Ann's Blog

Time Management Strategies (Image Information: Time, Pixabay ) I am a very busy person. I am enrolled in 18 hours of class and I work 20-30 hours a week. Because of my busy schedule, I have had to become a very organized person. In the past year and a half, I have learned a lot about time management strategies and have found ones that work for me. I am still learning what works best and I am constantly trying new things and improving my plans. Some strategies I utilize are: taking timed breaks, studying in distraction-free places, studying alone, taking notes on my reading assignments, and reading things out loud. I also use whiteboards, calendars, colored pens, highlighters, tons of notebooks, and a planner. I love making lists! Lists are a way for me to instantly minimize my stress because I can lay out all of my tasks in front of me. I read  The Psychology of Checklists: Why Setting Small Goals Motivates Us to Accomplish Bigger Things , and I completely agree...

As a young adult, I am supposed to know my way around a computer. However, I have always felt like I don't know enough. I am familiar with the most popular social media sites, I am good at finding things on Google or Youtube, and I know how to navigate my iPhone. Despite knowing these basic skills, I still feel like I am supposed to know more about computer technology and tools. Thus, I am excited to learn more about these things throughout this semester.  (Image Information: Woman typing, Pixabay .) I found this lesson very helpful. I am excited to start using these different tools and sites. I've obviously heard of some of the sites before, like Google Docs, but the tools are unfamiliar to me. This semester I'd like to brush up on my technology skills in general, but there is not one particular tool I want to use. I think this class will be a great place for me to practice!

So far, this class seems really cool. I am a huge fan of laid-back class structures that allow students to help create their own schedules or lessons. I honestly think I learn more, work harder, and have more fun in classes with more relaxed schedules. I am really excited about the assignments in this class. I enjoy writing but I feel like I never have the time. This class will give me a reason to regularly write. As well, reading is one of my favorite hobbies, and that is yet another thing I feel like I don't have much time for since starting college. I am eager to do the readings for this class! This is my first online class at OU, but not my first time ever taking an online class. I think online classes are great, and I am already enjoying this course. All of the extra credit options sound fun, so I plan on trying them out.  (Image  Information: Girl Reading;   Pixabay )

( Cat Meme : Cheezburger ) Carol Dweck's growth mindset theory is a positive teaching method that has been proven to have good results. It focuses on changing the mindsets of students so that they are no longer satisfied by receiving good grades but feel the need to constantly be challenged. This removes the constant need for validation that many people have. It is an interesting theory, one that I had not heard much of before this lesson. I read one of the articles that does not agree with the theory and I see the authors point. The theory is pretty vague and for many classrooms, it may not work perfectly. I also see how it could lower children's self-esteem and make them feel like they don't have the potential for success.  I definitely think I was raised to have a fixed mindset because my family cares a lot about grades. However, after learning about Carol Dweck, I will now be more aware of that mindset. I suspect this will have a positive effect on me. If I ma...

(Image Information: Cat Selfie) My name is Ann Marie.  Here are some facts about me: I am 19 and currently pursuing a dual degree in Linguistics and French at OU.  I love books, and consider myself a crazy cat lady.  I am passionate about women's rights and LGBTQ rights.  I work as a server in a restaurant, and though my job is mentally taxing, it can also be fun.   (Image Information: Books , 2010) Some of my favorite authors are J.K. Rowling (duh), Jane Austen, the Bronte Sisters, Cassandra Clare, and Rick Riordan. I've been especially into Rick Riordan lately! This summer, I decided to reread the Percy Jackson series. From there I could not stop. I have since read and reread every YA book he has out, and I am also following his Rick Riordan Presents imprint series, in which he reads and edits YA mythology books by other authors, and then adds them to the Rick Riordan Presents collection, allowing new or relatively unknown au...

Zeus's Ex-Lovers Okay, I've got to admit, I may be a little biased. I love Greek mythology! I also happen to be a feminist. Zeus's Ex-Lovers is a retelling of Zeus's affair with Aphrodite. However, in this version, the author gives it a feminist take by changing the classic Hera-curses-innocent-mistress scenario by having Hera team up with "the other woman" aka "Aphrodite" and taking her anger out on Zeus. The Women of Hercules The Women of Hercules is a retelling of the legend of the great hero Hercules. This version is unique because it is told from the point of view of three significant women in Hercules' life. One thing I noticed that I think the author did particularly well was the creation of the setting. This storybook is set up to make the reader feel like they are watching (or reading the transcript of) a talk show. The author uses details in the setting to build this atmosphere. Some such details are the cues for the host and t...