powerful tool for engaging students. Let’s get into it!

TikTok, with its dynamic and visually appealing content, has the potential to captivate the attention of students and turn any topic into an engaging learning experience with its top-notch built in video editor. From quick science experiments to historical recreations, the possibilities are endless. Let’s break down how TikTok aligns with different levels of the SAMR Model:

  • Substitution:
    – Traditional Approach: Students read about historical events.
    – TikTok Integration: Students recreate short historical moments on video, substituting written assignments with creative visual storytelling.
  • Augmentation:
    – Traditional Approach: Students write a summary of a book.
    – TikTok Integration: Students create a TikTok book review, changing the traditional summary for an engaging video with visuals, narration, and creativity.
  • Modification:
    – Traditional Approach: Students give presentations with slides.
    – TikTok Integration: Students create dynamic TikTok presentations, modifying the conventional format to make it more engaging and interactive.
  • Redefinition:
    – Traditional Approach: Students write essays on social issues.
    – TikTok Integration: Students produce video reviews on social issues, evolving their role from writers to creators of impactful multimedia content.

Benefits of using TikTok in the classroom:

TikTok’ is more visually appealing than other forms of media, it encourages students to think creatively, making students create their own learning. It also prepares students for the digital era, and, if they work in pairs or groups, they will develop social skills and teamwork.

Although it is a great tool, there are some things to take into consideration. Given that TikTok is a social media app, it is important to raise awareness of privacy and safety, give proper instructions to keep it learning-related, academic focused, and avoid distractions.

Let’s dig into a basic image tutorial I prepared just for you!

First of all, you have to press the + button at the bottom of the screen. (You might need to log in for that)

From now on is your choice. Record yourself using the big red circle at the bottom, or choose a piece of media from your phone by touching the “Upload” button at the bottom right corner!

After recording yourself or picking a file from your phone, you can add filters, voice-over, captions, Sounds, Text, Stickers, and Effects! The sky is the limit!

Now let’s play with the editor! Here you have plenty of options to create a video, just like a pro!

Incorporating TikTok into your teaching strategy may initially seem unconventional, but when done responsibly, it can revolutionize how we engage and educate our students. Have you tried using TikTok or similar apps in your classroom? Please share your experiences and let’s explore the possibilities together!

First couple of weeks of studies

Hello my fellow readers, how has your week been going on? Mine has been okay, I already had my first grade, a 5/10. Looking at it in perspective, I committed various mistakes regarding the importance of my own opinion in the assignment and used some words that I didn’t know had a negative connotation. But looking at it on the positive side, errors are learning opportunities, so I know that I am going to do better on the next assignments.

Throughout this week I had many studying opportunities and learned that studying in a group has its pros and cons, such as I can be easily distracted, but at the same time it feels like being in a group of people doing the same thing as me helps me concentrate, I still have mixed opinions about it but definitely will give another try.

How do you manage study? As always, I would love suggestions and tips!

Assigned blog post: Tech Habits

Hey everyone! 👋

I wanted to share a little something about my journey in finding the right balance between social media and productivity. Lately, I’ve noticed that I spend a bit too much time on Instagram and TikTok, and it’s been affecting my ability to focus on important tasks.

Graphic by Lightly Stranded – Adobe Stock.

To combat this, I’ve integrated a couple of tools into my routine that have really helped me stay organized. My go-to apps are Google Calendar and the clock app on my phone. I already used Calendar, but I found a blog post about all the uses it can have and now is a better tool for me. These tools have become essential in helping me stick to my schedule and manage assignments effectively. My specific strategy? I annotate every task on my phone, creating a visual roadmap for my day.

Graphic by Google

One of the biggest challenges I face is the constant barrage of notifications from social media apps. To minimize these distractions, I’ve embraced the do not disturb mode on my phone. It’s a game-changer, allowing me to concentrate on my work without being tempted by the ping of notifications.

To gain insight into my app usage patterns, I rely on the Digital Wellbeing feature on my Android device. This feature helps me analyze how much time I’m dedicating to entertainment apps versus productive ones. It’s a useful tool for self-reflection and helps me make informed decisions about where I should focus my energy.

Finding the right balance between social media and productivity is an ongoing process, but incorporating these tools into my routine has made a significant difference. If you’re looking for ways to enhance your focus and productivity, give these strategies a try! How do you manage your time and stay organized? Let’s share some tips!