Month: April 2025
Well, classmates, this is it! An entire semester together is coming to an end. I have to admit, this group of people was so interesting, and each week I was looking forward to seeing everyone’s growth throughout the semester, and how their progress was coming along. Even though I was not able to see everyone every week! I tried my best to ensure I got caught up when I could!
There were so many amazing learning projects this semester, and I enjoyed the variety. I felt our class community was strong, and we did such a wonderful job helping each other out when needed! I am thankful for all the help I received throughout this class and bid everyone good luck on their future endeavors, and hope they continue to build on their learning projects.
How did I contribute to my classmates?
During lectures, I would ensure I participated and asked questions when needed. I would like to give some comic relief where it was needed. I was an active participant in class, and in break out rooms. Some of my favorite conversations or discussions that had taken place this semester were;
- discussing what technology takes up most of our time, and the polls we interacted in. It was cool to see that most people really spend a lot of time of social media mindlessly scrolling.
- The Amanda Todd story, and how the digital world had such a heavy influence on the real world.
- Exploring fun games and sites, such as the tree octopus , the coding games
There was many meaningful conversation throughout the class, and some very good questions and perspectives. Lectures were fun and interactive which I think helped everyone grow a good connection with each other. I would try and ensure I was engaging on meaningful conversation, and trying to build those relationships, even on an online platform.
Outside of Lectures, and Blog Posts
I wanted to try and ensure I commented many times throughout the week on my classmates projects and blog posts. I enjoyed seeing so many different skills and perspectives throughout this group, as the dynamic was awesome. I wanted to make sure I was encouraging, and made comments that related to the post to make sure they knew I was actually reading thier posts.
I had commented on many of my classmates different projects and wanted to provided my insight, and ensure I was encouraging. I found certain projects had me intrigued, and I wanted to encourage my classmates to keep learning, and that I appreciated the truthfulness that came with thier learning. It was not all linear learning, and some people did not always have success at first, but pushed through and found possible solutions to the problems!
I will admit there were some projects I did not follow as closely, I did try my best to stay on task, and get to most people’s blog posts within the week.
I had many opportunities within both communities, with the blog and the discord chat we had as a collective. Discord was very helpful as it was a quick response and very user friendly.
Discord
In our discord chat it was easy to ask for help and many people responded quickly. There were many people very active within the chat and eager to help when classmates needed it. I tried to help where I could, when asked questions in the chat I would suggest different ideas, and if someone else came in with a better idea I would agree with them. 
Throughout the semester I spent time reading, responding, and learning from my fellow classmates in many different aspects. I tried to return the favor by responding to posts, giving encouraging words, engage in conversations, and give advice where I felt I could. If one thing has been known is that I am not very technologically advanced, and I tried to help even with the little knowledge I started with. The amazing words of encouragement coming from this class was very inspiring, and had created a safe space for everyone to enjoy and learn together, and I hope we can continue to bring this to our future classrooms!
The semester is coming to a close, and it is time to wrap up my learning project with a bow on top because spring and summer are just around the corner! My learning project, which I decided to explore, was cooking, and throughout this semester at university has been an educational and personal growth experience. I have had the opportunity to develop skills and recognize where I need to work on things. Beyond my prior skills, I have gained some more confidence in the kitchen, and allowing myself to present those skills online has helped me learn to let go of my fears a little more. I have learned how to find resourceful websites, videos, and appreciate “old school ways” to assist me in my learning journey, and my video editing skills have climbed sharply from not even knowing how to post a video on YouTube, to being able to use different platforms, and placing them within my posts.
Photo by Mohamed_hassan on Pixabay
Learning Project Week 1 – Getting Started
Week 1, I wasn’t sure what to expect, being new to the blogging world and not knowing how to present myself, and not being completely confident in my skills I had already obtained. I used this week to get used to the blog posting, and learn how to use my own pictures and videos of my learning.
- I posted a video of ways to hide veggies in foods. I had big aspirations on how I wanted to better my palette along with my daughters, as she is a picky eater.
- This week I tried to understand what was expected of me for this project and try not to completely overthink it.
Learning Project Week 2 – Pot Roast and Potatoes
Week 2 was my first week of cooking an actual meal and discussing my process throughout the entire thing.
- Forgot to take pictures of my meal.
- I discussed in this week the stress I had with cooking, and how I do not like to fail when I do it.
- I tried to incorporate the “hidden veggies” for my daughter this week in the scallop potatoes I had made.
Learning Week 3 –French Toast Casserole
In week 3, I decided to do my first YouTube video post about my learning project that week. I decided to make a French toast casserole and share my experience with it.
- I was so incredibly nervous to see myself in a video I posted on YouTube.
- I used a French Toast Casserole recipe I had found on the internet as I wanted to venture into the breakfast prep world, for more options in the morning.
- I did discuss that it had more sugar than I wanted to admit (which becomes ironic almost further down my journey of this project)
- Admitted that I am very technologically behind.
Learning Project Week 4 – Loaded Gnocchi Soup
This week of my project, I wanted to try a soup, as I am a big soup lover. So, what better time to try and learn? I did have my first “whoopsie” this week, and crazy enough, it was a terrible mistake.
- I had made my first TikTok video, which is not as easy as people make it sound.
- I had accidentally bought skillet gnocchi instead of boil gnocchi. It did not wreck my soup, even though it gave me some anxiety. I lived to tell the tale.
- I realized that the recipe made a very large amount of food, and I could possibly modify it to make less, or less waste.
Learning Project Week 5 – Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
In Week 5, I decided to try a recipe out of a family recipe book with my daughter. I had made a little YouTube video of her helping me, and I appreciate having a physical family recipe book to refer to.
- Discussed my appreciation for a physical recipe book
- I love to spend time teaching my daughter this skill I am also continuing to learn about.
- I discuss my sensory issues I have with certain foods, and my struggle to overcome that by problem-solving, and allowing my daughter to help out with measuring.
- During this week, I had to learn how to let go of my OCD and allow for a mess to take place, and that it is not a big deal to clean up a mess.
Learning Project Week 6 – Being Sick, and Food Restrictions
Week 6 was a huge challenge, as I was only living off of soup and hope this week. I had fallen ill and did not have a lot of energy or an appetite.
- I was diagnosed with insulin resistance this week as well, which required me to now have to look at my diet and make some changes.
- I had to begin my research into what I was restricted to eating.
- I voiced that I was feeling a little overwhelmed as I had been ill and then getting a diagnosis that would affect my lifestyle.
Learning Project Week 7 – Lifestyle Changes
During week 7, I discussed my research into insulin resistance. I had explained what insulin resistance was and the expectations given to me.
- I discussed my signs and symptoms I was having before my medical findings.
- I had discussed my goals I was setting for myself to ensure I was doing the best I could with the information I had.
- I mention this week, giving myself some grace and not allowing my thoughts and anxiety about my changes to get the best of me.
Learning Project Week 8 – Taco Rice Stuffed Peppers
Week 8’s learning project was my week. I was trying to incorporate some of my restrictions while also enjoying a flavourful filling meal.
- Mentioned that I had ordered a recipe book from Amazon to help with my insulin
- I realized I did not discuss much learning this week, just my process in making the peppers.
- I relished in the enjoyment I had with this week’s project outcome. I learned that it was not as intimidating as I anticipated it to be.
Learning Project Week 9 – Layering a Lasagna
Week 9 was focused on learning different proper techniques in cooking, and what better way to learn than making a lasagna. I discuss my process in wanting to ensure I layer it properly.
- I had discussed my desire to know how to properly layer a lasagna, which seems silly, maybe, but I always wondered if noodles or sauce go first.
- Incorporated some “hidden veggies” with spinach, and reflected that it was a goal I had for myself in the beginning.
Learning Project Week 10 – Way Too Much Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo
I challenged myself this week to try something I have never cooked before, orzo pasta. This week was a little intimidating because I, of course, was overthinking the process, and I had never heard of orzo pasta before, and did not want it to be a possible waste of food. But I tried it.
- I started my process by ensuring I had all the ingredients to make this dish.
- Measured out the garlic with my heart, and measured way too much. But still edible.
- Learned that butter sticks have helpful measurements on the wrappers
- Found a conversion chart to help ensure I have the right amount of liquids.
My Biggest Lessons from my Project;
- Even though I have known how to cook for many years, there is always something new to learn, and do not be afraid to fail, as that is where we learn the best. Venture out with different recipes and look for things on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, blogs, etc.
- Being online presents is not as scary as it seems. It is something to get use to if you don’t do it often, and allow yourself to get used to the language and different communities out there. Learning new platforms may be intimidating, but if you have any questions or concerns, just be sure to ask.
- Do not be scared to fail, my learning project has taught me that things get messy, your recipes do not always work out, being an avid YouTuber is not for everyone, TikTok’s are not as easy as they seem to make, etc. I found myself reflecting many times within my posts about what I was taking away that week, something new I was learning, or reflecting on things I needed to work on.
- Finally, be sure to have fun. I found myself often having to remind myself that it is not that “deep.” I would think I had to make big elaborate meals, to the point that I would get discouraged sometimes. I would criticize myself so often that I forgot to have fun just learning new and simple things about cooking. When I failed, I would panic, but take a step back and realize that it wasn’t as big of a deal as I was making it. I am a perfectionist in many cases, and I tried my hardest to ensure that I placed that trait aside and just live in the moment with it.
My learning experience in EDTC300 was one I will take with me for a lifetime. I have learned to step back when needed, to understand I need to challenge myself with learning new things online as much as I can, along with many other things. We learned many different things throughout this class, and I now have many tools and skills I can only build on from here.
Thank you to my fellow classmates and Katia for such a fun and great semester! Good luck to everyone on their education journeys!
So – I decided that I was going to check out Gemini – Google’s generative AI tool. I was a little shocked to find it is very similar to ChatGPT. In comparison, the layout is very similar between the two, and the answers given are also very similar. I found ChatGPT is a very generic answering AI tool, and Gemini was more in depth, and specific, given the same information.
I wanted to see if I asked this tool to design something for me how it would look. To give a little back story, I currently run a women’s boxing class once a week while also, attending a regular co-ed class. Each week I am needing to ensure I challenge my students, and I wanted to see what Gemini would give me if I asked it to design a beginners women’s boxing class workout.
It laid out everything so neatly, and it was almost exactly what I did for my first women’s class.
It gave me some other helpful tips, such as the equipment needed, the target audience it was built for (which is for women of all ages, looking for a challenge, etc.) It gave advice on the type of equipment needed, from glove sizes to hand wraps, and water bottles. It also broke down the times for warm ups, and working on the different fundamentals of the sport. This AI tool was surprisingly helpful, for a first class workout. I have been doing boxing long enough to know that the regular participants generally needs a healthy mix of workout and technique work, while also providing a variety of elements. Which is did not provide, it provided only a 60 minute workout. Therefore if wanting to challenge participants, it would not a good tool to use as it does not provide much after one class. At the end of the workout, it gave me the option to transfer it into a word document to be able to print it. 
I found this feature quite interesting, I have not seen another AI tool be able to provide this option. Although it is very neat, it could be very terrible for those who would want to use it for wicked reasons, such as writing essays, answering questions, etc. It was so easy to do, and required next to no effort on my part.
The things I enjoyed about this tool;
- It was very easy to use
- Liked it gave me the option to move to document
- Provided many different and specific elements that are needed for a class
Things I felt indifferent about this tool;
- Only a 60 hour workout was provided
- Very generic
- very similar to ChatGPT layout
AI in the Classroom!
In the classroom, this tool can be used to help find information about certain topics. High school students could ask this AI tool where to find information on things they are needing to research and ask for a reliable source. Example being finding reliable information about the French Revolution, that you (student) need to write an essay on. While possibly providing the reference and information, students need to remember to also be sure to authentically do the work themselves instead of having AI tools do the work. It is very easy to spot when AI tools have done the work for someone, as AI uses very scholarly wording, and it can differ from one topic to the other.
I think that encouraging students to use AI tool correctly, is what is needed. The reality of it is that students will use AI tools whether we want them to or not, but providing the tools, and allowing them to exercise self control while using AI tools I think will help break the barrier of students feeling the need to completely rely on it to do thier work. Almost like a reverse psychology approach, with the hopes that they do not take complete advantage. I do also think it could help elevate some of the tasks of a teacher. It could provide tools or provide possible fun games to help engage students. Teachers could search engaging ideas for specific topics for thier grade level. It is a fast way to get an answer (if needed at the time) as opposed to searching endlessly for an answer or help, and possibly wasting class time.
For this week’s learning project. I wanted to venture out and try cooking a meat I have not had experience with before. After searching the web for a bit, I came across a meal of garlic butter chicken orzo. I had taken a look at the ingredients, which called for chicken thighs, and I had most of the ingredients at home already, just needed orzo and thighs. So off to the store I went. I purchased my ingredients needed and went back home to prep.
Once home, I gathered all the ingredients I needed, and reading the instructions, I realized that I had no idea what 32 ounces of liquid is equal to. So, back to the web, I searched and found a conversion chart. It was super easy to use and
helped me know that it is 4 cups of liquid are needed. I began by prepping my chicken. I refuse to eat fat on meat, and I cut the chicken fat off and made sure it was ready to be lightly seasoned with salt and pepper.
Once the chicken was done, I was moving on to prepping it to fry in the skillet. The recipe wanted 3 tbsps. of butter melted and conveniently on the butter it showed the measurements for 1 tbsp. So that was super helpful. I let that melt in the pan, and I pat dried my chicken and then seasoned it with salt and pepper. At this point in the recipe I started to get anxious, as I did not know how to know when the thighs are done. But I powered through my doubts and kept on moving. 
Next I placed the seasoned bird pieces in the skillet and let them cook while I had cleaned up some of the mess, I let them cook roughly 5 minutes of each side. I then had to remove the pieces and moved them onto a plate. The next step called for putting the orzo into the pan with the chicken grease and butter reminisce, until golden brown, and add the garlic in. In this step I definitely measured with my heart at what I thought would be 4 cloves of garlic, and let me tell you it was way too much. It was edible, but the garlic smell lingers off those who eat this dish for a bit. It was a little odd to me that I had to place the pasta in a skillet without liquid at first. But after reading a little more, it is so the orzo can adopt the flavors from the chicken and butter. I had let this cook for a bit and the smell was so yummy, I couldn’t wait to eat it. The aroma of garlic and butter cooking together definitely gets the salvation glands working.
I mixed in the final ingredients, the chicken stock and placed the chicken back in the skillet and turned my heat down. While cooking I had cleaned up and prep for the leftovers I would have, as this recipe made quite a bit. My final result was very delicious, but I have to admit that I did do too much garlic, and it made it hard to go back for seconds. But the parmesan cheese was a delicious touch, and it helped die down some of the garlic.
My Takeaways
Some take aways I have from this experience is;
- Chicken breasts are not the only chicken I can cook
- There is such thing as too much garlic
- Meals even though sound complicated, most times are not
- Cleaning up while cooking, helps not feel so overwhelming and discouraging