Posts in Category: EDCI 336
This is a category for the EdTech course. Please add this category in addition to the relevant edtech assignment category(ies).
Final Musical Growth Blog #3
Above I have attached my video of myself playing the three desired songs that I chose. The three songs that I chose were “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol, “Somebody that I Used to Know” by Gotye and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. I chose these songs because they all had a limited number of chords used throughout, and also had simple strumming. Chasing Cars and Somebody that I Used to know are two of my favourite calming songs that I listen to at night before bed or sometimes while doing homework. I decided to learn these songs because I listen to them rather often and am familiar with the lyrics. I chose The Lion Sleeps Tonight because I grew up listening to this song and have heard it played in my past jobs while working with kids. Also, I believe that students will know this song, which will make it fun to play and sing along to in the classroom.
While I tried my best to learn the full song to each of my three chosen ones, I found that learning the choruses from each song sounded better. I had some complications with the tuning of my ukulele, which required me to take it to a friend of mine that plays the guitar. He was able to tune it correctly for me, but it was a minor setback in my progress. However, setbacks can happen and are inevitable and all that matters is how you adapt to them, improvise and overcome them! Because of this, I worked extra hard to master the choruses to these songs and will continue to learn more and more songs as this program continues and as I progress through my teaching career. I found the most challenging part of learning the ukulele was the concept of multitasking. Especially when first learning a song, it was difficult to try and visually watch the YouTube instructions of where to put my hands, while also singing and strumming at the same time. However, with practice, multitasking got easier as I got more familiar with the chord transitions and more comfortable with strumming. Over time, I was able to not look at the video on my screen as often and was able to sing accordingly. However, matching up the singing and doing quick finger movements to the different chords was the biggest learning curve for me.
Overall, this was my favourite activity of the semester! I enjoyed learning a new skill and a new hobby as an assignment. While being in six classes and working part time, it is difficult to find time to relax or learn new hobbies because of pressing due dates and homework deadlines. However, since learning the ukulele was a project it was enjoyable and interesting to learn as a school assignment. I will always cherish this class and project and will continue to keep up my ukulele practice to learn more songs for my future classroom.
Final Musical Growth Blog #2
Originally, as per my musical demonstration action plan, it was my goal to learn three songs by April when classes end. As I have aforementioned above, I have been practicing for two to three nights a week, depending on other classes homework assignments, for about an hour to an hour and a half. I find that spreading out my times to practice the ukulele is more beneficial than practicing for long periods of time. When I first began practicing, my fingers would get rather sore as they adjusted to the feeling of the strings and chords on the tips. I even find that sometimes when I began to play for too long, they can start feeling sore again, which is why I try to spread out my practices into short periods of time throughout the week.
Since my goal was to practice and learn three songs, I have been practicing the choruses for these songs rather frequently. However, I am only a beginner on the ukulele and to a musical instrument in general. I had not played a musical instrument since I was 14 (11 years ago) so learning the ukulele was a new concept for me. It took me some time (as I mentioned in my midterm blog posts) to learn how to hold the ukulele, learn the chords, and learn how to strum it. Because I am a beginner and had to learn the basic fundamentals of the ukulele prior to diving into learning music, it took away a lot of practicing sessions from learning actual songs. I would try to learn the songs that I chose out of excitement but felt rushed and felt that I was forcing it when I was still unclear on certain fundamentals of the ukulele itself. Because of this, I had to take my time and not rush when it came to learning various songs. I started just strumming and listening to the chords and what sounds they would make, while ensuring that my ukulele was always in tune. Although it took some time to develop my understanding of the basics of the ukulele, I did get around to learning the choruses of my three desired songs. It took me longer than anticipated because I wanted to ensure that I got the sounds down correctly, and I made sure that I put hard work and dedication into each one. Although I was very eager and excited to be able to play a song, I had to take my time. I would familiarize myself with one songs chorus rather well, and practice that for a few nights. Then once I felt familiar with the chords, I moved onto the next song, and so on. I found that this was a beneficial way of learning, because playing a song flawlessly each time was rather difficult, and I did not want it to hold me back. Therefore, I would practice each song’s chorus every so often so that I became familiar with each one. I took my time and would follow instructional YouTube videos of the songs, while listening to some verbally announce which chords. By taking my time and keeping my dedication high, I learnt the choruses to my three desired songs.
Final Musical Growth Blog #1
Since my previous midterm blog posts regarding my musical growth, I have been constantly practicing my three chosen songs on the ukulele. Between online zoom classes, homework and working at my job outside of school, I have had a busy semester. However, the homework portion of this music class regarding learning the ukulele has been my favourite homework assignment. I enjoyed learning the ukulele because it provided diversity to our assignments away from the standard assignments of reading and writing. We were able to physically learn a new skill and lesson from a hands-on experience and build our own memories through practicing. Although it has been a challenge learning the songs, getting the notes right and strumming properly, I can confidently say that I have progressed and come a long way.
Originally, when I first picked up the ukulele, I had to find comfort in learning how to hold it and strum it. After watching several different YouTube videos and looking at online resource for assistance, I feel confident in my abilities of strumming and playing. However, I have realized that when practicing, some days my performance would be better than others. I have been practicing for about two to three nights a week for around an hour to an hour and a half and realized that some days I can flawlessly perform certain songs while other days I seem to face challenges. Consequently, this is most likely due to over-tiredness and stress with school. However, I would like to think that playing the ukulele has become a hobby of mine! Even when I am stressed and tired, I enjoy sitting down and learning a new verse or practicing a song. I believe that it allows me to sit down and relax, while also challenging my mind and physical abilities. The skill of learning the ukulele is now a skill that I can hold onto and continue to practice. It is a skill that I will be able to use in my future classroom one day and continue to get better at.
Tech Inquiry Project
For our tech inquiry project, my partner and I researched certain EdTech tools that enhance ELA learning and engage students in meaningful content creation, such as Buncee and Storybird. Below is a link to our google slides presentation. Hope you enjoy!
Reflection Post – Final
Well, what a semester! I simply cannot believe that this week was our last class. It went by faster than I had anticipated! But don’t they always? However, I would like to say that this class has been a huge eye opener for me in regards to technology and innovation. Prior to this class, I personally thought that I understood technology rather well and that I had a good grip on it. However, this class expanded my knowledge of technology immensely.
Throughout this semester, we learnt about a variety of different social media platforms, different ways to teach using technology and also gained insight on innovation techniques from a few guest speakers. Each class I recorded notes from our lectures, and even went back over the lecture slides to ensure I recorded all the information that we learnt. I found that each class was highly beneficial because we always learnt about a new platform of technology that we will one day be able to practice in our future classrooms.
This week, as our final class, we learnt about how gaming can be used in the classroom. At first I was shocked, because gaming to me reminds me of sitting in front of a computer screen playing an Xbox or Playstation with headphones on isolated from the world. However, I enjoyed learning that gaming can actually enhance students understanding of certain material. It was interesting as well to see which subjects that gaming enhanced, and which games teachers utilized the most. Below, I have attached two pictures of the slides from our weekly lecture this week that point out important information regarding this. I believe that students crave diversity in the classroom away from verbal instructions by teachers. Although that is the teachers main method of instruction, diversifying lessons away from verbal instruction can increase student engagement, motivation and responsiveness to the material. When teachers incorporate gaming into students learning, they are able to participate in hands-on learning and experience a physical way of learning this material. Consequently, this physical experience of learning will stay with them innately and they will be able to refer back to these experiences in the future.
Overall, this class was definitely a favourite of mine from our second year in this program. It was eye opening and highly beneficial because we now have an in-depth understanding of various ways to incorporate technology in our classrooms, and throughout the subsequent two years of this program, we will be able to continue using them in future projects and practicums. Thank you for everything, Michael! 🙂
Free Inquiry – Exploring Nature Final Post
As the last post of my inquiry topic, I would like to reiterate the importance of the outdoors for an individuals physical and mental health. Throughout this inquiry, I have provided information on my favourite activities and the reasons why I enjoy them. I have also included why these activities are beneficial to my physical and mental health. In addition, I have provided various videos and links to resources that I have found throughout my research on this topic that support my perspective on the outdoors. As I have stressed throughout this inquiry, the outdoors present several beneficial factors to improve an individuals physical and mental health.
Even though the weather can sometimes inhibit the opportunity of exploring the outdoors, there are various ways to seek fresh air despite mother natures conditions. In other words, a simple trip to a nearby balcony or backyard can provide relief to help improve a mental state. I find that taking deep breathes in the outdoors can cleanse your system and reset your mind. Also, in colder, rainy months, taking a drive (if you have a vehicle) can also help improve a mood. I find that visiting the beach and staying in your car can also help calm down a mood and allows you to collect your thoughts. Even when the weather is rainy, cold and windy, looking at the waves crash on the beach is relaxing and interesting view. Despite certain weather conditions, I believe that there are always ways to get outside, reset and calm down in nature.
I enjoy that all mother nature has to offer, and will continue to explore places around Victoria, B.C. Also, as aforementioned, I will continue to work on my summer bucket list. I am looking forward to many new hikes, new views, new trails, kayaking, wake surfing and outdoor exploration just in general. Spring and summer are the best months to start to enjoy the outdoors. I believe that the sun shining already improves moods and pulls people to want to be outside. After my previous blog post suggestions of different outdoor activities, I encourage every one to try some this summer!
Thank you for following me on my journey throughout this inquiry!
Free Inquiry – Exploring Nature #10
For my inquiry this week, I have decided to share the start of my summer bucket list of outdoor activities. Although my list is not complete yet, and I am unsure if it will ever even be complete because there are always new places to explore, I have a few various locations around Victoria that I am eager to visit.
As previously mentioned in a past blog post, exploring the outdoors has several various activities that can help engage with nature. Also as I have mentioned, kayaking is my favourite outdoor activity! This sunny weather this past week has me craving sitting in a kayak on the ocean surface, smelling the salty water and my oar break the water as I paddle. At the top of my bucket list is kayaking at Brentwood Bay. Here, you can kayak to a beautiful waterfall on the opposite side of Gowland Todd Provincial Park, or even paddle down the Tod Inlet. The Tod Inlet is a quiet and narrow passage that is very calm and relaxing to explore.
In addition to kayaking, I am also hoping to visit Mystic Beach, which is just past Sooke and approximately a four hour drive from Downtown, Victoria. It is a easy to moderate trail that leads to a beautiful beach with waves crashing on the shore, and also has a waterfall running off a cliff into the ocean. Another location is Goldstream Trestle, which is a moderate to difficult hike located in Goldstream, about an hour outside of Victoria. Once you reach the top, there is a Trestle that you can walk across. I am interested in both of these locations because once you reach the end of the trail or the top of the hike, there is something wonderful to enjoy. Whether that is a waterfall at the beach or a trestle to hike across, it provides an activity to catch your breath once completed.
I am looking forward to visiting both these popular locations. Although my bucket list of summer activities is no where near complete, I am primarily focussing on finishing this semester strong and then looking for more places to explore. Between the several assignments due, this inquiry allows me to do what I love most. In other words, it enables me to look up places that I would love to visit and record them to share with others. I am craving that feeling of submitting my last assignment of this semester, and having more time to research other activities that I can explore in nature this summer. Below I have linked websites for Goldstream Trestle as well as Mystic beach if you would like to check them out and explore them!
Note: Goldstream Trestle is currently undergoing construction to implement barriers on the outside to make it more safe for the public to visit. However, it should be completed to enjoy by summer 🙂
https://www.victoriatrails.com/trails/mystic-beach/
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/goldstream-trestle
Free Inquiry – Exploring Nature #9
In the past week, Victoria has experienced quite the diverse weather pattern. A majority of the week consisted of beautiful sunshine and blue sky, while one day had intense hail and cloud. The various weather patterns prompted me to think of different ways to experience the outdoors, even when it is wet and rainy.
First, as aforementioned, a majority of the week consisted of blue sky and sun. Each time I see blue sky and sun, I get restless being inside and crave the outdoors to soak up the good weather. The sunshine promotes my motivation levels and increases my mood immensely. Similar to last week, I again visited a local hot spot beach in Victoria. At the end of Cook Street Village, there is a long, beautiful beach that looks out onto the ocean and the mountains of Olympic Park in the States. It also provides a beautiful and colourful sunset. As it has probably been made obvious, sitting at the beach at sunset is one of my favourite outdoor activities. It makes me realize that no matter what sort of day that I had, it always comes to an end in a visually beautiful way. I was able to sit on a blanket, resting against a log and debrief about my day. While at the beach, there was several other people, kids and dogs all running around. It prompted me to think that although I am at the beach to unwind and reset my mind because of school anxieties, each person here also has their own story to tell. Sometimes it is nice to sit back and observe, and realize that everyone has their own situation going on, and that no matter what kind of day that you personally had, to always treat people with kindness and respect.
In addition to the beautiful weather this week, I was rather upset to see the sunshine streak broken when it started furiously hailing one day this week. It was on a day that I was rather stressed about assignments, and all I wanted to do was go for a walk to clear my head. However, I put on a couple sweatshirts and took a seat on my covered patio with a cup of tea. Despite the cold and the hail coming down very hard and loud, I was able to watch the hail and breathe in fresh air. Although it wasn’t the beautiful sunny walk that I had in mind when I woke up, it still enabled me to clear my mind while watching mother nature perform it’s thing.
The aim for this post is that even though the weather can throw a wrench into plans of seeking nature and the outdoors when your mental health needs it the most, even taking a breather on the patio away from technology can be beneficial. Watching the hail come down made me realize that even after a few beautiful days of sunshine and happiness, some days can be dark and gloomy. However, even a bad day is only 24 hours and will always pass. It is important to realize that even when our mental health is thriving, some days it will decrease. Being happy is not a straight pattern, it has it ups and downs, similar to weather patterns. The important thing to note is that the sun will always rise, and there will always be optimal opportunities to enjoy the outdoors!
I have attached a few photos of my sunset experience at Dallas Road. Hope you enjoy! 🙂
Reflection Post #9
This week in EdTech we learnt about the importance of teaching students about coding. Initially, I was confused at what coding referred to. When I think about coding I picture random letters, numbers and symbols thrown together in sentences to fix a technology problem. However, I realized that coding can be enjoyable and is a good lesson to teach students.
As Mike Bernier, Former B.C. minister of education points out, “coding is a hands-on way of teaching students how to analyze a problem [and] determine the steps to fix it” and that coding is “an approach and a way of problem solving” (Lecture Slides, Week 11). I agree with this statement, because I believe that there are several diverse ways to teach students problem-solving methods, and that coding is a very beneficial way.
This below attached website provides several resources such as worksheets, diagrams, visual images and videos that provide background information on coding and how it can assist students when it comes to problem solving with technology. In addition, we learnt about a series of different games and problem solving techniques that utilize coding. I was most interested in the Scratch and Scratch junior games, but unfortunately I do not own an iPad or an Android. However, I was able to FaceTime a friend of mine in the program after class and she was able to show me her iPad screen so I could see what it was all about. I believe that students require diversity in their learning and instruction, and the more diverse ways that we, as educators, change up our lessons, it will consequently increase engagement and motivation levels. To the students, using a computer or playing a game is enjoyable to them and gets them excited, while they are simultaneously learning and benefitting from the assignment.
Free Inquiry – Exploring Nature #8
This week for my inquiry project, I decided to engage with nature and the outdoors by visiting a few different popular locations in Victoria. Since it is the end of the semester and assignment deadlines are on the horizon, I took some time to clear and reset my mind outside. As my inquiry has discussed throughout these blog posts, the outdoors and nature can provide several benefits to an individuals mental and physical health. Personally, sometimes after a long day in front of the computer screen I feel mentally drained. Because of this, I find it difficult to work up the energy to actually participate in a hike or do an extreme amount of physical exercise. Instead, I have found enjoyment and relaxation through taking a simple walk by the water to seek fresh air.
This week I visited the Esquimalt Lagoon, the Breakwater and Gyro Beach all in Victoria, B.C. The weather this week was beautiful, which already improved my mood by seeing the sun shining. I visited the Lagoon and Gyro Beach both during sunset, with a friend who is also in this program. We needed some time apart from doing homework and to clear our minds. The Lagoon was beautiful at sunset, and the salty smell of the ocean tied it all together peacefully. It was very calming to sit on a log and talk about things outside of school, and to remember that at the end of the day we are more than just students in University. We both have personal lives and external situations going on, and it was refreshing to be able to take some time to ourselves. Gyro beach also provided a beautiful sunset. It was very quiet at sunset, and it was soothing to sit and relax in peace and take in all that nature at the beach had to offer. In addition, the Breakwater was also an excellent place to unwind. It is a nice, long walk out into the water where you can view Victoria’s downtown from a different perspective. It enabled me to engage in some physical activity while walking down the cement path, while also relaxing my mind and easing my anxieties.
The purpose of this post to illuminate that not all outdoor exploration requires an intense workout where you are left sore, drained and sweaty. Instead, I am hoping to highlight that even a simple walk at sunset or during a sunny day can positively impact an individual’s mood and mindset, while also providing a light physical activity.
Below I have attached a few photos from these adventures. I find that when I take pictures during these explorations, I am able to look back at them and remember what it felt like to be there during that time. It is easy to look at the photos and get lost in the feeling of what it was like during that experience, and remember the positive impacts that nature has when you are in need of some rejuvenation!
