Networked Learning Post #3

Over the course of the past few weeks I have been learning to crochet using only the internet for resources. My learning goal initially was to crochet a scarf and possibly a patterned scarf. Well, I never got to the patterns, learning the basics was hard enough. Either way, I used a Youtube tutorial and a few websites (links included in Post #2) that helped me figure out what I was doing in terms of crocheting. In the beginning, I struggled because I did not do the proper research about hook size or yarn. I bought random things and it did not work out well. I could not get the slip knots to stay tight enough in order to make a chain link, which is basically all crochet is. Once I started doing more research online, I found that I needed a thicker yarn and a smaller hook than the one that I had since I was such a beginner. Once I had the proper tools, it was a lot easier to get going and start making the slip knots and the chains started to develop a lot quicker. The more I practiced, the quicker I got with the rhythm and was able to better hold the yarn to keep everything tight. After these things were developed, progress was made a lot faster.

The video attached below is a summary of my experiences with this way of learning. While I did learn to crochet, I still don’t think this is necessarily the BEST way to learn something. It took me a long time and many views of the Youtube tutorial in order to understand how to twist the yarn, hook, and my hand in order to thread things properly. While a great supplement, I still think that learning from someone is the best way to learn things, especially crafts. The ability to ask questions directly and for them to adjust and fix your mistakes instantly is something that learning something via the internet can not do. The internet is a great tool and I will continue to use it to learn many things in the future, but you can’t beat the face to face interaction. I would encourage my students to learn this way, or again use this method as a supplement or review for what has already been taught. It is an effective way to learn something new and is a great resource to have so we should take more advantage of the connections that it allows us to make.

View my video for more of my struggles with crocheting and thoughts about how I will continue with my new found hobby. **Disclaimer: My dog had to go out about halfway through my recording…so I’m gone for about five seconds! Sorry! ***