Wishing

Looking back on this project, I learned about lots of materials and techniques. But after spending hours and hours searching I realized that there is only so much you can learn at a time. So after I found several tools and techniques that I liked, I knew I had to stop. I also know that when I have exhausted these new techniques that I will again have to look up more. I know I will always want my scrapbook pages to evolve and revisiting techniques and being aware that new ones are created everyday is important. Also as my kids get older the types of pages I want to create will change.

I really wish normal printers would print 12x12 pages. I like the look of the pages I created digitally and would like to print them out and put them into my scrapbook albums. I am sure that I could take the pictures to some copying place to get copies of them, but that would be expensive.

I compiled a list of the strengths of this project. They are:
1. It was the most organized project I have ever completed.
2. I was never really frustrated.
3. I gathered lots of information.
4. I always knew where I was going next.

I compiled a list of the weaknesses of this project. They are:
1. I could not learn everything about scrapbooking.
2. The search process was more time-consuming than I hoped.
3. Being confined (bed rest) did not allow me to search Michaels or the library.

If I were able to do anything differently, I would have been able to explore scrapbooking tools and techniques through a class offered at Michaels and/or the local scrapbooking store. But since I am a life-long learner, I know that classes are always still a possibility.

After completing this project, I know my scope for every new project I complete has changed forever. I WILL create research questions before delving into books, journals, and websites as I did on every project before this one. Creating the questions first helped me get past irrelevant information and get to what I wanted more. This process allowed me to gather a lot more information more efficiently. I got my answers faster this way. It was still a lot of work and I realize now that researching for students will take much more time than more teachers allocate.

Waving

I could have created a product that would have taught people scrapbooking techniques or how to use the software program Scrapbooks Plus, but I wanted something more personal. I wanted to create real scrapbook pages digitally so that I could send them out to my family and friends that live far away. The program allows me to send the pages through html or by exporting them as photos and then sending them as e-mails. I have already sent the 8 included in this blog to my mom to make sure it worked. It did!!!!

Wrapping

As I created my final product using a Windows based scrapbooking software (Scrapbooks Plus), I thought of all the ways this product could be used. Wouldn't it be great to compile students work in it? Students could learn to take digital photos of what they were doing in gym, science and language arts. Students could scan their math, art and social studies projects and put them into this software. Students could be required to follow grammar and punctuation rules on the pages. Students could display their own poetry on the pages and then they could e-mail them to their relatives. (See my link below to the several subject area standards that would be covered using this program- http://portfolio.iu.edu/jjgraham/standards.doc for math and language arts and http://portfolio.iu.edu/jjgraham/Science_Standards.doc for social studies and science).

My product was for me though. I wanted to learn how to create digital scrapbook pages as a way to show-off what my kids are doing to family and friends. I want to document my childrens' lives for them and their future families to enjoy. I want to effectively convey my love for my kids through the scrapbooks I create. I have included a couple of learned techniques in the pages. I used all three of the poems, quotes and quips websites that I learned about through this process in my completed pages. I used sample templates for 4 of the pages and unique creations by me for four of the pages. Working through the templates helped me become acclimated with the program so I could learn how-to do the from scratch pages. The program did have a tutorial but I preferred trying things out on my own and I think I did okay.

Siblings 

Zoo 

July 4th Cookout 

Grandpa and Joslyn 

Beach Kids Love the Water 

Zander's one month photo. He is in his swing. 

Zander's Birth 

My scrapbook 

Weaving and Summarizing

I used the charts I created and filled out to make decisions on the techniques and tools I would use on my scrapbook pages. I eliminated techniques/tools that I would like to try if they were too expensive (heat embossing, E-Z Stretch), too time-consuming (paper piecing), or not as dramatic of an effect as I had hoped (dry embossing). I reached these conclusions using the presented information and my prior knowledge of the subject (Inferencing -Callison pgs 245-249).

My topic is not one in which comparing of techniques seemed appropriate. However, comparing of resources was something I could compare. I definitely liked searching websites best. I could taylor my search for exactly what I wanted and had several resources to choose from. On the other hand, books, and magazines, required me to spend more time flipping through pages (even using skimming techniques) trying to find what I was looking for. It took more time to look through the few books and magazines than it did for me to examine several websites. (websites - I can search several at the same time.) The least favorite resource was the DIY TV show called Scrapbooking. I can watch an entire show and find nothing I would want to use. However, I find myself watching it on a regular basis (usually while I am typing on the computer.)

I divided my findings into category lists (techniques, tools, and journaling)I posted earlier. The tools list essentially became a shopping list. I also made sure I organized my work so that I can actually use them later. I first documented where each technique/tool could be found on my notes sheet. This is most important for the book, and magazine resources. I also folded down pages in the magazines so I can get to them faster. Not very scientific but I own the magazines. I then bookmarked websites that I knew I would use often (see best website list from previous posting). I know that copying and pasting is not a technique we would want to show students to do, but for this project I copied required steps for these techniques into a word document. I will print these steps out to refer to when I complete pages.

When searching I found answers to my research questions and also found answers to the new questions that came up. Now in order to synthesize the information gathered I have to come up with something new. One of the techniques/tools I was interested in was creating scrapbook pages on the computer. So I bought a software program called Scrapbooks Plus. I will use this program to create interesting scrapbook pages. Now since I like to create print scrapbooks too, I will not show how I implemented every technique or tool that I researched - just ones that can work through the use of the software program (like journaling poems, quotes and quips). By using what I have learned I can create something new (synthesize).

I am hopeful that showing just a part of what I learned will be okay. I am also concerned about my audience. Think I better e-mail to ask now.

Weaving

I used my note sheets to detemine what things were inportant to me.

Techniques I will do on my pages:
1. stretching pages
2. paper tearing
3. punched paper backgrounds
4. creating character pages
5. crumpling paper
6. distressing paper
7. layered lettering
8. hand lettering + template
9. chalking
10. preserving hands and feet
11. resist
12. saucy squares
13. fiber to torn edges of paper
14 color blocking

Tools I will use on my pages:
1. Magic Mesh
2. Scrapbooks Plus Software
3. Quotes and Quips website
4. Poems website
5. Journaling Genie (Bidding on eBay right now)
6. Plan-a-Page
7. Rainbow Color Selector
8. Mosaic Overlay
9. Coluzzle

Journaling
I found that the Journaling Genie will make my journaling more creative and that these website will give me good poems, quotes and quips to use in my pages http://www.dmarie.com/asp/poems.asp?action=queryform , http://www.scrapbooklady.org/ and www.geocites.com/heartland/farm/9753.

I feel I used a great variety of sources from websites, books, TV shows, magazines and CD-Roms. Here are my citations-

Citations

Accents to Scrapbooking. Retrieved September 21, 2004, from website: http://www.accents2scrapbooking.com/photo_overlays.htm


AlpineImport.com Arts, Crafts, Creative Supplies Resource. Retrieved September 19, 2004, from website: http://www.alpineimport.com/


Arquette, K. (Ed.). (2003). Quick & easy scrapbook pages : 100 scrapbook pages you can make. Denver, CO: Memory Maker Books.


The Best Of Creative Lettering. CD-ROM. Volume 1. Porch Swing Publications, 1998.


Cortright, S. (1999-2000) Momscape. Chalking Made Easy: Simple Instructions for Scrapbookers and Card Designers. Retrieved September 20, 2004, from website: http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking/articles/techniques/chalks.htm


Cortright, S. (1999-2000) Momscape. How to Sew and Embroider on Your Scrapbook Pages. Retrieved September 20, 2004, from website: http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking/articles/techniques/sewing.htm


Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Magazine : The Scrapbook Authority. Retrieved September 19, 2004, from website: http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/


Denny's Poems and Quotes. Retrieved September 20, 2004, from website: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/9753


(1997-2004). dMarie Poem Place. Retrieved September 2004, 2004, from website: http://www.dmarie.com/asp/poems.asp?action=queryform


(1995-2004) eBay. Retrieved September 21, 2004, from website: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=16503&item=8132063928&rd=1


(1995-2004) eBay. Retrieved September 21, 2004, from website: http://search.ebay.com/journaling-genie_W0QQsonewuserZ1QQsosortpropertyZ1


EK Success. Retrieved September 2004,from website: http://www.eksuccess.com/products_list.php?sess_id=9c95123ad79c97c1021b6f72f34448f6


Endless Memories Scrapbooking Store. Retrieved September 21, 2004, from website: http://www.endlessmemoriesonline.com/shopping/index.cfm?page=shopping/shopping&CatID=94&SubCatID=519&CFID=9456055&CFTOKEN=12494583


Genovese, Sandi. "Black and White Pages." Scrapbooking. DIY Network, . . Broadcast. 11 Aug 2004.


Genovese, Sandi. "Garden Albums." Scrapbooking. DIY Network, . . Broadcast. 10 Sept 2004.


Genovese, Sandi. "Latest in Stamping." Scrapbooking. DIY Network, . . Broadcast. 14 Sept 2004.


Genovese, Sandi. "Scrapbooking A Child's Memories." Scrapbooking. DIY Network, . . Broadcast. 17 Aug 2004.


Genovese, Sandi. "Simple Books." Scrapbooking. DIY Network, . . Broadcast. 19 Aug 2004.


Genovese, Sandi. "Techniques of the Trade." Scrapbooking. DIY Network, . . Broadcast. 10 Aug 2004.

Gerbrandt, M., & Durant, J. (2000). Great scrapbooks : ideas, tips, & techniques. Denver, CO: Satellite Press.


Gerbrandt, M. (2004) Preserving Baby's Handprints and Footprints. DIY-do it yourself network-Scrapbooking, episode SCB 239. Retrieved September 20, 2004, from website: http://www.diynet.com/diy/sc_techniques/article/0,2025,DIY_14232_2275078,00.html


Hot of the Press . Retrieved September 21, 2004, from website: http://www.craftpizazz.com/products/60183


Life Tips : The Online Owners Manual For Your Life. Retrieved September 19, 2004, from website: http://scrapbook.lifetips.com/


Ludens, R. (2004). Your Guide to Scrapbooking, June. Retrieved September 19, 2004, from website: http://scrapbooking.about.com/


Magic Mesh. Retrieved September 19, 2004, from website: http://www.magicmesh.com/


Nelson, K. The Scrapbooking Lady. Quotes & Quips for Scrapbooking. Retrieved September 19, 2004, from website: http://www.scrapbooklady.org/


Olsen, J. (2001). Saucy Squares. Creating Keepsakes, 50-52.


(2000, February) Scrapbooking.com : Little Girls and Valentines. Retrieved September 18, 2004, from website: http://techniques.scrapbooking.com/


Scrapbooks Plus. CD-ROM. Windows 98. Calabasas, California: Idea Soft, 2004.


(2004) Sierra Enterprises. Retrieved September 21, 2004, from website: http://www.sierra-enterprises.com/


Scrappopotamus. Retrieved September 19, 2004, from website: http://www.scrappopotamus.com/


vLetter, inc. Retrieved September 19, 2004, from website: http://www.vletter.com/scrapbook.htm


Williams, H. (2004). Irresistable Techniques. PaperKuts, 29-32.


Citation Sources Used:

http://21cif.imsa.edu/cite - for websites

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/4184/Research_Site.html - for CD ROMS

http://www.landmark-project.com/citation_machine/index.php - for books, magazines and TV broadcasts

The Sites I like the Best

Best Websites
(This should meet the 2nd additional requirement for this project.)
http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/ Layouts, ideas, techniques and designs.

http://www.diynet.com/ This is the place to print out what you watched how to do on their TV show. You can also search through the site for page layouts, and new tools and techniques.

http://www.dmarie.com/asp/poems.asp?action=queryform Scrapbooking techniques and over 2,000 poems for scrapbooking by category.

http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking Scrapbooking techniques

http://scrapbooking.about.com/ Lots of helpful information on scrapbooking.

http://www.scrapbooklady.org/ Scrapbook information including over 700 Quotes and Quips.

http://scrapbook.lifetips.com/ Lots of helpful information on scrapbooking.

Completed Note Sheets Used while Researching

Below are the notes I took while searching through magazines, books, CD-ROMS and the Internet. I did not use the note-taking sheets for the TV shows that I watched on scrapbooking because I watched them prior to creating the checklist. Since I was confined to bed, I did not go out and take a scrapbooking class. (Though it is on my list to do).

The note sheets were divided into two categories tools and techniques. Techniques are for methods for making my pages special whereas tools are items I can purchase to make my pages great.

The note-taking sheets kept me from having to narrow or expand my focus.

Here is a tool note page. 

Here is a tool note page. 

Here is a tool note page. 

Here is a technique note page. 

Here is a technique note page. 

Here is a technique note page. 

Here is a technique note page. 

Wiggling and Wiggling and Wiggling

Given the following research questions, I began searching for answers.

1.How can I make creative/unique pages?
2.What type of tools/products can I buy to make page creation faster and easier?
3.What can I do to make journaling of my pages more special and meaningful?
4.What all do I need to learn in order to complete creative scrapbook pages using digital photos that can be sent out through the Internet?
5.How can I use scrapbooking techniques in the classroom so that it meets Indiana State Standards?

I knew from prior knowledge that I could answer question 1 by finding answers to questions 2 and 3. So looking for tools, techniques and journaling ideas would answer 3 of my 5 questions.

I began on the Internet. Before beginning my first search I opened two blank word documents, and an online citation source. The first word document was for completed citations that I would create as I went, and the other word document was for copying and pasting techniques and ideas that I want to do. If the site was one in which I would like to visit often, I made a note to bookmark it. I also had out my notebook (to take notes on searching strategies for this project) and my note sheets I created in Excel. The note sheets helped me with my source evaluation guidelines. I wanted to eliminate tools/techniques that were too expensive, seemed difficult to do, were too time-consuming, did not have a dramatic effect and ones that did not seem appropriate for children's’ pages.

I went to Google and did a basic search on scrapbook techniques. Thousands of sites appeared but I was quite pleased with the sites descriptions and found lots of helpful information from each of the first sites listed. The first site listed 18 techniques and a brief description of it. If the technique sounded interesting to me I would click on the link and learn about it. I would then document the technique on my note sheet and answer questions about it. If it was something I wanted to try, I copied the directions into my word document. (Highlight text, enter control c and then enter control v in word.) Having a citation source, word document, and the website open at the same time will eliminate students having to go back and cite sources at a later time. What a time saver!

I documented on my notes sheet that the first site I visited was not really reliable because one of its pages had several typographical and grammatical errors. It had been created by someone wanting to share their scrapbooking ideas. Since my project is not one in which facts could be misrepresented, it being a reliable source was not that critical. Students on the other hand could access sites that are biased or unreliable; therefore being critical of the site's reliability is a must. Students must learn how to evaluate websites before they begin to rely on them. I recommend Kathy Schrock's website evaluation surveys based on grade levels. The evaluation surveys are available at http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/eval.html

One of the sites that really stood out was Creating Keepsakes. I really liked their ideas, links and the deal on their magazine. It retails for $4.99 each but online I could get 12 issues for $24.95. Although this did not have anything to do with my project, I could not pass up this deal. The links to this site were great. If there was a technique I liked, I could link to sites that sold the supplies to create it.

As I went to sites I would immediately eliminate (filter information) techniques that I felt I already knew a lot about(like matting photos). I also did not link to information I had already gathered (Two sites showing how to do the same technique.) I did this by skimming the information listed before clicking on the site and by skimming headings and subheadings when I reached the site. The notes sheets helped keep me on track as well. This method is described at http://eduscapes.com/info/topic71d.htm. (The Wiggling section of Lamb's 8W's. )

I know that copying like I did in the word processing document is not something that you want the students to do but I am not writing a report. For students that are creating a report type document, they often get in trouble with all the information. Linda H. Bertland conclusions of her study (Callison pgs 237-239) saw that students did shallow processing and that led to note copying without evaluating as you go. I used to be this person. I would copy and highlight loads of texts and would then have to re-read and recopy the important information before paraphrasing it to write my paper. No one showed me how to research. So I did the best I could on my own.

I did do some highlighting of the notes I took in my notebook over how I researched. I did not want to do the journaling as I researched. So I took notes. I then went back and highlighted what areas I needed to include here. This type of strategy is described by Tony Buzan (Callison pgs 139-142). It is called 'radiant thinking'. He says to bold, highlight, use arrows, underline etc.

At the end of each searching session, I created a list of what I still needed to do. For example, evaluate magazines, write wiggling blog etc. I feel this is important so I don't waste time reorganizing when I start next. I knew to do it when the information is not fresh in my head. SO next time I could immediately begin. After teaching for several years, students often have difficulty getting started. The 'to-do' list will help them get started.

Back to searching--

I read something at one the sites mentioning paper piecing but not how to do it. So I did an advanced search. It had to include all the words paper piecing, exactly contain how-to and at least scrapbooking. The first site listed showed me how to do this technique.

Website searching to me is easier than looking through books, magazines and other print material. I like being able to open 2-3 websites at the same time and being able to print what I need from home. A print resource requires hand note-taking or copying from the library.

After I examined several websites, I thought I would try a different search. Using Google’s basic search I typed scrapbook baby ideas but did not like the returns. I then tried scrapbook techniques baby. These searches showed lots of scrapbook page layouts and that is something I am not really interested in. A layout is something someone else created and I would be copying it. (I would have to have the layout in front of me as well.) A technique is something I can apply wherever my imagination takes me.

I next went directly to www.diynet.com website. I knew of this site from the TV show Scrapbooking that is on DIY network. I searched their site for scrapbooking ideas.

I then completed a new Google basic search. I entered scrapbook quotes and then free scrapbook quotes. I found an additional site that I really liked through this search. I had found other journaling sites that I liked through the sites I first searched through.

At this point I had some new questions that needed to be answered but was tired of being on the computer; therefore I looked through some magazines and books next.

As I looked through the magazines, I saw that they had hundreds of page layouts and just a few techniques in each. I folded over layouts that I liked and examined the techniques. I spent time looking through the ads to see if there were new tools I would want to know more about. I then took notes on what I liked.

I then examined books. The books were better than the magazines but still a lot of emphasis were placed on page layouts. Any technique or tool that I liked was added to the note sheet so that I could try on my pages.

I also had taken (prior to creating the note sheets) notes on the DIY Scrapbooking shows that I had watched. When I watched the show I only wrote down the techniques or tools I thought I could do and was not too time-consuming. I watched several half-hour shows to get a few techniques. Their website allows you to print off directions as well.

After completing all this research, I had some new questions.

Where can I get and what is the cost of:
1) Color wheel
2) Mosaic overlay (Die Cuts With a View)
3) Magic Mesh
4) E-Z Stretch
5) Embossing Ink, powder and heating tool
6) Coluzzle Puzzles
7)Journaling Genie by chatterbox

So I went back to the Internet and tackled each of these items one-on-one.

1) Color Wheel was the hardest. I thought Making Memories created it when in fact it is an EK Success product. I watched the color wheel being used on DIY and had trouble finding it. I entered lots of things into their search engine to no avail. I then went to Google and did a basic search color wheel by Making Memories. I then did an advanced search- exact phrase Making Memories, all words color wheel and sscrapbooking. Believe it or not this led me to the DIY show I wanted. I followed the links to the Pick, Point and Match Color Selector by EK Success. I then used the correct name to enter an advanced search to find the price.
2) Mosaic overlay was the next hardest to find. I did a Yahoo search-die cuts with a view mosaic. I got a New Zealand site selling it for $7.95 (New Zealand dollars). I tried to find it elsewhere using this search to no avail. I then went to Google and entered mosaic overlay by die cuts with a view and got my answer on the first listed site. I wonder if putting mosaic first helped with my success.
3) For Magic Mesh I completed just a basic Google search Magic Mesh and got my answer at the first listed site.
4) When I tried E-Z Stretch for my basic Google search, I got lots of sites that did not look right. So I did an advanced search. I wanted the exact phrase e-z stretch and all words scrapbooking. The second site listed was the one I needed.
5) I did a basic Google search on embossing powder. I figured this simple search would also lead me to embossing ink and the heat tool. I got lucky and found my answer at the first site.
6) I started out with a basic search for Coluzzle but realized their were too many different products by Coluzzle. So I changed my basic Google search to Coluzzle Puzzle Template. I had to scan a few sites before I found one that had the product.
7) For the Journaling Genie software, I first entered Chatterbox (the company that sells it). But I would have had to update my Flash Player and restart my computer. I then completed a basic Google search for Journaling Genie Software. The first hit was eBay. Its cost was $7 plus shipping new in box. I then went back and found that the next site had the price as $24.95.

Indiana Standards and Scrapbooking

Here are some math and language arts scrapbooking activity ideas I came up with that incorporate Indiana Standards grades 3-6 http://portfolio.iu.edu/jjgraham/standards.doc

Here are some science and social studies scrapbooking activity ideas I came up with that incorporate Indiana Standards grades 3-6 http://portfolio.iu.edu/jjgraham/Science_Standards.doc

The above example ideas could be compiled together to make one large scrapbook for the student to take home at the end of the year. Students like making things like this to take home and if it is compiled well, it will be something they will keep for a lifetime.

When looking through the standards, I saw that almost all of the standards could somehow tie into scrapbooking. Simple things like capitalizing the page's title, putting the location and date of activity using correct punctuation, etc. justifys scrapbooks being used in grade 3.

Focus for my investigation so I can begin Webbing!

I will search through scrapbooking how-to-books, magazines, websites/companies, TV shows, and computer software to find new techniques, tools, and journaling pieces in order to make creative scrapbook pages. Although there are other ways in which I could search for the answers to my questions, I think these resource formats will do the job. I will also search through Indiana State Academic Standards in order to find scrapbooking activities that could be done in the classroom.

I as an adult know that the possibilities for finding information are far from limited. Students however, tend to look for information in one or two formats-books and the Internet. Since students usually work this way, I feel it is important to give students a list of possibilities of where they can go to get information such as the examples listed at http://eduscapes.com/info/topic71c.htm.

Brainstormed Possibilities for Usage in Schools:
1. Journaling could include poetry, adjectives, synonyms, antonyms, quotes, definitions, and vocabulary-Language arts.
2. Creating pages could teach measurement-how to use ruler, compass, and protractor-math.
3. Using the color wheel will make pages better - art.
4. Definitions/vocabulary, family trees-foreign languages
5. Ways to display projects-science, geography, history, biography, artwork

The above list is just a start. I have created a 2 column chart that I will use as I go through the standards. Column 1 is the Activity and column 2 is the Standard. I will start with the above list and search for standards. I know that when I read the standards that other ideas will arise. Creating charts like this one will minimize the amount of time needed to search through lots of data. I can simply skim the standards and when I find one that works, I can control c it and control v it into my chart. I then simply add the activity in the other column. Making the process simplier for me is one of my main goals. I want to be efficient throughout the process. Finding ways for students to be efficient is crucial to their wanting to be life-long learners as well.

I am also going to create charts for when I search through the list of resource formats. I will have a chart for techniques and one for tools. The charts will include some of the following categories-name of technique/tool; source, reliable source; cost; easy to use? This type of chart will allow me (I think) to evaluate and synthesize information at the same time. If the technique/tool does not look easy to use or takes a great deal of time to do, it will be eliminated. If the tool/technique seems costly (in my opinion), it will be eliminated. I am not going to use costly, time-consuming techniques in my scrapbook pages. Techniques/tools that seem easy, quick and are not expensive will be ones I will try in my pages.

I do not know if there are books/sources that address journaling ideas; therefore I am not sure of my search strategy for this area. At this point, I know to search OPACS, websites and eBay/HSN/QVC and I know I want only journaling ideas that will relate to children.

Callison's book talks about Bloom's committee (pgs 105-111) when analyzing materials and how it is important to distinguish relevant from extraneous materials. For this type of project anything can be considered relevant but I will eliminate materials that will not be quick or easy to use. The charts I have created should help guide me through this. The charts I created are called 'advance organizers' (Callison 139-142) since I created them prior to searching through materials.

Since students and even adults often get bogged down by the plethora of information in front of them, I highly recommend avenues to minimize frustration. Some examples include pathfinders http://eduscapes.com/info/topic71c.htm, charts and ‘advance organizers’ etc. The amount of information sometimes bogs me down as well. So being able to relate to students having this same difficulty will be easier if I am prepared!

Wondering-graphic organizers

Below are some examples of the graphic organizers I used for my topic of scrapbooking. I first completed the free-write and then used it to complete the charts since I had never done a graphic organizer. I did 3 graphic organizers so that I could become familiar with the process. (*These charts and graphic organizers were found on websites for teachers. This should meet one of my ‘additional requirements’ –web-based tool. )

I did not actually complete a Mind Map for the questioning process but was impressed with the step-by-step on how to complete one found at http://english.unitecnology.ac.nz/resources/units/insects/mindmap.html. Tony Buzan recommends this type of mapping for note taking (Callison pgs. 139-142) and I may use it once I get to the next stages of the process. I also think having step-by step directions for students to follow when completing graphic organizers will make searching less frustrating for them.

**If you double click on graphic organizer examples they will open and be much easier to read**

4 Column Chart

KWS Organizer

Idea Organizer

Wondering- I-SEARCH (free-write)

In Dr. Callison's book Key Words, Concepts and Methods for Information Age Instruction:A Guide to Teaching Information Inquiry, the I-Search model is described. One of the first activities recommended is a free write session on a topic. Basically this writing should include what you know about a topic, what you want to learn and possible research questions. The free write should last approximately 30-45 minutes. The topic I have chosen for my project is scrapbooking. Here is my free write on scrapbooking.

After my daughter was born in November 2002, I had tons of pictures everyone wanted to see. So I bought a scrapbook and began putting her pictures in it. Well after a while that got real boring. I wanted to add more to the pages. So I went to Michaels and checked out their stuff. I was so overwhelmed. There were shelves of stickers, alphabets, scissors, punches, die-cuts, die-cut machines, 8x11 papers, 12x12 papers, mesh, embossers, templates, stamps, pens, fibers and on and on! There were magzines, books and kits too. So I bought a book a couple of baby kits and went home and tried these out. But again after a while the pages were getting boring. I happened to catch QVC or HSN selling scrapbook stuff and found a nice tool to mat photos easily. I bought it and have used it for every page I have since created. It is called Perfect Layers. It is a set of two rulers and an utility knife. The rulers have edges that are of various widths. So I can make a small 1/16 in. border upto a 5/8 border. I can also do several borders on one photo. This tool only works with straight edges though. I want more tools like this that I can use often.

Now I know a lot more about scrapbboking than I did a year ago but I want to get better at them. I want to make creative, stimulating pages. Since I now have a new baby, I need to find ways to make these creative pages quickly as well. I want to find products/tools that will make the process easier. I also want to take my digital prints and put them into scrapbooks that I can send out to all my relatives that live out of state. I know there are scrapbooking software out there. I just need to buy a program and learn how to use it. This program may make creating pages easier and once I learn it, pages may be done more quickly. Although I still want physical pages, I think part of my project will include computerized scrapbooking. I have also had a great deal of trouble deciding on what to journal, how to journal etc; I want to learn or find sayings, quotes that will enrich my pages.

Reseach Questions:

How can I make creative/unique pages?

What type of tools/products can I buy to make page creation faster and easier?

What can I do to make journaling of my pages more special and meaningful?

What all do I need to learn in order to complete creative scrapbook pages using digital photos that can be sent out through the Internet?

How can I use scrapbooking techniques in the classroom so that it meets Indiana State Standards?

So I will now complete the graphic organizers and then move on to Webbing!

Wondering

Questioning the ways of the world have always bothered me (war, government spending, work conditions) and I find myself asking How can _____? Why do we allow ____? I get rather upset when I think of some of the injustices in this world. Although these type of issues I am interested in, knowing too much about them will depress me. So I pick something that is fun and educational in the process.

Focusing on a topic has never been difficult for me. Although I have always been interested in lots of things that I could research further, I could always pick a topic (usually before the instructor was even finished with the project's introduction.). I have never had regrets on my choice or what I needed to do next. I always knew I could find out more about something else on my own time if the issue arose during the project. So being helpful with students that can not make up their mind on a topic is something I know I will have to work on. That is why I did my focus for Skyhopper 4 on the first stage of the process. After I picked a topic, I collected everything I could on it. Countless books, journals etc would overtake my room. I would read articles, books and take tons of notes. I would then re-read the notes, highlight what was most important and then I would just start writing. Often my writing would become arrows, circles, and numbers. I would read what I had written and determine that this sentence/paragraph went 1st and this 5th etc. I would then type the paper and re-read it and then edit again. I spent hours on the researching until I got enough to fill the page requirement instead of looking for information in particular.

As I move into the second stage of this project's process, I see that using graphic organizers help students find focus. I looked at several of the online organizers with confusion. You see I have never used a graphic organizer or seen anyone else use one. I thought how can I teach this if I can not do one myself.. I finally did find a couple of organizers that were something like what I do when I research. They were lists-two, three, and four column lists. Well those type of organizers I know I can do. But my students may need more of a visual type organizer. So I have printed out a few of them and will try them out. Hopefully I can scan them and add them in my blog and then everyone can see how good or bad I did on them.

More Watching

Reading and Viewing

I regularly read Parenting, Reader’s Digest and Prevention magazines. Every issue gives me issues to ponder and things to consider.
This month I read about potty training and know I need to learn more about it so it will be a nice transition for my children. Potty training videos and books for the kids and advice books are available to examine.
Herbal supplements and their benefits were also addressed. I am interested in seeing if there are supplements that are safe for joint as well as female health.
I read articles about the presidential candidates and some of their campaign issues and think I need to learn more about Kerry’s health care policy. If it is as good as it sounds I might vote for the first time!

I watch lots of informational type programming. Some may not be considered that educational (talk shows). I watch CNN, Dateline etc. while I am working on the computer. I have this need to do two-three things at once. I was really taken aback by the Aron Ralston story (guy cut off part of his arm when stuck under a boulder). He wrote a book about his experiences. (Thinking about buying it). It should be a spiritually enriching experience.

Collaboration

My mom and I spend a lot of time philosophizing about life in the United States- from raising kids, schooling, marriage and health. These are the things in life that consume my time and I want them all to be successful; therefore examining new research in these areas is always on my list.

My mother-in-law just got married again and is moving from Michigan to Phoenix. I asked her what types of things we could go see in or around Phoenix. She said there were ghost towns, the Grand Canyon etc worth seeing. I would like to research what might be good things to see when we visit sometime next year.