Reflection #8

1. Description of some ways to build connections and branch out beyond the classroom
Technology surprises me everyday! There's so many ways that technology can build connections and branch out beyond the classroom by blogs, personal or community websites, and any other communication tool associated with technology. Everyone around the world uses technology to learn or express themselves, this allows students to take full advantage of learning through technology by communicating and researching beyond their community and even their country. Blogs are a good way to communicate, it allows students to communicate with teachers about what they are learning without talking face-to-face. It provides students with the opportunity to invite more people into the project and it also allows them to reflect on their own learning.

2. Description of the EAST Initiative Model
The EAST Initiative Model was a student-driven learning project where students were responsible for their own learning. This also involved an authentic project based learning by students being engaged in solving real world problems in their communities. Which in this case was the fact that a Japanese-American internment camp disappeared from their community's collective memory. This project also involved technology tools where they needed to acces relevant technologies that professionals use to solve real world problems. Along with all of these tasks, students were required for collaboration. When learning is student-based it is important to remind students that they need to work together as a team to help one another get the most out of what they are doing. It is important as a teacher in this situation to keep it student-based. To help guide students along rather than "telling" them what to do and hope they do it. The EAST Initiative Model began in Arkansas (1996) and expanded to over 260 schools in seven states. At the end of each school year an annual conference is held where students showcase their projects. 
This is such an amazing idea! I would love to get involved with something like this. Real world problems is the best way to learn about the world and to help the understanding of more complex problems.

3. Discussion on some reasons to let students "lead" their projects
When students are encouraged to engage in technology based learning, they are able to express themselves in a more positive and accepting way. It allows students who are less confident to interact and communicate with students or other people with similar interests (or in the textbooks case, disabilities). After Sarah was encouraged to communicate through a blog, Sarah got the courage to begin a resource for other children who have dyslexia. She wanted to share her experiences with other people so others can relate and feel more comfortable and gain tips on something they care deeply about. As a teacher, it is important to remember that you don't have to micromanage every project. "They can take on their own learning, and I can be there to support them." (pg. 136)

4. Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project
When we came up with the Topic of Hurricane Sandy, we pictured this as if the students were the ones who wanted to learn about Hurricane Sandy and what it had done to harm the US and what they could do to help those in need. If this was a real life classroom, I would encourage our students to continue to ask questions and build inquiry about what they want to learn and how they want to learn. Having students take lead in projects is extremely important to me because when students take initiative it shows them that they have confidence and they can count on themselves for learning instead of just listening to a teacher talk all day about something they aren't interested in. We've all said before, communication is key. I think it is important to continue to have students communicate in various ways. Blogs are something that I want to encourage in the future of our project because it helps keep things organized and helps us set goals together and continue that need of communication.