Reflection # 6

Caryn Hay

3/2/12

EDT 3470

Reflection # 6

Chapter six begins with the technology tools that can encourage students to be reflective and evaluate their own strengths. The chapter suggested three tools such as, blogs, profilerPRO, and survey monkey. We are using blogs in our class projects, which allows students a place to reflect on what they are learning. Before launching a project, we as teachers need to get students minds ready for the upcoming project. This can be done in many ways, such as KWL charts, the use of technology to draw them in, and simply bringing up interesting parts of the project that can get students excited and thinking about the upcoming assignment.

The chapter takes us back to the elements of teaching fundamentals first. As teachers we need to set the stage for independent inquiry. This means we need to get students thinking and using their background knowledge to help prepare for an upcoming project. The most important thing to do before giving a project is to share the assessment rubric, which sets students up for success right from the beginning. The chapter also mentions the importance of promoting inquiry and deep thinking. We can follow these guidelines in our projects in class by letting our students choose their own plans of investigations and questions. Our job as teachers is to guide students along the way making sure they are meeting the learning outcomes, by asking questions that are open-ended, such as “how”, “what if”, and “why”. These questions allow students to think deeper and help us teachers to understand what they are learning along the way.

Lastly as teachers we need to know how to prepare students to use technology in the classroom. The first suggestion for preparing students is to set up a technology playground. This means as teachers we need to make the decision if a brief demonstration or a more technical lesson is needed before the project. Secondly is to tap student expertise, which means to allow other students to help when needed. Another important step is to introduce project management tools. Similar to what we are doing in class, project logs or journals can help students to keep track of their projects. The chapter points out that the teacher should demonstrate if needed and the teacher feel comfortable doing so, also to rely on your technology specialists for help or information. Lastly, as teachers think about if the technical skills are useful or if it will help beyond the project itself.