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.
I agree with what you said about giving up control, it definitely changes things up from the norm. I also didn't think about how this ties into Common Core, but that is a really good point. It might take some extra planning to make sure standards are being met, which is one of the many things the teacher has to factor in when thinking of lessons and then guiding students through them. It also made me wonder about how students faired on standardized tests, since this way of learning strays from the norm. I think in some ways students would be more prepared to problem solve and think through situations, but on the other hand they may need extra test taking strategies since they may not be used to sitting for tests. It will definitely be interesting to learn more about it!
ReplyDeleteYou are thinking exactly as I am Emily! We have been drilled in all of our classes about Common Core Standards and often the fact is we don’t have time to teach them in the depth we need to and the students are tested on them. Not only that, but our job is also in jeopardy if our students are not successful on the standardized test. I totally agree with you the students will be more prepared to problem solve. What saddens me is we know students learn more from inquiry and when they have an interest in the subject but with CCS we don’t allow them that freedom. They are supposed to be here to help us all be on the same page and help children but they are doing completely opposite of their original intention. Instead of taking time to understand material in depth we jump through it and have them memorize a bunch of crap to pass a test. I think we can incorporate the tools we just have to learn more about it and put it extra time to help them succeed.
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ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you April! I think that a lot of teachers focus on testing more than anything. There is more focus on “memorization” than “application.” I know that students have to meet certain goals and criteria. Students also have to achieve a certain standard on the MEAP, SAT, ACT, etc. Therefore, it might be a challenge to use this approach for testing. I also agree with the fact that we have to prepare students for the 21st century. Therefore, technology is something people need to get comfortable with and be able to use, especially teachers. I do agree with the fact that students will have more control given the technology, so there will have to be more monitoring. Therefore, there will have to be more research done and more collaboration on how to use this approach correctly. I’m excited to learn more about the project-based learning in technology.
ReplyDeleteApril, I think a big piece that is hard for all teachers is the fact of giving up control because that is something teachers are known and need to have at all times, I am wondering if once we have learned more about project based learning if will be able to find the happy medium and still have the control we want and need in the classroom while still allowing our students control as well. I think it will be interesting to see how someone is and has implemented project based learning into an Early Childhood Classroom. I like what you said about what you need to keep in mind and that you are preparing your students for the 21st century and with that you do not want to be distinct like the dinosaurs. As far as being technology savvy, I think with today’s technology so many of our students know the products we are using in the classroom better than we do so they are able to teach us things we do not already know. I have learned from helping out in classrooms and from practicum experiences that reflecting after you implement something new or just a lesson it can be extremely helpful because you can clearly see what worked, what didn’t, and what can stay the same next time as well as what needs to be changed. Your last paragraph was very motivating and powerful. I feel that the fact that project based learning has been shown effective and motivates students while giving them more control of their learning. I think we are all working towards a common goal of learning the technology and how to implement it with an overall goal of project based learning in all of our classrooms and because we all have that goal we can achieve it if we set our minds to it.
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