Reflection #3

1.) Discussion on what should be considered in finding "the Big Idea" for a project.
There are many things that should be considered when finding the big idea for a project. Teachers need to identify the concepts and processes that you want your students to understand. Also, reflect on these concepts as well. Always ask yourself questions as well.

2.) Discussion on the 21st century skills.
The 21st century skills include analyzing, evaluating and creating. These three skills are especially relevant to project-based learning. analyzing means to examine and investigate. Evaluating means to judge and to improve. Creating means to adapt and to invent.

3.) Discussion on the 21st century literacies.
"Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society." Literacy is learning to be independent, aware, and productive citizens.

4.)Discussion on each of the essential learning functions.

• Ubiquity: Learning Inside and Outside the Classroom, and All the Time: This learning function will help children be able to learn anywhere and anytime they want. Some examples would be digital personal assistants and mobile phones.
• Deep Learning: This learning function helps children go out and find information. A deeper learning involves organizing, analyzing, navigating and sorting. Examples of deeper learning include educational videos and real-time data sets.
• Making Things Visible and Discussable: This learning function makes things visible learning digital tools. Visual representation can really get the conversation going. Examples include Google maps and digital art.
• Expressing Ourselves, Sharing Ideas, Building Community: Oppurtunities for sharing have never been greater. Tools that allow the sharing of kids' interests include blogs and social software.
• Collaboration: projects involve collaboration and help us learn together. Examples include wikis and web based office applications.
• Research: when a student is asked to do some research they turn right to the web for their answers. There are many research engines out there, but only few are reliable.
• Project management: Planning and Organization: help people manage the things that are important for managing and organizing. Examples include iGoogle and My Yahoo!
• Reflection and Iteration: reconsidering and reshaping your ideas can be the difference between masterful work. Examples are blog hosting sites.

5.) Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project.
The concepts in this chapter can help with our project by putting some of the skills talked about to use.Also, the learning functions, can be useful as well.