Digital Story

After using iMovie for the first time to create a digital story I found it very fun and challenging. I had so much fun making a digital story and dissecting myself and the reasons for me wanting to be a teacher. It allowed me to learn about myself while also learning about the advantages of technology. Getting to see everyone's digital stories was a great opportunity to also get to know my PLN better. This was a great assignment to explore the many computer applications and understand various ways of communicating individual interests and opinions. I had so much fun completing the digital story and I hope it shows!

Edst 221: Day 1

In my experience as a student from K-12, technology did not become a prominent part until high school. My elementary experiences did not involve a lot of use of technology; however, I do remember we would get computer time a couple times a week in which we would take online tests to help us type better and increase our knowledge on how to navigate around the internet and computers in general. In high school internet became my main source of information. With the increase and necessity of research, the internet became a great and efficient tool to gather and organize information. The internet provides many different opportunities for learning and allows students to explore various topics more in depth. I feel as though I have a great understanding of all of the opportunities the internet has to offer; however, this class had made me realize I haven't even scratched the surface. I have a lot to learn about the internet as well as how its use can be applied in the classroom.

Art Experience

While I was sitting in a coffee shop covered with all different kinds of art mediums, I couldn't help but a notice an unbelievable black and white photograph of a tree. I liked that it was black and white because the contrast highlighted the naturally beautiful branches and huge trunk in comparison with the delicate light color of the sky. The photograph captured the sun shining through the tree branches making the rays stand out. The upward tilt of the camera produces a feeling as if you are looking up at the tree and the sky. I love this picture because I think it demonstrates the natural beauty that we are surrounded by daily and also recognizes the angle at which we view these huge trees. The artist's name is Brooke Borcherding.


After analyzing the art without understanding or knowing anything about the artist, I decided to research the artist. I found out that most of the art in the coffee shop was hers and that photography is not actually her forte. I discovered that she is actually a painter, and when looking at her pieces I am actually fascinated and very impressed by her multifaceted artistic ability. Most of her paintings are made with acrylics and oils and she also has color and black and white photography. Her pieces of art are all so diverse that they look like they were done by completely different people and I think that her talent and creativity is clear through all of her works. From paintings, to photographs, to murals and charcoal drawings I would never have expected these many art mediums when looking at the tree photograph. However, after seeing her creativity with a lens it is no surprise that she has such creative talent. I think this was a major realization for me that creativity does not limit itself to one medium, and people with the creative ability and energy have the ability to express that creativity in anyway.

Google Remix

Creative Spirituality

How do you define "spirituality?"
To me, spirituality is understanding and being in touch with one's self and one's surroundings as well as believing in the inner strength and power of the self and the environment. I think that this definition is subjective because spirituality is a different feeling or experience with every individual because the relationship a person has with themselves and their surroundings varies. Spirituality is more of a feeling and state of mind that focuses on inner and outer relationships. This concept thrives on personal acceptance and connection to the world around you.

How does spirituality differ from religion?
I have never considered spirituality and religion to be related. I believe that the main difference is that spirituality focuses on the inner understanding and connection with oneself rather than the more organized understanding of another "being." While both concepts and belief systems can inspire and be useful for a person's strength, I think that spirituality is more focused on the self and religion is more focused on another. It is hard to distinguish between two concepts that have such similar effects on people, but I believe that the difference lies in the mindset and organization of both ideologies.

How do you define creativity?
Creativity is the original form of self expression that many individuals use. It is a skill, talent and state of mind that incolves new ideas and concepts that are usually representative of a person's ability to use their imagination and knowledge to generate an original concept, piece of art or theory.

What is the source of creativity?
While I believe that much of our human creativity comes from within us, I also believe that inspiration from outside ourselves, our experiences, environment and other people help shape our creativity and ability to think critically. I think our ability to look inside of ourselves and find our strengths and morals is a major factor in creativity but I also believe that the experiences that shape our interpretations and many of our beliefs play a big role in a person's creativity.

Aesthetics of Horror

"Why Do People Love Horror Movies? They Enjoy Being Scared"

"This novel approach to emotion reveals that people experience both negative and positive emotions simultaneously -- people may actually enjoy being scared, not just relief when the threat is removed." This statement about the contradictory concept of horror movies relates to Carroll's article. The article is a scientific perspective that describes how the reasoning for people's enjoyment of horror movies has evolved over time. At first, the theories were that people enjoyed the fear, or that people put up with the fear in order to experience the relief at the end. These theories have been challenged by the idea that people can experience positive and negative emotions simultaneously. Scientists have come to the conclusion that people are "happy to be unhappy."


This article is an abstract way of looking at people's interpretations of horror films and is one that I cannot fully understand. It is hard for me to understand the simultaneous feeling of both positive and negative emotions but it provides accurate reasoning for why people enjoy horror films. Carroll explains in her article that, "It engages its audience by being involved in processes of disclosure, discovery, proof, explanation, hypothesis and confirmation" (279). I think both articles provide valid points for why and how horror movies can attract audiences despite their sometimes disgusting and disturbing footage. Both of these articles have given me a great and deeper understanding of horror movies and their paradoxical affect on people.


University of Chicago Press Journals (2007, July 31). Why Do People Love Horror Movies? They Enjoy Being Scared. ScienceDaily.




"Why People Love Horror?"

This article is not as scientific and more of a personal interpretation and analysis of the age long question, why do people like horror? This article describes how many people avoid horror and pain in their real life, but demonstrates how many people will jump at the chance to watch other people experiencing horrific events, "People love to be afraid…it’s human nature to look forward to being scared…from the comfort of your sofa." I think the author makes a valid point that I agree with, people enjoy the rush and stimulating feeling of fear, but from their couch. Many people do not enjoy experiencing the fear and horror first hand and that is why they get such a rush from watching it.

This is an interpretation of human nature that is not based on science but rather our humanistic traits. The author recognizes that there are many reasons as to why people enjoy horror movies. While some like watching them for the curiosity, others like the rush and some just enjoy the blood and gore that is found in the disturbing films. I think that this analysis demonstrates the interpretation involved in films and art in general. Carroll explains that many people enjoy the sense of fear because they can also experience the sense of relief and enjoyment, which makes horror movies a paradoxical event, but this article also reveals that people enjoy watching horror movies because they do not want to experience it first hand.



Scoyoc, A. V. (2006, November 14). Why People Love Horror (article) by Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc on AuthorsDen. Retrieved May 10, 2009, from http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?AuthorID=47163&id=25283

Personal Adornment

I do not really represent my beliefs through my clothing; however, I do believe in respecting yourself and others and therefore not inappropriately revealing my body. I also believe in individuality and I try to incorporate that through dramatic jewelry or accessories. I think for a lot of people personal adornment is their personal way of representing their individuality and uniqueness and while I completely respect and understand that I try to let my personality represent my individuality. I have my insecurities, like many people, and therefore shy away from clothing that makes me feel uncomfortable. Since I have been at school I have gained a better understanding of my comfort zone. I do not dress up for class because I don't see the point. I am here to learn and while I get ready for class I dress comfortably. The weekends are my time to dress up because I am not just sitting in a classroom being lectured all day. My clothing style also changes with the seasons but I think that is a natural tendency for people to change their clothing in relation to the weather. My style has pretty much remained constant throughout the years. I have never been one to get really dressed up or enjoy wearing high fashion clothing. While I enjoy shopping and getting new clothes the increased prices for clothing has made it difficult to indulge. My family has always enforced the morals that you must take care of yourself and respect yourself by putting time into your body and mind. My modest style has a lot to do with where I am from because the laid back community that I grew up in did not necessarily promote high fashion. While it is nice to get dressed up once in a while I will almost always pick comfort over fashion.