BP7 - Final Project

Relevant and Innovative Learning Scenario: Knitting with Ravelry

By Alyson Patrash

Beginning and developing knitters will be introduced to the Web 2.0 tool Ravelry.com. Students will use the tool to do a pattern search based on the yarn they have available as well as their knitting skills. Once they choose a pattern and start knitting they will create a project page on Ravelry that they can use to keep track of their project and share with the knitting community at large.

1)   Target Audience: Beginning and Developing knitters

2)   Materials Needed

·      Yarn Stash

·      A Computer

·      Access to Internet

·      Digital Camera and/or Video Camera

3)   Objectives: At the end of this scenario the learner will be able to

a.     Evaluate patterns found in Ravelry and assess if they would be a good fit for their yarn and knitting skills.

b.     Create a project page in Ravelry for their new knitting project.

4)   Procedure

a.     Students will evaluate patterns found in Ravelry and assess if they would be a good fit for their yarn and knitting skills

                                               i.     Students will setup a Ravelry account

                                              ii.     Students will learn how to use the advanced pattern search feature in Ravelry

                                            iii.     Students will find 5 patterns they think will be a good fit for their yarn and skills

                                            iv.     Students will discuss in a group their findings and narrow down their selections to 2.

                                              v.     Students will look up the patterns in Ravelry forums to look for errata or stumbling blocks other knitters have already dealt with.

                                            vi.     Students will choose 1 pattern to create

b.     Students will create a project page in Ravelry for their new knitting project

                                               i.     Students will take pictures of their yarn

                                              ii.     Students will create a project page and enter all information they have on the project

1.     Yarn used

2.     Needle size

3.     Start date

4.     Etc.

5)   Web 2.0 Tool: www.ravelry.com

a.     Ravelry is a free Web 2.0 tool for knitters and crocheters. It has a wealth of features to assist fiber artists in organizing and sharing their own projects, finding patterns, organizing their fiber library and communicating with fellow cohorts.

6)   Social Participation/Social Learning

a.     Students will utilize small group discussion to evaluate their yarn and skills. Students will also discuss their pattern choices with their peers and help each other make an appropriate selection.

b.     Students will use the Ravelry forums to gather more information about 2 patterns in order to make an informed decision on which to make.

7)   Making Connections

a.     The learner will connect with previous knowledge of knitting skills and yarn choices.

b.     The learner will become more informed and self sufficient in finding and choosing patterns that would be appropriate for them to complete.

c.      The learner will be able to collaborate with others in a peer group as well as on the Ravelry forums.

8)   Create/Produce: The student will create a Ravelry project page.

9)   Assessment: 

Reflection

a.     Students will be able to reflect on their process in the notes portion of the Ravelry project page they create

b.     The educator will evaluate the success of the scenario by the choices the students made in patterns (how appropriate are they) as well as by the level of detail and knowledge shown on the student Ravelry project pages.