As I mentioned in my last learning project post, I have picked out the yarn for my final project; a lime-green cotton yarn. As I started up my next hat with my new yarn, I wondered how I could make size adjustments to the hat, because I’d like to make one for my partner. Aaaand I might have seen a crocheted cat hat on Instagram and now my cat needs one too! So, I found this blog to follow along with. I quickly realized what I needed to do to get the perfect shape and fit. One of the biggest things I learned was how to work in only the…
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Teaching Digital Citizenship
I find the topic of digital citizenship very interesting as an educator. It has me reflecting on how technology was treated when I was in elementary and high school. I feel that the online world was not a topic that was focused on heavily. When it was, we were taught to fear it! More so, there was still a disconnect between the ‘real’ world and the online world. After reading this article by Jason Ohler, I realized that this separation can be described as the “two lives” perspective. However, this perspective has its issues. Through this perspective, it’s believed that digital technology doesn’t have a place in the classroom or…
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Exploring Yarn Types
When I first started crocheting, I had no idea how much the type of yarn you work with mattered. Now that I’m feeling inspired by this hobby, I have been checking out the yarn at Walmart and Micheal’s when I go out. Naturally, I gravitate to the pretty colored yarns, completely ignoring what they are made of. I decided to look into it more and I came across this article from The Spruce Crafts, and it turns out there’s a big difference in yarn types! I learned that cotton yarn is a sturdy yet breathable fiber, so it’s perfect for projects like tote bags, dishcloths, and summer clothing. While acrylic…
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Trying A New Crocheting App
Since starting a bucket hat, I’ve learned that it’s important to keep track of how many stitches and rows you complete as you go along. So, for this week’s learning post, I decided to try a free app I found called Easy Knitty. This app is used for counting rows and/or stitches when crocheting or knitting. Other features of the app include the ability to create multiple projects, and a stopwatch feature to see how much time you’ve spent on a project. Until now, I have been tallying my rows on scrap paper, or even my hand so I don’t forget. Is the app a better option? Here’s my thoughts…
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Education in a Digital World
How Technology Shapes Us After our lecture and watching the video by Wesch, I’m beginning to understand how technology influences the way we interact with each other. Technology has changed so much in our world! We have access to endless information with one device. More so, students aren’t just consuming information anymore; they’re actively connecting, creating, and sharing their thoughts in a digital space. Whether it’s through social media, memes, or video games, the way we socialize with each other has changed. This is referred to as the new culture of participation by Welsch. Similarly to what we discussed in our lecture, people are no longer consuming media via radio…
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Hooked on Words: Crocheting without Visuals
Struggles of a Visual Learner Throughout the semester, I have primarily learned how to crochet by watching videos on YouTube and TikTok. In general, I learn better by observing first and then attempting it myself. More so, I tend to get confused when reading, or even listening to a set of instructions. Kind of like when someone is explaining the rules of a card game that you’ve never played before… I’ll probably understand better once I’ve played a couple of rounds. Despite my challenges, I decided to try to learn how to read a crochet pattern I found on this website. What I Liked The PDF that I purchased from…
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Dre Crochets on TikTok!
My First TikTok! In my last post, I mentioned how the app I use the most on a daily basis is TikTok (cue internet slang that only the most chronically online will understand… totally not embarrassing). While TikTok is full of the latest trending sounds, memes, and endless entertainment, there is something to say about the learning aspect of this app. So, rather than doomscrolling on TikTok, I decided to use it as a tool for this week’s learning project post! Technical Difficulties I initially tried to edit the video I recorded for my learning project post on TikTok, but it didn’t work out… After an hour of editing on…
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TikTok Review
Learning on TikTok?! TikTok is often seen as a platform for entertainment, but it can actually be a great tool for learning in the classroom. With its short-form videos, creative editing features, and vast library of user-generated content, TikTok gives students a fun way to explore new ideas and share their learning. Whether mini-lessons and tutorials to student-created projects and reflections, the app can make learning more interactive and exciting. In this review, I will explore how TikTok can be used for educational purposes, its benefits and challenges, and how it can support student engagement and creativity in the classroom Overview I would say that TikTok is fairly user-friendly. If…
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Technology and Me
Technology: For Leisure or Academia? I want to say that the technology I use day-to-day is mostly for academic purposes… But that would be a lie. Rather, I would say that most of the technology I use daily is solely for social interaction. Unfortunately, I have developed a bad habit of scrolling on TikTok throughout the day; even worse, before I sleep. Other frequently used apps include Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. On the bright side, social media apps keep me connected with friends and family. In contrast, I struggle at times to be without my phone… This can cause issues when I am trying to stay focused on my…
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Crocheting for Beginners 101
Great, I’ve decided on crocheting as my project… Now what? I have a rough idea of what I need, but I have no idea where to start- What type of yarn do I need? What size of crochet hook? This beginner crochet guide I found proved to be very helpful on my trip to get supplies. I went to Walmart to get all the necessary items for beginning my project. My entire trip costed less than $20. After some research, I learned that acrylic yarn is the best option for beginner-level crocheting. It’s also recommended that the yarn be a solid, light color so the stitches are easier to see.…