Reading Reflection #8

When it comes to project based learning in a classroom, there are various ways to build connections and branch out beyond the classroom. Most 21st century tools allow people to share ideas and work among a diverse audience. When students know that people will be listening to what they have to say, they will become more motivated to work for a purpose. By students being able to connect with a real audience, they even have the opportunity to reach out to experts to help with research for a particular topic. By reaching out to people outside of the classroom, communication can be increased. This will ultimately help students with their communication skills throughout the project. Skype is a great tool to use to reach people who may live far away, as well as blogs. Blogs let people communicate back and forth no matter where someone may be in the world.

The EAST Initiative Model (Environmental and Spatial Technologies) is a network of schools that focus on using technology to solve real life problems. They use authentic tools to help improve their community and also work for a real purpose. It began in Arkansas in 1996 and now includes more than 260 schools throughout seven different states. The EAST model is focused around four main ideas: 1) Student-driven learning (students being responsible for their own learning), 2) Authentic project-based learning (students being engaged in solving real world problems), 3) Technology as tools (students having access to technologies that professionals use), and 4) Collaboration (students working in teams to pursue authentic projects). Teachers who implement this model in their own classroom first need training and support. They must learn to lead students when it comes to technology as well as support their interests.

Throughout a project, it is important to remember to let the students lead. The more they are interested in a topic, the more they will be engaged. This is why they should base their research and projects on what they are really passionate about. By allowing students to work on projects that go beyond the classroom, they can continue working on them throughout their life. Through project based learning, students learn to think like detectives, scientists, and journalists. They can take the skills that they learn and apply them to the community around them.

This chapter relates to my project because the first part of the chapter discussed branching out and building connections, which reminded me of our e-pals. Using Skype would be a great way to communicate with the e-pals that our students would work with, especially if the students were to actually pick a place like Italy, which is all the way around the world. Technology would allow our students to build a connection with another classroom and with tools such as Skype, they can even see the students and classroom through a live feed. Blogs are also a great way to communicate with other students by posting questions and comments as well as photographs and videos.