Chapter 3

There is a lot that should be considered when finding “The Big Idea” for a project. When identifying the big ideas the core concepts and processes are important. For example, ask yourself this question: What should students know after studying with you? What should they take away from what you have taught? Since teachers have to teach from a curriculum there are already opinions on what is considered important. Therefore, students learn no more than what the textbook is offered. Although, projects are contextual because you can make the decisions. Therefore, with this approach the textbook is simply a resource. Therefore, when you realize the concepts you want your students to understand reflection is important that way application can be done.

It is important to realize that projects will help students develop 21^st-century skills. Thinking goes beyond subject mastery. It helps students to expand away from the traditional learning. Projects can include thinking skills like analyzing, evaluating, and creating.

As far as the 21^st century literacies, projects can prepare students for the real world. The 21^st century skills were determined by a team that examined research and conducted literature reviews, interviewed educators, etc. A model that highlights Digital-Age Literacy, Inventive Thinking, Effective Communication, and High Productivity was the result. According to UNESCO literacy if defined as: the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, and compute, using printed and written material associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals. To develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society. There are a wider range of skills that need to be learned in order to live in a digital world that is increasing. For example, creativity and innovation. Therefore, literacy requires students to be independent, aware, and productive citizens of society. I think that this is important to be aware of because these are the skills that the 21^st century requires.

There are several learning functions. They include:

·         Ubiquity-quality of tools that support project learning.

·         Deep learning-help students make sense of “raw” information on the Web.

·         Making things visible and discussable-showing rather than telling.

·         Expressing ourselves, sharing ideas, building community-students can use the Web to express their ideas and build a society around interests that are shared.

·         Collaboration-tools like wikis, office applications, etc. that help people learn together.

·         Research-search engines, tagging tools help students make sense and organize what they need to over the Web.

·         Project management-helps students manage time, work, sources, feedback, drafts, and products when doing projects.

·          Reflection and iteration-deep learning occurs when you examine ideas and the ideas of others.

I think concepts in this chapter relate to my teams project because all of these learning functions are included in my team building our project. It also helps my team develop the 21^st century skills of using technology. Using the project-based learning approach takes us away from the traditional approach of learning. I am definitely happy to be experiencing this different approach of learning.