Week 15 Review

This week, being the last, has been fairly easy. Just had to wrap up everything and do a ton of extra credit to get an A. But I am just happy I was able to squeeze by with that A. This is actually the last post I have to do to get 410 points. This class as a whole, I have really enjoyed. Everyone has been so nice, including Laura. This week I really liked the link she shared to Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir. The entire video and the way all their voices fit together perfectly, was truly amazing. I really enjoyed the graphics in the video! 

(Fly to Paradise)

My Famous Last Words, Really

Well, we have come to that time in the semester. Yes, you guessed it, the end. (Hallelujah) I mean, darn! But really, I have so enjoyed this class. Typically learning isn't an enjoyable thing to me. I have a hard time staying focused in my classes because I typically lack interest for the topic. And while reading has never been a huge interest to me, I liked being able to read then transform these stories into somethIng I could call my own. I am really into writing poetry and have been since I was about ten. This was a bit different than poetry, of course, but it strengthened me as a writer and I appreciate that. There were so many talented people in this class. I truly enjoyed reading all their stories each week. Unfortunately, I never got to all of them, but the ones that I read I really liked. 

This semester as a whole was a bit rough. After being in school for sixteen years total now, I am a bit burnt out. I finally declared a major this semester- communication, so that's a tiny step in the right direction. Truthfully I just picked it because at this point I had to pick something. It's a bit sad, but my passions don't lie in classes with textbooks and exams. My passions are for people, animals and writing. It's something you have to god out in the world and do. You can't be taught these things. So I just need the degree that says I am dedicated enough to stay in school. For the sake of a steady job in the future, I have to push through. This class has been a light through it all though. While it is quite a bit of work, it is easy and interesting. It allowed me to tap into my creative side and that's when I'm truly the happiest.

I chose this painting because I wanted to pick something that I felt portrayed passion. I love the colors and how abstract the faces are. Also there is just a lot of emotion here. 

(Passion)

 

My Wikipedia Trail

This is the first time I've tried the Wikipedia Trails assignment but I think it was a really clever idea. I started out with Sita and ended up at the drink called "Soma".

For the most part everything I read about Sita I already knew. I think the way she was found is so interesting, inside of a furrow. But it also said that some associate her as the wife of Indra, which I wasn't aware of. That's how I came to Indra's page.

For one, I actually really like the name Indra. I thought it was really cool that he is the god of lightning, thunder, storms, rains and river flows. He possesses a lot of earthly power. To be able to control the earth in that way seems like he has control over the earth's emotions. It's very poetic if you ask me. 

Then I got to Vritra who is the adversary of Indra. It also says he is in the form of a dragon or serpent. And is also the personification of drought. I have never heard of Vritra before but Wikipedia said that he was slain by Indra. I thought it was pretty interesting how he is the drought and Indra is basically a huge storm.

Somehow, I ended up at Soma which is a Vedic ritual drink. It is also said that drinking Soma produces immortality. But it is attested that humans consume this drink.

Here is my trail...

1. Sita

2. Indra

3. Vritra

4. Soma

(Indra vs Vritra)

Growth Mindset: Janet Echleman

I watched Janet Echelman's Ted Talk about imagination. I enjoy art but I don't often seek it out. I rarely go to art museums but I do appreciate it. My artist side favors writing such as poetry or music. But her pieces were so out-of-the-box and innovative that I was captivated by them. She actually came up with a way to create a moving sculpture. I would love to have the chance to lie underneath one and just watch it. I feel like it would be so soothing. I really admire the fact that she dreamt up something and actually found a way to bring it to life. It wasn't easy and she had to incorporate many different groups of people with different talents but in the end she did it! I truly don't think I've ever seen something so creative. And to think, she was actually turned down by seven art universities! Her story is a testament to never give up on something you're passionate about. I told my manager the other day that it's difficult to be a creative person. Someone really just has to take a chance on you for you to be able to succeed. But you just have to know that you may not make much money by choosing to do art for a living. Some get lucky and some do not. But I think no matter what you should never let your passions slip away. 

(Janet Echelman)

Learning Challenge: Attention

I viewed the video about attention and was shocked. I seriously didn't notice the gorilla walking through the video. What?! I knew my attention span was bad but I didn't know it was that bad! Apparently that video gets everyone though. So that's comforting.  She said in the video that it's been noted that an attention span can be as short as 8 seconds. No wonder I can't read a text book or study to save my life! Okay, not an excuse, but still. I love watching brain videos like this. The creative side of me likes learning things about the brain or taking personality tests. I have always thought all of it was so cool. 

I also watched the video on procrastination. I was weary of the Pomodoro Technique because I usually don't like using a timer. But it was actually a great idea. I think I'll try it next time I study. Maybe while I study for my big psych final that's coming up this Wednesday! 

(Timer)

Tech Tip: Canvas App

I heard that there was an app for Canvas but I hadn't checked it out until now. It's been frustrating that D2L doesn't have an app so I really appreciate the convenience of the Canvas app. 

I like how easily it is to personalize your Canvas account. Everything is so well organized on the app and easy to access. Sometimes viewing the full Canvas site on your iPhone can be a bit overwhelming. 

Another thing I've really liked on Canvas is the ability to enter potential grades to calculate what you grade may add up to. On D2L you have to calculate everything yourself and with me being bad at math, I hate that. 

Since Canvas is going to be used by all classes next semester, I am glad I got the app now. I can already tell that it will be extremely helpful!

(Canvas App)

Improvement Suggestions

From the beginning I have been extremely impressed with the way you have set up your online class. Everything is so complex but so well organized that it's easy to understand. 

All of your new ideas look great to me. But I am particularly interested in the last three. Considering I am absolutely terrible at time management, I'm sure the first one would really help me out, though. 

Audio Recordings

I would love this! I didn't even realize audio recordings had been an option for us. That would help me tremendously because reading isn't something I naturally enjoy. I also feel that I am able to focus more and comprehend better when I am read to.

Writing Tutorial Videos

This would be awesome. I am a hands-on/visual learner. I like to watch tutorial videos over class material because I feel like it's more efficient for me than reading instructions. I know it will probably be a lot of work for you to create the videos but the good thing is that you can reuse them for each semester!

Thematic Reading Units

Yes! This would make it even easier to find readings that I'm interested in. Since I'm inclined to stories about love or stories about animals, this would be an efficient way to find stories that intrigue me. 

I love that you're constantly striving to change your class for the better. I truly appreciate the way you try to tailor the class to each of your students needs. School for me isn't easy, due to me being a hands-on/visual learner. Textbooks don't do much for me but I don't have an alternate option. I have enjoyed your class immensely and want to thank you for sharing your passion for and knowledge of the epics with all of us!