Reflection #8

1.  Description of some ways to build connections and branch out beyond the classroom.

Building connections is a process.  The first steps should be small, such as keeping a data base of parents and their expertise.  Then checking out forums and conferences where experts would be available to communicate and interact with students.  After all that it would be possible to move on to reaching people worldwide through blogs and to communicate with them through video chats, wikis and podcasts.

2.  Description of the EAST Initiative Model.

EAST Initiative is amazing.  It is nationwide and covers learners from elementary school all the way up to post-secondary. It takes students who typically are uninvolved and teaches them in an interactive setting.  They learn to use new technology and how to apply it to projects.  They often work in groups and branch out into projects that involve their community.  It is exactly what project based learning should be.  The students are excited about learning and can be proud of their accomplishments.

3.  Discussion on some reasons to let students “lead” their projects.

By letting the students take the lead in their own individual projects, you are giving them wings.  Each student has their own passion, and their work will be at its best, when they are working on something they care about.  It gives the student the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, while really being able to show off their talents.  Teachers don’t always have to be there for the leadership, but they will still need to provide support.

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

Branching out will really affect our project.  Communicating with the classroom in France will be very important.  I am glad that other forms of communication were brought up.  Video chats are great, but with different time zones, they may be difficult to achieve on a regular basis.  To supplement that, wikis and podcasts will be very helpful, along with the blog.