Reading Reflection 8

It is important to extend the learning experience beyond the classroom.  In a project it may be beneficial to have students connect with experts.  When studying a topic and having students work on a project think about how having the students connect with an expert in that topic might benefit the students learning.  You can start by asking parents to help with the topic, if you can’t find parents who are experts they may know someone who does. Another way to find experts is by using your class Web site or blog to post that you’re seeking experts on a specific topic. 

The Environmental and Spatial Technologies Initiative was developed by Tim Stephenson at Greenbrier High school in 1996. Students in the Environmental and Spatial Technologies Initiative network of schools have been demonstrating the benefits of using technology for a real purpose,-- to solve problems and make improvements in their communities.  The EAST model is built on these four essential ideas: 

1.      Students-driven learning: Students need to be responsible for their own learning.

2.        

      Authentic project-based learning: Students should be engaged in solving real problems in their communities.

3.        

      Technology as tools: Students need access to the relevant technologies that professionals use to solve real problems.

      

      Collaboration: When students collaborate in teams to pursue authentic projects, they accomplish more than any one person can do in isolation.

During the project approach, as a teacher you will find that students are capable of leading their own projects.  To get students started, start by generating a project idea that they care about.  The teacher doesn’t have to be the one who designs one super project for everyone in the class.  To start, ask students what they are passionate about? Students can take own their own learning, and as the teacher be there to support the students.  Having the students take the lead on their project they will be more into the project. If you let them pick what they want to do for the project they will ultimately be more passionate in their work and their learning will be more meaningful.  Having students lead their learning will also prepare them for the real world.

The concepts in this chapter relate to our own projects. While planning our project we need to make sure we let our student’s branch out. In one of our projects our students are pen pals with other students in New York. In this project the students are learning from each other about local gyms in their areas and about how fitness plays apart in both Kalamazoo and in New York City.  Our students are learning from one another.  Also as a group we are working together and leading on our own to make sure that everything in our project is getting done.  In our project we are using technology throughout the whole process. We are collaborating in a team to accomplish a successful project.