Reading Reflection 8

Building connections and branching out of the classroom can be done by integrating technology, using tools that share information, virtual pen pals, a classroom blog, podcast, digital story, etc.  Students also need the experience of reaching out to professionals for expertise and for networking and collaboration.    This can be facilitated through the teacher or the students or a parent, etc.  You also can connect to recent newsworthy stories and research being done in the field.

When students meet with field experts, they need to be aware of concise questioning and preparation.   New conversations can be started through these new relationships. 

The EAST model which stands for Environmental and Spatial Technologies Inititative network of schools shows how schools can solve problems and make improvement in their communities through the use of technology.  This reminded me of a lecture when they were using GPS systems to track the horned toad out in the desert.  The kids really got into it, all due to a collaboration between a local university and the school and the ongoing research the kids got to be a part of.  Which included field work.  It seems to be a model that works,  It is student driven learning, authentic and project based, uses technology and uses collaboration.  It got me thinking about writing grants to fund a GPS in our classroom etc. 

I like the idea of letting students lead.  It takes some pressure off the teacher, allows for creativity with the kids and also helps develop leadership skills.   There are numerous benefits to an approach like this with the goal being creating independent learners who are good at asking questions and finding answers as well as solving problems. 

I think with our garden project, giving the locus of control to the students can empower them and make them take pride in their work and school and allow them to brainstorm ideas as well as adding a level of responsibility to their decision making.