1. Description of some ways to build connections and
branch out beyond the classroom.
Technology is a big part of our culture and is becoming an even bigger
part in our education. Digital tools make it much easier for students to branch
out and share and exchange their work with diverse audiences, peers, local
community, and even the much wider world. There are so many other ways that
technology allows students to branch and build connections outside the
classroom by creating blogs, websites, and many other technology based
communicating tools.
2. Description of the EAST Initiative Model.
The EAST Initiative Model stands for Environmental and Spatial
Technologies. These students in EAST have been demonstrating the benefits of
using technology for a real purpose and make improvements in their communities.
These projects make use of geospatial technologies and multimedia tools that
are more commonly found in professional laboratories or studios. Students are
working hard to make technology more useful outside the classroom and they
master using these tools and applications in context while solving community
problems that interest them. The EAST Initiative started in Arkansas in 1996
and now has grown to include more than 260 schools in seven states, which is a
huge progression!
3. Discussion on some reasons to let students “lead”
their projects.
When students are leading other student projects it allows them to
develop greater leadership and communication skills. Everyone learns at
different paces and in different ways so it really lets each student find their
place when working on a project and interacting with others. For example, when
Sarah’s teacher Elise Mueller told Sarah she should try communicating through a
blog because of her dyslexia, she got the courage to reach out and communicate
with others and shared her own strategies.
4. Discussion on how
concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project
Concepts
in this chapter can relate to our topic and project because we really want the
students to reach out and share their interests and new ideas they found with
the class. We want them to become comfortable with technology and realize all
of the amazing tools you can use through technology. Having the students take
lead in their projects is another big focus we have in our classroom.
I completely agree with having students run their projects. It not only builds good communication skills but it also allows students to take on more responsibility and greater leadership skills.
ReplyDeleteI think we should encourage students to lead projects as well. I think that it motivates students and it encourages them to take charge of their own learning. This is a great way to get all students involved as well. Sometimes students tend to slack off when listening to the same person (the teacher) all the time. So switching it up and turning the focus specifically on the students is great.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your response to number 1. Technology allows students to learn outside of their classroom, while they are in their classroom!
ReplyDelete