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.
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!
