Chapter 1: "Mapping the Journey- Seeing the Big Picture" Summary

Having only had one experience with Projected-Based Learning, I recall it being one of the most beneficial things I have done thorough out my schooling experience. In fact, of all the countless projects and assignments, it is the one that I most clearly remember and refer to constantly. This is most likely due to the fact that it uniquely did as the text states, "The teacher's role shifts. He or she is no longer the content expert" (11). This experience was the first time in my schooling that I felt like I was in control of my learning. This empowerment prompted me to excel, challenge and gladly take the responsibility of learning into my own hands.

In Chapter 1, Boss and Krauss validate this method of study by explaining, "The business world demands employees who know ho to work as a team, access and analyze information, and think creatively to solve problems" (12). Boss and Krauss recognize that this is not a new idea as traditional project-based learning is a more familiar, although not concrete, concept in many classrooms. However, the incorporation and necessity of technology integration into students exploration of an open-ended question and reporting on those findings is still emerging. The text also refers to how, "Some tools open new windows onto student thinking..." (12). Since we know that students learn in many different ways, using technology allows those students who communicate and can explore more effectively via technology, the equitable opportunity to excel in the learning.

Another great benefit noted in the text is that project-based learning allows students the opportunity to imitate real-world problem solving approaches and job positions. When the students participate in project-based learning with technology integration, they go about researching and reporting the way that professionals do, using much of the same online resources and databases, as well as reporting programs such as Word and Excel to create representations of their findings. This is extremely beneficial to students as it not only provides them with relevant practice, but can give them a great idea of where their interests may truly lie and what paths they may want to seriously pursue for the future. 

According to the text, what gives us hope as teachers and learners, is our willingness to and excitement to learn new things that can help ourselves and our students learn more effectively and in a way that is beneficial for the long term. We are constantly finding new ideas, strategies and mediums for learning and thus improving the support the performance of our students. Using this 21st century approach to learning will greatly benefit students for their future and will prepare them for the real world in a way that we have not been able to before.