Oh, Christmas Time

Christmas time...ohhhh christmas time...
Okay, so maybe this season of celebration and joy is a great reason to...well, celebrate and be joyful! But, eh...maybe not.
When I was little Christmas was always my favorite holiday. Everyone seemed to be in a better mood and there was simply this overwhelming sense of peaceful joy that filled the air. Plus, I always eagerly awaited the one really awesome present under the tree. I am now 20 years old and I finally understand why no one above the age of 17 ever thought that Christmas time was absolutely amazing or ever looked forward to a present on Christmas morning. Now...don't get me wrong...Christmas is a season meant for fun and excitement, but it's also filled with miracles and a magic that is unfathomable. But, I believe that there is a much greater reason for the season. The magic we experience at this time of year is so often and misunderstood as random and mysterious....but...in reality...it stems from the overwhelming love that Christ poured out on to the world when He became vulnerable and chose to live among us as one of us and, in the end, die for us...and rise again. This magic is a love like no other. That God would give His own Son to take our place. So, as the chaos of the season comes to an end, remember the gift we are given through Christ's ultimate sacrifice by His birth, His death, and His unforgettable resurrection. Now...that is a gift that we eagerly await.

It is Finished.

The semester is coming to an end and...as the stress levels rise and the hours of sleep diminish...students are looking back and reflecting on these past few months of their lives. For some...this semester was absolutely stunning in every way...but for others it was a time of complete opposition to the normal life of a college student. Life is not always easy...this is a promise...but I can also promise that you will be okay! This semester may not have been ah-amazing...but you are not the same person that you were a few months ago. You have learned and grown throughout this time in so many ways...trust me! And...you grew because you conquered the trials and hardships.  So...my friend...be encouraged! You are done with the semester! Close this chapter and start fresh! Things can only get better when you're at the bottom.

Website Shenanigans

When I first heard that we are to make a website in EdTech,  I honestly was a bit nervous and worried that I would have no idea what I was doing. Fortunately...Google sites exists. Suddenly, I was not worried about the success of my website because I know that Google is a life saver when it comes to technology. As I have started to compile and create my classroom website, the process is becoming much easier than I could have ever imagined. Making a website isn't too hard afterall. {Who Knew!!!}  All I can say is...thank the lord for Google and EdTech Professors when it comes to these website shenanigans.
After long hard hours of work on a website, the finished product can be seen here.
Hope you like it!

Vodcast vs. Podcast

When people think of videos the last term that they usually think of is "vodcast". I personally think of the word "youtube" or "video"...why do we need to complicate things? I mean...honestly...if you're going to make a video to teach, make it interesting and fun to watch!!! I do not want to watch a video that I could easily merely listen to. This is what I thought a podcast was for. When I think of a podcast I think of radio or some kind of recorded speech being given. I use podcasts to research information...not to be entertained. I use videos to be entertained...not informed. So, next time I have an option to make a piece of media to use while teaching, I think that I will choose the material based on what I want the students to do. Do I want them to learn on their own or do I want them to be interactive? Podcasts are meant to enforce learning, while videos are meant to guide learning. Vodcasts and podcasts are both useful tools in the technological world, but I personally think that one is greater than the other...and it's based on how students learn!

Limited...or Resourceful?

Imagine this...
You walk into class on the one day that you need technology to work. But...much to your surprise...the technology that you so badly needed is unavailable yet again.
We've all been there...as a student or teacher...the question is: what are you going to do about it? How are you prepared for such a catastrophe as this?
So many teachers simply give up and give the student's a different task or even a day off or break in their learning. I think that this is why every teacher needs to know how to work at the best level with the least quantity of technology. Now, I'm not saying that technology is not important, but that teachers need to know how to integrate it in simple ways.
So...the next time you or a colleague has to adapt or change a lesson because of a mishap with technology...ask yourself am I limited or resourceful?

Welcome to Colorado

On Monday morning I woke up to a fresh coat of beautiful snow outside my window. Now...most people would be beyond thrilled, but, as a commuter, I was actually quite upset. Snow may be beautiful as it falls, but...let's be honest...it is a hot mess in the aftermath. This makes life very difficult for your average commuter. Anyways...the snow was beautiful AND it didn't stick to the roads....but as I got closer to my destination the snowfall became less and less evident. In fact, when I got to campus no one had seen any traces of snow. My point...Welcome to Colorado! The only place where the weather is extremely different within the same city. Despite the bipolarity of Colorado weather, I honestly would not want to live anywhere else....I mean who doesn't want only two seasons all year long...right?

But Really...

The Lost CAN Be Found

As October has come to an end, I have chosen to reflect on what the month has brought to the people I love most and to myself. It was not an easy month at all...in fact...it was a month of extreme trials and tribulations. But...my friends we made it through. It was not because of something we did...or didn't do...but only by the power and grace of God alone. If October taught me anything, it's that I am not alone in any way. No matter what I am going through...death, heart ache, being second best...God will never forget nor forsake me. The same is true for every single one of you. Life is not fair...for sure...but it doesn't matter because we have a God that is greater. As we venture ahead into November, let us look to God to guide us away from the past and into the beauty that lies ahead.

Read Psalm 27 when you find some time and reflect on what it means to you.

I hope that November is full of happiness and joy...even if there didn't seem to be a lot in October.

Simple...or Not?

When I first heard about the webquest project, I reminisced back to the only time I ever remember having to complete one in a school environment: High School World Religions. This webquest-like project was one of my favorite assignments throughout that entire semester. We had to research a certain amount of websites from a long list given to us, and then complete an "essay". It was hard...for sure....but I feel like I learned more during this project than I ever would have if the project would not have been included in the curriculum. Anyways...I wanted to create a similar webquest-like assignment for a similar age group of upper-level thinking high school students. I had it finished way ahead of time...or so I thought. In class on Tuesday, the professor did not seem to feel the same way. It was "too complex" and there was "not enough explanation". How much explanation do high school students really need? But...I need to pass...soooo...I will be re-amping my webquest to be simpler and more detailed so that even the most ridiculous student can understand. I don't honestly mind, but I simply wish I would have known whether to be simple...or not.

You're Here For a Reason

As you watch this video, know that I understand very well that it is sometimes hard to choose to keep on living and not just give up on life all together. I know what that ultimate low feels like. When you feel like no one cares and that there is nothing you could do to change their mind. Please Listen to me when I say...You Matter! You are important! You are Here for a Reason! 

No matter how hard life seems, what you're going through, or how little you seem to matter to the people around you, I want you to know that you are not a mistake. God made you with a specific purpose in mind. He loves you more than you could ever imagine. This, if nothing else, is plenty of a reason to live a while longer. So, don't give up...I promise that there is someone out there that knows exactly what you are going through and wants nothing less than to love on you more than you could ever imagine! 

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

The Bible App

A couple of nights ago I sat in my bed restless and wide awake. Usually when this happens I go straight to Instagram or Pinterest, but on this late late late night I chose to use an app that has been left untouched for a loooonnnnggg time...the Bible App. I cannot explain and do not fully understand why I felt this overwhelming need to use the app when I had more than a good variety of hard copies of God's Word in my room...but...I went with my gut. I now see the Bible App in a whole new light. I love the easy access to so many amazing studies and devotionals...something that even my "baby-hulk" of a bible does not have. For me, the Bible App takes away the excuse of "it takes too much time to read my bible" and even somewhat harasses me until I read my plan for the day. Here's my final evaluation: use this App...it may just change your life.

The History of Technology in Education

Love this view of how technology has adapted throughout the years.

Even though this was made in 2011, and technology has come even farther, it is still a great resource to see the development of educational technology in the classroom.

This makes me think about the information that the class was taught a few weeks ago in class. It just amazes me how much technology changes in such a short period of time. This class never ceases to amaze me in how many different ways that there are to incorporate technology into the classroom.

The video only focuses on a few of the basic technological advances that have happened in the last decade or so. I love that there are so many other ways to use technology to a teacher's advantage. I do not necessarily like nor agree with the simplistic views that most teachers have about technology in the classroom. When I use technology in the classroom, I plan to use it in creative, inspiring, effective, and new ways. This will not only keep the interest of all of the students that I teach, but will also possibly inspire the other educators around me.

For the Love of Blogging

So...let me get this straight...you want me to not only have a personal blog based on Educational Technology, but also to have two more "teacher" and "student" blogs? Really....? I can honestly say that I love to blog, but I do not understand how this is going to be particularly helpful to my teaching career. I love that we can use pictures and videos in our blog, but I kind of thought that this was common knowledge. I don't mean to hate on anyone that does not completely understand technology. Blogging is easy for me. But...I do understand that it isn't the same way for many other people. All I'm asking is that we learn new concepts in class and do work outside of class. Everyone learns differently and at different paces, so I know that I may be going over the top. The class is meant for learning, so please...LEARN!

Do I have to...really?

As Educational Technology has started to progress, I have honestly heard nothing but complaints from the students that are taking the class. I see the class as an opportunity to learn how the field of education is growing technologically and expanding the knowledge and application of technology in the classroom. I do not know why so many students are "upset" with this positive change into the modern world that we undoubtedly are living in now. I truly think that these students do not want to learn how to use technology in the classroom because they never learned it themselves! Now...don't get upset...but I think that this is the most pathetic and idiotic excuse ever for not wanting to learn how to use and apply modern technological ideas in the classroom. Whether or not people understand technology, there are still so many great advantages to its use within modern classroom settings. So...honestly fellow students...grow up. Learn...or at least pay attention...during this opportunistic experience. After all...Educational Technology may surprise you.

God loves my Weakness

I constantly go through my life wanting to be perfect for the people around me to see. I have come to realize that not only do I NEVER succeed, but, in the process, I also completely wear myself out. I have always thought that this is a completely normal way to live…that is until very recently. A couple of nights ago I decided to spend some time reading the devotional, Jesus Calling, by the amazing Christian missionary, journalist, and author Sarah Young. Now, before I lose almost all of you to the wind, let me say that I do know that, as a follower of Jesus Christ, I am called to be in constant communion with God every day…but…like I said, I have been way too busy for waaayyyy too long. Anyways, I went on to spend over thirty minutes reflecting on and over one specific and exhilarating: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (HCSB). It hit me right in the gut! How clueless could I possibly be…?! Of course I am weak…that’s why I couldn’t conquer my imperfect life…only God uses my weaknesses to give me strength! Bottom line is that instead of trying to be perfectly strong on my own, I simply need to be perfectly weak in the arms of Christ alone. I have learned that weakness is something more than what the world wants to see in our lives as people of God. You see, only when we are weak can we have the strength of God to turn us from the world that is anything but perfect.

Note Taking 101

For over a century students have sat in a class and furiously scribbled notes using a pencil...or pen...and paper. Much to many teacher's dismay, students are slowly starting to take notes using the "beauty of technology". Now...don't get me wrong...I personally love using my computer in class to take notes. It's much more efficient and makes for neater and more organized study sessions when finals do come around. Eh...but as I look around from the back corner of the classroom I can't help but notice how so many students are using their technology for everything except for note taking. As I returned to CCU this year I was told by many of my professors that computers were no longer allowed in the classroom setting. I guess there has been research conducted that proves computerized note taking to be much less effective to actually learning the material than the Old Fashioned "scribble method". At first I was upset at this new revelation within the educational community...that is until I realized that I am one of a handful of students who only use my computer for taking notes. Am I disappointed or upset?...nah. You see...students pay for a college degree to learn how they are going to spend the rest of their short lives. Personally, I want to be fully prepared for the career that I have chosen as an educator. So...I promise my professors right now that I will be that one lone student who not only listens to you as you teach...and sometimes ramble and rant on and on and on...but I will also take sufficient notes to remember this specific information even after the final is over with and completed. You have my word.

What is This Class You Call Educational Technology?

Back in the Spring I signed up for a class called "Educational Technology" and I didn't think twice about it. The Fall came around and class began; this is where the odd manner of the class came into the light of the situation. I walked into class with a notebook and pens...and that was it. I look around and saw that EVERYONE HAD COMPUTERS!!! I automatically had an "Uh...duh" moment and realized how dumb I now looked to the professor on the FIRST DAY!!! So, here I am sitting in the back of class looking like an absolute HOOLIGAN! Great start to class Carissa...gooooood *childish voice*... Despite how dumb I felt, I did push through...that is by only using my phone and a notebook and several different colored pens...! I somehow understood most of what the professor was talking about, but, as I soon found out, not many other people in the class had a clue. I have to admit that I give my nerdy and geeked-out twin sister most of the credit for helping to develop my technological skills, but...hey...atleast I understood the class...right??? Well, even though I showed up unprepared and unarmed for this class you call "Educational Technology", I think that I will be just fine. :)