1. Description of some ways to build connections and branch out beyond the classroom.
Connections can be built outside the classroom in many different ways. Digital projects can be shared with many people including parents, friends, and community members. It is important to integrate technology into the classroom to give students that sense of accomplishment that they were able to create something themselves, and that it can be shared with whomever they please. Something that I really liked from this section was the bit about the students sharing their harsh lives using moviemaker. That is a very strong activity and students must be vulnerable to complete it successfully. I think it requires a lot of trust. Another important thing to remember is to communicate the findings of the research that students will be doing. Not only can students have the opportunity to share their work, but others may benefit and grow from the information.
Connections can be built outside the classroom in many different ways. Digital projects can be shared with many people including parents, friends, and community members. It is important to integrate technology into the classroom to give students that sense of accomplishment that they were able to create something themselves, and that it can be shared with whomever they please. Something that I really liked from this section was the bit about the students sharing their harsh lives using moviemaker. That is a very strong activity and students must be vulnerable to complete it successfully. I think it requires a lot of trust. Another important thing to remember is to communicate the findings of the research that students will be doing. Not only can students have the opportunity to share their work, but others may benefit and grow from the information.
2. Description of the EAST Initiative Model.
The EAST in the EAST Initiative Model stands for Environmental and Spatial Technologies. EAST students get to use professional tools that adults would use in their field of study. EAST strives to incorporate the most appropriate and efficient technology in classrooms around the country. The EAST model strives for the four ideas which are: Student driven learning, authentic project-based learning, technology as tools, and collaboration. These four ideas are the pillar of EAST, along with adequate teaching and training for teachers.
The EAST in the EAST Initiative Model stands for Environmental and Spatial Technologies. EAST students get to use professional tools that adults would use in their field of study. EAST strives to incorporate the most appropriate and efficient technology in classrooms around the country. The EAST model strives for the four ideas which are: Student driven learning, authentic project-based learning, technology as tools, and collaboration. These four ideas are the pillar of EAST, along with adequate teaching and training for teachers.
3. Discussion on some reasons to let students “lead” their projects.
Letting students lead their projects is very important for many reasons. First of all, students will be forced to be in the position of "thinking outside the box." Letting students be leaders will allow them to encounter conflict and resolve it in their own way, creating pathways of learning for the future. Students love being in charge, and if the teacher is constantly giving specific directions and telling students what they should be doing, then there is no room for creativity or even a desire to learn. Since education should be about making learning fun, it is so important to make learning as awesome as possible. Radical!
4. Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project.Letting students lead their projects is very important for many reasons. First of all, students will be forced to be in the position of "thinking outside the box." Letting students be leaders will allow them to encounter conflict and resolve it in their own way, creating pathways of learning for the future. Students love being in charge, and if the teacher is constantly giving specific directions and telling students what they should be doing, then there is no room for creativity or even a desire to learn. Since education should be about making learning fun, it is so important to make learning as awesome as possible. Radical!
In our project, these concepts from the chapter are very important. We will be doing some things, like making our own weather-measuring devices, which require us as teachers to back off and let the students take the lead. They must think for themselves and decide the tools and materials to use. Also, when students become weather reporters, they will have the opportunity to create their own journalistic style and will be able to decide the way in which they want to relay information to their peers and teachers.
I love how you talk about thinking outside the box. It's so important to let students lead and they way you explained it was very inspiring and beneficial to my learning. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your reflection. You always have great ideas to go along with the readings. Great Job!!
DeleteLetting students lead their own project lets them think of a topic that is important to them, not what the teacher thinks is important for them. By letting students lead their own project this allows them to take ownership and feel proud of what they accomplished.
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