It all began with an idea and the task of only utilizing the Internet for the purpose of constructing and developing new found knowledge. I was very excited when I first learned of this opportunity of this networked learning project. It provided me with a chance to learn something new and seek guidance from a place, the Internet, that is redefining the way I obtain knowledge. I decided on the task of learning how to make a balloon dog. I thought learning this skill would come in handy for work since I do work with middle school kids especially when they create events like carnival day!
I began my search to complete this project by using Google and found websites such as eHow and WikiHow that provided me with visual representations such as diagrams and photographs that demonstrated a step by step process. Along with these representations, I was able to also read and learn some terminology regarding balloon making such as the type of balloons to use (#260 balloons), lock twist and fold twist. I continued my search into YouTube and found several videos that demonstrated the process. I decided to use Youtube as my main source of instruction. Replaying the video several times definitely helped me to fully understand the process. Pausing it also helped. 🙂 I learned by watching and observing the person creating the balloon dog and mimicking his actions enabled me to accomplish the task. It took several tries, but the more I practiced the better I got. Though no one was there to physically demonstrate the process and provide feedback, comparing my finished product to the video made it clear that I was able to get the same results. I had obtained new skills and new found knowledge. With this new learned knowledge, I can certainly apply and create more balloon dogs or other balloon animals!!
I am believer with the concept that as education shifts to include more use of online tools and applications that I can easily seek and collect information to develop new learning. I know that I can apply these learning strategies in my classroom as I teach my students how and where to obtain readily available online resources.
Youtube, I was ready to start with this project. My first attempt was not very successful at all. The popped and deflated balloon would very much agree to that statement. I realized that I needed to handle with care as I created the twists with the balloon. So, onto my next attempt, I inflated another balloon and left about a hand’s width at the end of the balloon as instructed from my selected Youtube 
e a dog. So, back to square one. I revisited and watched the Youtube videos again and I understood better the more I closely watched the process. Indeed, I was missing another segment of the dog. I made another attempt with a more definitive vision in my mind as I reflect to what I had seen on the videos. Twists and more twists and I was able to construct a balloon dog! I looked at it and I felt proud i was able to do it. But….with an artist’s eye for detail, I became unsatisfied with how the balloon turned out even though I managed to create the balloon dog. I looked and examined it closely and I realized that I was not happy with the tail end. I wanted a more pronounced tail rather than a stumpy one. So I will continu
e to practice and construct as many balloon dogs as I can until I get the tail end done correctly.
lpture caught my attention. Now in now way shape or form was I going to try to construct a stainless steel sculpture. Instead, I’m going to take a more achievable option which is to learn how to make a balloon dog. I remember as a kid walking around in an amusement park being fascinated with the idea of a balloon being twisted to create an object. At a young age you think, “How’d they do that?” “Won’t the balloon pop?” As I consider this cool project, I definitely will use any available online resources to construct a balloon dog. Good thing I have my trusted friend 
drawing on technology 