Reading Reflection #3

1.  Discussion on what should be considered in finding “the Big Idea” for a project.

The Big Idea is basically the Big Picture you want your students to grasp from the project.  The idea should cover the basic subject standards for your class.  Also a great project should have a topic that covers more than one subject within its concept.  Students will learn more than one useful skill in this manner.

2.  Discussion on the 2lst Century skills.

• Analyze- Students should be able to look critically at information as they are doing research.  They should be able to tell the difference between good and bad information and when to seek help.

• Evaluate- Students should be able to confidently evaluate the quality of their work and the workmanship of others.

• Create- Students should be able to take their information and use digital tools in a creative manner to effectively present their work.

3.  Discussion on the 21st Century Literacies.

In order to be literate in a 21^st Century sense, students must be able to use digital tools and resources provided to find information.  Once the information is found, the student should be able to evaluate it effectively and use it in an ethical manner.

4.   Discussion on each of the essential learning functions.

•  Ubiquity- Learning all the time.  Portable devices are making it possible for students to learn new information wherever they are.

• Deep Learning- Digital devices help students organize more information and then they are able to go more in depth and understand what they are learning.

• Making Things Visible and Discussable- Rather than just analyzing raw data, information can be seen as pictures and videos, among many other possibilities.

• Expressing Ourselves, Sharing Ideas, Building Community- Students can let their ideas be heard and work expressed when sharing their information over social media and digital devices.

• Collaboration – Working together and sharing ideas in person, over the phone and on the internet.

• Research- Students need to learn to do effective digital research.  Discerning bad information and gathering what is needed.

• Project Management- Digital tools such as Moodle can help students keep on track with a project.  They need to keep track of what they have completed and what still needs to be done.

• Reflection and Iteration- By keeping a blog, students are able to track their own thoughts and accomplishments.  They can look back and see how far they’ve come, and what may need to be improved.

5.  Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project.

The 21^st Century skills will be important for classroom use with the students.  The real challenge will be keeping it appropriate to the grade level, while still challenging the students to learn and grow.