Project-based
learning in technology is a completely new concept to me. The computer is not just an add-on to the main unit but
the centerpiece of the curriculum. The issues that make me feel uneasy with
this approach are that I will be giving so much control to the students. I
wonder how I will keep them all on track while they do their own research. I
have not yet checked out the NETS website but am curious as to how they will
align with our Common Core State Standards. I also worry about the access of
information the children have at their fingertips and I can’t see all of the
screens at once. Considering I am an Early Childhood major, my students’ will
likely tell on each other. I will definitely have to establish rules and have
consequences for their actions.
As the
chapter states, “project based learning is a relatively new approach and
bringing digital-age technology into the picture makes it even less familiar”
(Boss and Kross, 2007). What I need to keep in mind is that I am supposed to preparing
my students’ for the 21st-century and if I don’t evolve with the
times, I will be distinct like the dinosaurs. The fact that I am not technology
savvy plays a huge role in my comfort level; this will change as my knowledge
grows. I will also have to keep in mind that when I begin this approach, I most
likely will not have the outstanding results like that of Julie Lindsay (2006).
This will be a time that I will be working the hardest with preparation and
planning. When I put it into the students’ hands, I will then be a facilitator and
guide for my students’. After each project, I can reflect upon it and tweak
changes, then file away for another time.
I can definitely
see how being the only teacher on board with project-based learning would be
difficult. As Paul Curtis said, “Unless the whole school is convinced this is
the way to go, you’re fighting this huge uphill battle” (15). This is
especially important in middle school and high school where the students’ have multiple
teachers a day. If you are the only teacher who uses this “unfamiliar” approach,
it could be difficult to have students work in teams and effectively manage
their own progress. On top of that, if teachers are not in accord with your
practices, parents certainly won’t be. As mentioned in the article, parents’
tend to associate technology with games and view it more as a distraction (19).
We have
already learned that project based learning has been shown to be very effective
in increasing student’s motivation and higher order thinking skills (12). Adding
it to our use of digital tools we break down the traditional boundaries we once
had and have unlimited possibilities. The students engage in real world
activities, develop good communication skills, learn to work collaboratively
with others, and develop good inquiry skills. The benefits of project-based
learning for our students’ are clear, now it is my job to learn the technology
and how to implement it.
