What have we learned from our Project Red experience that would inform our planning,decision-making and integration of technology? As a result of this experience, has anyone changed or adjusted their perspective?
Has anyone changed or adjusted their perspective? Absolutely DIane! Project Based Learning has always been foundational in my teaching experience. Both teachers and students are much more motivated when they can learn and perform in dynamic ways. Using technology in this type of learning environment will make projects limitless in their possibilities. Teachers will need to collaborate to expand their own thinking about how to set up projects that teach the standards and meet the 21st century, 2nd order change methods of learning. How exciting to think that teachers will come to school excited to teach and learn with their students as we expand the 1-1 initiative each year. Sunnyside will be a completely different learning environment in 5 years with the use of technology.
I agree with Tammy that project based learning not only motivates students but also teachers. Over the last few years, our school has implemented two reading programs that are very structured. First Voyager, then SFA. Our teachers were so used to following the scripts and moving on to keep the lessons going. However, since project based learning our principal, has continued to motivate and praise teachers in doing projects. Even though at times, these projects require more planning and good classroom management, they are very motivating. Students enjoy doing the projects while teachers enjoy facilitating the projects and at times use the time to provide small group instruction. I have heard so many good ideas in the discussions throughout the forums. With professional development, I'm sure teachers and students will be motivated to come to school.
I think we have all gotten a new perspective. I learned of new ways that we could use our lap tops and how it has helped other schools around the nation. I am excited to use the virtual field trips, how to begin using online assessments and other things that will make our students more successful and have immediate feedback and more one on one with us, the teachers.
I think that there are some key elements that we need to include as we begin to plan for implementation next year. Especially in the areas of technology integration for interventions, online assessments, virtual field trips and daily usage. I learned alot particularly about the key implementation factors. These will help us as we move forward with one-to-one and hopefully expand to other elementary grades.
I think that participating in Project RED has increased my awareness of the systems that need to be developed in order for technology implementation to be effective for teachers and students. I have learned about the possible uses of moodle, virtual field trips and this has given me new ways to look at developing my own skills in order to collaborate and support classroom teachers. I am looking forward to learning and applying more strategies as we move forward with 1:1 implementation.
I can say Ive learned quite alot and I have come to see that were up against a challenging, exciting and empowering stage in education. Im excited to see that Project Reds findings dxplain that our students will be pushed to work in student-centered and self-directed ways. This is something that Ive stood behind 100% of the way since Ive started teaching. I try to help my students see that I am not the only source of information and yet many times this is how I have felt at times in certain situations or with certain students. I have always suggest resources for students to use in a world of endless information online and paper resouces. I think that will be one of our greatests tasks, to turn many children who have operated in a dependant, passive manner to independent Proactice students.
You are right, one of the best benefits will be to see students take their learning into their own hands. And I feel much more confident knowing that our district knows all the training that needsto continue to happened to continue to navigate through this exiting journey that many of us are willing to take together.
I suppose that this set up that was used here for this class is the same set up that we will use in our classrooms, however, I would really like to see an actual lesson that I could use in my classroom. What I am not seeing is the teacher end of it. I am not getting any feedback. I don't know for sure if I've done everything that I need to do to earn my $200.
I have certainly adjusted my perspective. I realize now just how serious the district is in technology integration and giving our students (and teachers) 21st Century skills that will make them more competitive. I read a while ago that Japanese teachers spend very little face time with their students since students do most of their learning in an online environment.