Week+6+Reflections+(Dec.+7)

This weeks readings and videos were very helpful and interesting when considering other than traditional methods of classroom teaching and learning. I've been out of the classroom for over ten years now but as a computer/business teacher I regularly used project based learning and inquiry. Instead of just teaching technology skills I also tried to not only incorporate learning the skills in the context of the core curriculum but also included projects based on real world applications.

In the "How the Brain Learns" video I especially liked the Technology Fair. As part of our HS Raising the Bar grant in 2001, we held a cultural fair that showcased each student's technology projects created throughout the grant project. We didn't continue that after the grant ended and it's too bad that we didn't. It would have helped to continue the idea of showcasing student work.

In a technology based world educators must continue to include technology based learning. It involves risk taking by teachers to develop real world applications and teach students HOW to learn. Some of the problems that contributed to our ability to continue the increased use of technology in the classroom included turnover in staff and funds to keep up with the technology. We still have all of the computers that were acquired with the Raising the Bar grant in use today.

The "Project Based Learning" video was also very informative. I was jealous to see all the uses of technology through that method of learning. Students were at the center of learning and teachers had adbandoned the curriculum in the traditional sense. They still learned the concepts but not on a particular day but when they needed it. The technology allowed them to move from the traditional form of learning to project based learning. It also requires a strong, coordinated collaboration with local businesses and th community.