Assignment #11

Back To The Future: Wow! I absolutely love this video. Of course I shed a tear at the end, because I'm a cry baby! Where do I begin?! Mr. Crosby is an example what a teacher should be. His hands on approach to PBL is awesome. He teaches us that PBL lets kids think outside of the box, and empowers kids to become learners. We don't have to teach kids the traditional way anymore, where they have to raise their hands all at the same time, but we just don't have enough time to listen to them all. Educators can let children learn on their own with the right guidance. They are collaborating with other students around the world, sharing experiences, and work. I think the biggest lesson I got out of all video was how technology has given the opportunity for this young lady with leukemia to learn with the rest of her class. No child should be left behind, and technology gave this beautiful girl the chance to learn with her peers. Touching, and Amazing!

Mr. Paul Andersen: This actually a very good site, and Mr. Andersen has great videos on you tube as well. I'm familiar with his work, I have to confess I used his videos many times to help me study for Biology. His video Blended Learning Cycle was a great example of PBL with the use of technology. His point of using a hook or a driving question is so important in capturing the students interest. The use of video in between lessons is also a really good idea to let them learn independently, and it allows the teacher to get some other things done at the same time. One of the biggest things I liked about his teaching style was that at the end of his "blended Learning Lesson" he would give test the old fashion way with pen and paper, But he makes sure that students aren't just giving him an answer, instead he makes sure they understand the answer.

Making Thinking Visible: Mr. Ritchhart made some really insightful comments about changing the culture of teaching. With the world changing constantly, and our country growing in its diversity it is so important to change the way we learn and teach. This seems like a good read.

Super Digital Citizen : What a fun video! Sam Pane created a wonderful project for his class. His project is for students to create their own digital super heroes. and give them a duty that the student thinks is important explore the internet safely. The look on the students faces were priceless. With creativity, and good planning you can create an amazing lesson for children that is fun, and touches so many important subjects.

Project Based Learning: Through project-based Learning student engagement increases. Students begin to collaborate more as a group which will benefit everyone. Sharing ideas, resources, and information will give students a better understanding of the subject. Educators can join with other educators and makes plans that will collectively teach student a combination of subjects, this will allow more one on one time with students, and more time to make work better. When students can really understand the concept of the subject at hand, and see how other students are pushing one another it will make for better quality work that students will be proud of.

Roosevelt Elementary's Project-Based Learning: Every video I watch on PBL gets me more excited to start planning my own projects. I've already thought of a few great projects that I would like to incorporate into my classroom one day. The in depth learning of PBL is so important in terms of real world problem solving skills. These projects are not only teaching children on an academic level, but teaching them real life lessons such as, social skills, team work, commitment, hard work, and collaboration. PBL gives children a sense of power, but everyone has their own job. A good project can integrate curriculum on all levels, which allows room to really dig dipper in terms of critical thinking.