My Hour of Code Experience with Code Monkey Blocks Jumper

Introduction

For my Hour of Code activity, I chose Code Monkey Blocks Jumper, a game -based coding challenge that teaches programming logic through block-based coding. The goal was to help a monkey reach a star by giving it movement commands and adjusting the game environment.

My Progress & Challenges

I started with excitement, but I quickly realized that some exercises were trickier than expected!

  • Exercise 7: I got stuck for a while. The instructions were there, but they weren’t entirely clear. After several attempts, I realized that changing the speed of the monkey helped me pass the level, even though speed adjustment wasn’t mentioned in the instructions.
  • Exercise 9: This one asked me to delete some tiles to create gaps. However, the instructions didn’t clearly explain how to remove them. After some trial and error, I discovered that using the eraser tool worked, and I was able to continue.      These moments were frustrating, but I learned the importance of experimenting and problem-solving when coding.

What I Learned                                                                                                          Coding requires patience and persistence. Even when instructions aren’t clear, trying different approaches helps.

Debugging is part of the process. Sometimes, what seems like an error is actually just an opportunity to tweak and improve the code.

Thinking outside the box can be useful. Adjusting the monkey’s speed wasn’t mentioned, but it ended up being the key to solving Exercise 7.

My Thoughts on Coding

I had so much fun doing this activity! Even though I got stuck a few times, I really enjoyed figuring out the puzzles and watching my monkey successfully reach the star. It felt rewarding every time I solved a tricky challenge.

Is Coding Important?

I believe coding is an important skill, even if you’re not planning to become a programmer. It teaches:
Problem-solving – Figuring out errors and solutions.
Logical thinking – Understanding how small steps lead to a final goal.
Creativity – Finding different ways to solve a problem (like adjusting speed when it wasn’t in the instructions!).

My Achievement: Jumpy Ride! 🎉   

I completed the Block Jumper mini-course and earned the Jumpy Ride achievement! 🎖️ It feels great to complete the challenge and see how much I’ve learned.

 

Conclusion                                                       

Despite the challenges, this experience was fun and rewarding! I learned that coding isn’t just about following instructions—it’s about experimenting, making mistakes, and improving. I’m glad I stuck with it, and I’d love to try more coding activities in the future.

Teaching Digital Literacy: Developing Critical Thinkers in the Digital Age

In today’s digital world, misinformation and biased content are everywhere. Teaching students how to critically engage with digital media is essential to ensuring they become informed citizens. Digital literacy goes beyond recognizing fake news—it involves evaluating sources, understanding bias, and responsibly creating and sharing information.

Teaching Digital Literacy in My Subject Area

In my classroom, I would incorporate digital literacy by helping students through source evaluation, media bias analysis, and fact-checking exercises. Another effective way to do this is through a news comparison activity, where students can analyze multiple articles or news at the same event. Media Bias Chart can assist them to identify biases in different news sources and discuss how language, images, and framing shape narratives.

To build engagement, I would also incorporate interactive quizzes like Spot the Troll and Break the Fake, which assist students to identify misleading accounts and misinformation tactics. These activities would help students recognize the persuasive strategies used in digital media.

Making Connections to Key Articles and Resources

There are several articles and resources that  support the importance of teaching digital literacy in the classroom.

1. Stanford Study: The Need for Digital Literacy Education

According to the Stanford Study, students have difficulty assessing online information and frequently are unable to discern between trustworthy sources and deceptive content. This demonstrates why fact-checking and lateral reading techniques require specific teaching. I would address this in my classroom by implementing Mike Caulfield’s Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers, which teaches students how to use strategies like reverse image searches and lateral reading to verify sources.

2. Media Manipulation and Disinformation Online: Understanding Bias and Misinformation

This article examines how digital platforms frequently reinforce biases and affect public opinion by false and  misleading information. I would walk students through actual instances of misinformation in the real world using Claire Wardle’s 7 Types of Mis- and Dis-Information paradigm to assist them in analyzing these strategies. The Grade 8 ELA outcome (CR8.5), which focuses on spotting bias, prejudice, and distortions in information sources, is directly supported by this.

3. How Do We Teach Students to Identify Fake News? (EdCan Fact Sheet)

This resource describes useful methods for teaching digital literacy, such as evaluating sources, asking probing questions, and comprehending how algorithms influence online experiences. Comparing social media algorithms and how they affect the information people view online is one method to include these tactics. This has a direct bearing on the NCTE Framework, which highlights the importance of students interacting with a variety of viewpoints and challenging sources.

Lesson Connections to Curriculum Outcomes

1. Grade 8 ELA: CR8.5

Outcome: View, listen to, read, and respond to a variety of texts that address identity, social responsibility, and transformation.
Indicator: Identify bias, prejudice, and distortions in information sources (e.g., news articles, videos, websites).

💡 Lesson Idea:

Using the Media Bias Chart, students can compare different news sources covering the same event, identifying perspectives and biases. Additionally, engaging in fact-checking activities using Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers (Mike Caulfield) reinforces research and source evaluation skills.

2. Grade 9 ELA: CC9.3 – Compose and Create

Outcome: Select and use appropriate strategies to communicate meaning before, during, and after speaking, writing, and other representing activities.
Indicator:  Recognize and apply strategies for evaluating and citing sources to ensure accuracy, credibility, and ethical communication in various formats, including digital media.

💡 Lesson Idea:
In a Grade 9 ELA unit on digital media literacy, students could explore how digital content influences public opinion and communication. They would analyze various digital posts, identifying manipulative strategies used to mislead audiences. Through a “Spot the Troll” quiz, students would practice recognizing deceptive online personas, linking this to discussions on the ethical implications of digital communication.

Students would then create their own digital content, such as a social media post or blog entry, applying strategies for evaluating and citing sources accurately to ensure their message is credible and ethically sound. They would revise their drafts, focusing on audience and purpose, ensuring all elements support the main idea while reflecting a deep understanding of how information is shared and manipulated online.

Incorporating the NCTE Framework

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Framework emphasizes that students must be both critical consumers and responsible creators of digital content. Lessons would focus on:

🔹 Engaging with multiple perspectives: Using How to Choose Your News (TED-Ed), students explore how different media outlets frame stories.


🔹 Questioning and analyzing sources: Applying 7 Types of Mis- and Dis-Information by Claire Wardle, students categorize misleading content.


🔹 Creating responsible digital content: Students compose their own news articles—one fact-based and one intentionally misleading—then analyze how misinformation spreads by drawing connections to “The Problem with Fake News” (John Spencer Video).

 

Final Thoughts: Why Digital Literacy Matters

It is essential to teach kids how to critically interact with digital media since disinformation is influencing public debate. Through the use of reliable fact-checking sources, tools for analyzing bias, and stimulating activities, we may enable children to develop into responsible, intelligent, and thoughtful digital citizens.

Crocheting a Floral Coaster: A New and Exciting Project

While having breakfast and sitting at the dining table, I was thinking about my next crochet project. Suddenly, I looked at the coaster in front of me and got an idea—why not crochet a coaster myself? I immediately searched YouTube for tutorials and found a beautiful floral coaster design that I liked. Excited by the idea, I decided to make the same one.

I started with a magic ring. I had made a magic ring before for my crochet snake plant, but this one was different. Instead of the method I previously used, this pattern required ten double crochets (DC) in the ring. Each round had a different number of increases in single crochet (SC), which I initially found confusing. However, after watching the video multiple times and carefully following the pattern, I was finally able to get it right.

For the flower, I used violet-colored yarn to make the sepals and petals, while for the stem, I chose green yarn. This was my first time crocheting flowers, and I learned how to shape them using double crochet stitches.

This time, instead of posting pictures, I made a short video using the CapCut app, which is pretty easy to use, It offers features like trimming, adding text, filters, transitions, music, and effects .I created this video using this app within seconds. You can even hear the background noise of my baby since he was right there while I was making video.

Reflection on My Learning Experience

At first, I felt a bit nervous, wondering whether I would be able to complete the coaster successfully. However, as the project started taking shape, my confidence grew. To my surprise, the final result turned out exactly like the one shown in the tutorial. It was a really fun experience to make a flower for the first time—especially because I love flowers! I was super excited about crocheting the petal details. Although I found the petals a bit difficult to make at first, after retrying them a few times, I got the pattern right. Completing this coaster boosted my confidence in crochet, and I feel more comfortable trying out new patterns.

Reflection on the YouTube Tutorial

I really liked how the tutorial explained everything from start to finish. Each time the instructor completed a round, she showed the stitches and counted them to ensure they were correct. This made it much easier to follow the pattern accurately. Additionally, she demonstrated the detailed pattern for the petals, sepals, and stem, which was very helpful.

One thing that confused me was the subtitles. The pattern for each round was shown in the text, but instead of writing the number of single crochets (SC) required, the tutorial used “DC” (double crochet) in the instructions. This was misleading at first, but after carefully observing the video, I realized the correct pattern. Despite this small confusion, the tutorial was incredibly helpful in guiding me through the process.

Final Thoughts

This project was a great learning experience. Not only did I gain confidence in my crochet skills, but I also discovered how much I enjoy making floral designs. I’m looking forward to trying more crochet projects, and maybe even experimenting with different flower patterns in the future!

💬 What do you think I should try making for my next crochet project? Let me know in the comments!

Balancing Digital Freedom and Accountability: Exploring the Right to Be Forgotten

Every action we do on the internet leaves a digital trail, which in certain situations may follow us for the rest of our lives. A frustrated post or a mistake from years ago may reappear and impact relationships, employment prospects, and college admissions. This raises the question: Should people be able to remove specific elements of their digital history?

Answering this question involves a delicate balance between personal responsibility and the right to control one’s own digital narrative. While it is important to recognize the potential harm caused by the permanence of digital footprints, there also needs to be an understanding that erasing certain aspects of digital history could undermine transparency and accountability.

Nathan Jurgenson (2012) argues that our digital lives are an extension of our real lives, challenging the idea that the internet is a distinct universe. He criticizes the propensity to view online behavior as “less real,” even when it has long-term repercussions. The “right to be forgotten” is a legal notion that permits anyone to request that outdated or harmful online information be removed. This is in keeping with the debate around this idea. Protecting people’s freedom to create their digital identities ought to be a fundamental right if we agree with Jurgenson’s contention that digital environments are inextricably linked to real life.

Jason Ohler urges students to be proactive and accountable in their online contacts, emphasizing that ethical decision-making should be at the heart of digital citizenship. His argument emphasizes the need for students to exercise critical thinking before participating in online accountability initiatives or disclosing personal information, which is particularly pertinent when thinking about issues like cyber-vigilantism and digital footprints. Ohler’s viewpoint supports the notion that digital behavior has long-term effects, highlighting the significance of incorporating conversations about digital ethics into regular education rather than teaching them as stand-alone subjects. By integrating this mindset, educators can help students develop a responsible and reflective approach to their digital presence, ensuring they understand both their rights, such as the ability to control aspects of their digital history, and their responsibilities as online participants.

To deepen our understanding of digital footprints and the ethical implications of managing our online presence, the video by Kaspersky: What is Digital Footprint and How to Protect It. It explains the concept of a digital footprint, how it’s created, and offers practical tips for protecting personal information online. It ties in well with the discussions on digital ethics, the importance of protecting one’s online identity, and the broader conversation on the right.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, as we continue to navigate the digital world, it is vital to recognize that online actions have far-reaching implications. While individuals should have the right to manage and remove harmful aspects of their digital footprints, this right must be balanced with the need for accountability and transparency. Digital ethics should be incorporated into everyday education to help individuals understand their rights, responsibilities, and the potential consequences of their online actions. Ultimately, fostering a balanced approach to digital citizenship can ensure that individuals can navigate the complexities of the digital world with integrity and responsibility.

Assembling the Snake plant

This week, I focused on bringing my crochet snake plant closer to completion by working on three key elements: making the dirt, stuffing the pot, and assembling the leaves.

Creating the Dirt                                                                                                               

To give my plant a realistic base, I crocheted a circular piece to resemble to the soil. Finding the right size was a bit tricky—I had to make sure it fit snugly into the pot     while also leaving enough space for the leaves. After experimenting with different stitch counts, I finally achieved the right shape and texture. Assembling the plant                                                                                                        In this step I will attach the leaves to the dirt. I arranged in dirt carefully to create  a natural, full look. Some leaves needed reinforcement with wire to help them stand upright. I put them securely into the dirt base, making sure they were evenly spaced and well-balanced.

 Stuffing the Pot                                                                                                                  To ensure the pot maintains its structure, I cut a cardboard of same of the base of pot and then filled it with fiberfill. I initially used a small amount, but I realized it wasn’t providing enough support. After adding more stuffing and pressing it evenly, the pot took on a sturdy, well-shaped form. This step was important because it prevents the pot from collapsing and helps the plant stand upright.

After assembling the leaves and stuffing the pot, my crochet snake plant is finally taking shape. Here’s a look at how it all came together before the final touches.”Reflection on the Process                                                                                      Adjusting the stuffing amount and experimenting with different attachment methods for the leaves helped me understand the importance of structure in crochet projects. I also learned that small tweaks, such as adding more stitches for stability, can make a big difference in the final look.

I really appreciated how the blogger explained this part of the process. She used a diagram to show exactly where to place the leaves for a more elegant and balanced arrangement. The pictures she included—showing each leaf being added one by one from different angles—made it so much easier to understand the concept of assembly. These visual aids helped me gain a clearer perspective on how to arrange the leaves for the most realistic and polished look.

This is how I completed my first crochet project .I’d love to hear your thoughts in comments and any tips you might have for future crochet projects.

Pot for my Snake Plant

This week, my focus was on completing the crochet pot for my snake plant. After searching for different resources, I finally found a pattern that worked well for the pot, and I was determined to finish the project. I used a combination of YouTube tutorials, blogs, and even a crochet e-book which guided me through the process.

Working Through the Challenges

The main challenge of this week was shaping the pot and ensuring that the stitches were consistent. I had to keep my tension even to avoid any unnecessary stretching, especially when crocheting in the round. At first, I faced some issues with the size as it was not perfectly round. However, through patience and troubleshooting, I successfully adapted the pattern, using a combination of stitch counts and different techniques to achieve the right shape.

Adding different colored yarn

To make my pot stand out, I decided to make an addition to the pattern by using two different yarns. This gave the pot a unique, two-toned look, adding more character and texture. The combination of yarn colors provided a nice contrast that made the pot more visually interesting, and it was a fun way to personalize the project.

Finding an E-book for crocheting

I relied on a variety of resources to help me with the pot construction:

  • YouTube Tutorials: The tutorials I used earlier were helpful, gave me a solid foundation to start from.

  • Blogs: I researched for a blog , it helped me to understand more about stitch consistency and how to adjust tension.
  • E-Book: I also found a helpful e-book titled Whimsical Stitches, which included patterns for planters that were similar to what I needed. The e-book provided clear, detailed instructions that helped me to revolve the issue of shape of pot as there is clear description for number and type of stiches in each row, material required, abbreviations, pattern notes which assisted me to complete my pot.

My Reflection on the Learning Process

Looking back on this process, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. While there were moments of frustration, especially when things didn’t turn out as planned, I pushed through with perseverance and curiosity. I learned that crochet is a journey of trial and error, and the key is to not give up.

Next week, I will create the dirt for the plant, stuff the pot with fiberfill to give it proper shape, and assemble the leaves.

Approaching Digital Citizenship in My Classroom

Approaching Digital Citizenship in My Classroom

I aim to empower students as responsible, ethical, and critical digital citizens by embedding digital citizenship across subjects rather than isolating it as a separate unit. Students must learn ethical awareness, responsibility, and develop critical thinking skills for healthy digital interactions.

Jason Ohler’s argument that ethics should be the foundation of digital decision-making and Nathan Jurgenson’s critique of the online vs. offline divide will shape my approach, ensuring that students see digital engagement as an extension of their real-world responsibilities.

Pupils Using Mobile Image & Photo (Free Trial) | Bigstock

Connection to Ohler & Jurgenson’s Perspectives

According to Ohler, we need to include character education in digital spaces because virtual environments have the same social impact as traditional face-to-face encounters. Digital citizenship should incorporate ethical decision-making to help students build moral principles for both online and offline environments.  I would integrate his ideas by embedding ethical dilemmas into my lessons (e.g., “What would you do if you saw cyberbullying?” or “How do we handle misinformation?”).

  • Nathan Jurgenson’s “The IRL Fetish”
    Jurgenson disputes the belief that online interactions hold less meaningful value than those conducted in person. He illustrates how digital technology permeates every aspect of our daily life which necessitates students to learn about the genuine effects of their digital choices. I would make sure that in-person learning and digital engagement are not separate, but as an integrated tool for thinking, collaborating, and learning , like books, discussions, and hands-on activities. Instead of seeing digital spaces as “less real,” I would embed online activities like online discussions, collaborative digital projects, and research assignments alongside traditional classroom activities, which will assist the students to understand that digital environments serve as legitimate areas for educational exploration and imaginative growth as well as social networking.

Electronic Technology in Schools: Responsible and Ethical Use and Access | ETFO Voice

By embedding digital citizenship across subjects, students will:
✅ Able to develop ethical decision-making skills in real-world digital contexts.
✅ Students need to learn critical online information analysis when working on their different subjects.
✅ Students will understand that online actions have real consequences, fostering responsible behavior.
✅  Students will learn that the internet functions as a fully integrated dimension of contemporary existence instead of viewing it separately from their other life activities

This method helps students internalize digital citizenship principles naturally, rather than memorizing rules in a disconnected lesson.

Embedding Digital Citizenship Across Subjects (Examples)

  • In English and Social Studies, students can practice digital literacy by fact-checking online sources and analyzing bias in digital media.
  • In Science and Math, they can discuss ethical data use and digital security to protect personal information in research.
  • In collaborative projects, students will practice digital etiquette by engaging in respectful discussions and providing constructive feedback online.

Teaching the 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship

I will address the nine elements of digital citizenship through activities embedded in daily learning:

Element Application in the Classroom
Digital Access Discuss the digital divide and find ways to make sure equal access.
Digital Commerce Analyze online advertising, discuss ethical consumerism, and evaluate persuasive digital marketing techniques.
Digital Communication Compare tone and intent in in-person vs. online discussions, emphasizing responsible online communication.
Digital Literacy Teach students to verify online sources, identify misinformation, and critically evaluate digital media.
Digital Etiquette Establish classroom norms for respectful online interactions and hold students accountable for their digital behavior.
Digital Law Discuss plagiarism, copyright laws, and ethical content creation in research and class assignments.
Digital Rights & Responsibilities Motivate students to reflect on their digital footprint and their role in maintaining a positive online presence.
Digital Health & Wellness Address screen time management, online stress, and strategies for maintaining a balance between digital and real-world life.
Digital Security Teach students to recognize scams, use strong passwords, and protect their personal information.

 

 

Crocheting the Base of the Pot: Overcoming Challenges

This week, I began working on the base of my crochet pot by following a video tutorial, excited to see how it would take shape.

The tutorial first introduced the magic ring technique before moving on to the base. In This tutorial she used a stitch marker to keep track of rounds. Since I didn’t have an actual stitch marker, I initially used a piece of white-colored yarn to mark my stitches.

After completing two rounds, I noticed that my base was curling at the edges, but I continued to round three, hoping it would flatten out. However, the curling persisted, making me realize that something was wrong.

To troubleshoot, I searched for additional resources and remade the magic ring, continuing with the same tutorial. Unfortunately, after three rounds, the base still turned wavy and curled at the edges. I found another video on making a crochet pot, but it didn’t help me resolve my issue.  Feeling frustrated, I revisited the blog I had used for making the leaves, but it did not have any information on creating a flat circular base. I also realized that I had to replace the white yarn marker frequently, which was quite tedious. After experimenting with alternatives, I found that using a bobby pin was a much easier and more effective solution. It stayed in place securely and was easy to move as I progressed through each round, making my crocheting process much smoother.

Determined to find a solution, I explored multiple videos, trying different approaches. Eventually, I found a tutorial that explained the technique in greater detail.

I realized that adjusting the stitch count could help keep the base flat. Instead of using six single crochets (SC) in the magic ring, I increased the count to eight stitches and switched from single crochet (SC) to double crochet (DC) for the rounds.

These modifications finally helped me create a flat and stable base after struggling through several attempts!

Reflection on My Learning Process

This experience taught me the importance of patience and problem-solving while learning a new skill. At first, I felt discouraged when my base kept curling despite following the tutorial. However, by exploring multiple resources, comparing techniques, and making adjustments, I was able to identify the problem and find a solution. Through trial and error, I learned that adjusting stitch count and stitch type can make a big difference in shaping a crochet piece. This process made me appreciate the flexibility of crochet—there’s often more than one way to achieve the same outcome!

Reflection on YouTube Tutorials
While working on the base of my crochet pot, I relied on multiple YouTube tutorials, each offering a different experience.

The first tutorial was helpful in demonstrating the steps visually, but it lacked a clear explanation of how to properly increase stitch count in the third row.

The second tutorial was too fast-paced, as the instructor quickly demonstrated a single stitch and then skipped ahead to show the final result. This made it hard to follow along, and I struggled to understand the exact technique she used.

Finally, the last tutorial provided the clearest instructions. The instructor explained each step in detail, demonstrated the process slowly, and even included written instructions within the video. This combination of visual and written guidance made it much easier to understand the pattern and correct my mistakes.

Completing the Shape and Detailing of Snake Plant Leaves

This week, I worked on wiring and edging to give my crochet snake plant a structured and polished look                                                                                                              1. Preparing the Wire for Each Leaf:

    1. I cut three wire lengths—10 inches for small leaves, 12 inches for medium,  and 14 inches for large leaves.
    2. Bending the wire slightly (without pinching it) gave the   leaves a natural curve.

2.  Adding the Edging for a Clean Finish:

I started by watching the video, which introduced the concept of edging, but it  didn’t provide much detail on the actual process. To learn how to properly create a neat border, I followed the  tutorial, which explained the importance of adding three stitches at the corners to keep the edges looking clean and even.

 

 

I also looked at the blog from last week, which helped                                         reinforce my understanding of the different stitch techniques used in leaf formation.

I applied these techniques to my snake plant leaves to ensure the border looked uniform and professional.

Reflections on This Week’s Learning:

At first, I found it really difficult to hold the wire and yarn together while crocheting. During my first attempt, the wire that I left at the end accidentally got inserted into the leaf, making it look messy and uneven.

After struggling with this, I turned to different resources to troubleshoot my issue. The first video I watched provided a visual guide for adding edging but didn’t go into enough detail about how to hold and manage the wire properly. This led me to search for additional tutorials, and that’s when I found the second video, which focused specifically on creating neat and professional-looking borders.

This second resource was incredibly helpful because it explained why adding extra stitches at the corners is necessary to prevent tight or uneven edges. After watching it, I tried again, and this time, my edges looked much neater, and the wire stayed in place properly. This experience reinforced how valuable it is to explore multiple resources when learning a new skill.

Now that the leaves are wired and edged, I’m excited to make planter/ pot for my snake plant next week.

Snake Plant Crochet: Leaf Creation & Learning Reflections

This week, I focused on making the leaves for my crochet snake plant. Since the plant has three sizes of leaves (small, medium, and large) and two striping variations, I wanted to challenge myself by making all the different types for added character.

Steps I Followed

1.Practicing Consistency:                                                      Stitch Tension: I focused on keeping my tension even so that all the leaves looked smooth and well-formed. Uneven tension could make some leaves stiffer or looser than others.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Size & Shape Matching: To ensure all my leaves were proportionate, I frequently compared them side by side, adjusting my stitches as needed to maintain uniformity.

 

 

 

2. Following the Leaf Pattern:
I started by crocheting the small, medium, and large leaves for my snake plant. The original pattern included striping variations, but I kept it simple by using one solid color for all my leaves. This made it easier to focus on the structure and technique rather than managing multiple color changes. I carefully followed the stitch count for each row, making sure to shape the leaves correctly.

 

Reflection on This Week’s Learning

I really enjoyed following the blog I used as a reference for crocheting my snake plant. The blogger did an amazing job explaining each step clearly by including pictures, which made it easier to understand. I also appreciated that there was a PDF version available for the correct pattern, making it more convenient to follow along.

One of the things I found particularly helpful was how the blogger broke down the pattern based on the size of the leaves. She explained the number of rows, types of stitches, and the stitch count for each row, which gave me a clearer understanding of how to shape the leaves properly.

However, I decided to skip the color variation part because I want my snake plant to be in one solid color. Even though the original pattern includes different striping effects, I liked keeping it simple for my project.

This week, I feel more comfortable with crochet patterns, and I’m excited to move on to the next steps of wiring and edging the leaves next week!